3.8
Quality1.9
Difficulty56%
Would Retake173
Reviews56%
Would Retake
173
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
77
4
46
3
25
2
14
1
11
What Students Say
“Hope you excel in sciences/love the ocean”
ERTH170 - 2.0 rating“He graded on a curve (I mean he had to since we did so bad) but the highest original grade was no more than a 63 percent D”
OCEAN101 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
54%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.52 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOL103
5.0
(1)GEO220
5.0
(1)METR102103
5.0
(1)INTROTOOCEAN
5.0
(2)BIOL160
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIOL160
4.0
OCEAM114
4.0
ERTH170
4.0
OCEAN101
3.5
ERTH210
3.2
Reviews (173)
Hilarious and quite entertaining! He compares the ocean to his love life.
No Comments
This teacher ROCKS! His classes were so much fun to go to. He definately makes learning fun. I loved this class!!!
His quizzes and exams are HARD, but he curves it so much that everybody wins. His overall goal is not to test but to teach, which he does it very well. He also manages to entertain and befriend at the same time. Overall, funny, likeable, and approachable! I never miss a class!
No offence to him, but I wasn't interested in his lecture and was bored all the time because science isn't my thing. And I thought I did horrible on the final, but I got an A-. He grades sooooooooo kindly!!
This teacher is awesome! There is something fun in nearly every class(video, experiment, skit) and he really tries to get to know each student. Tests are by the book and a bit difficult, but he is kind and grades on a huge curve. "Ocean Matt" is a great guy, teacher and makes an already interesting class quite interactive. Highly Recommended.
AWESOME teacher. Don't skip classes, takes attendance; has all sorts of fun stuff like fireworks in the classroom and neat ocean videos. His tests are tough for the average student; just study a little, and it will pay off. Curves based on the class average only if it increases. I failed every test and got no less than A's. He's going sailing so
he is a brilliant teacher very relaxed and laid back. he is passionate about what he teaches and it makes the class FUN!! take his lab too the best field trips really fun and interesting teacher i loved the class never missed 1. listen in class and study the book you will do great in his class. i took to fill out my science require and i found gold
take this class. awesome teacher, fun and interesting
"ocean matt" is soo awesome! he is serously one of the most awesome, down to earth people who is soo full of life! his midterms are hard but he always curves it drastically so just study and youll be fine with the curve. he'll def give you the benefit of doubt in the end so if youre borderline A/B, he'll give you the A! VERY cool guy!
I LOVE OCEAN MATT. TAKE THIS CLASS, HE WILL ADD EVERYONE! HE'S JUST A FUN SPIRITED MAN. HE DOES HAND STANDS, CUSSES AND WEARS CRAZY ALFITS. OVERALL MADE MY DAY BETTER EVERYTIME I WENT TO CLASS! TAKE HIS LAB ALSO!
He's amazing. Take his class. AND TAKE THE LAB WITH IT. Great guy, kinda cute in that bob saget way. A really fun guy, best science teacher i've ever had. take it, take it, take it. Oh and he'll literally cram the classroom to accomodate as many Ads as he can, drop into his class.
Seriously, the best professor ever. lectures are pretty fun and ocean matt gets really into them. take home final to boot makes this a great ge class. highly recommended.
MATT IS AWESOME........very funny, but also surprisingly smart too
Ocean Matt equals pure brilliance. If you ever have a chance to take one of his classes, do it. So much fun. Were talking fireworks, spongebob, and yoga headstands on the desk..basically, youd be insane not to take this class
Grades on a curve, i got like 17 out of 50 questions correct on the midterm and still got a B on it! Ha!
its impossible to fail this class... would recommend to anyone even if you completed your requirement take this class if you need to boost your gpa or get out of probation.. its seriously a free A
Matt's class is really easy and he's really passionate about what he teaches and it shows in his lectures. He has an energy that makes you want to show up to class, plus there is never a boring moment. Whether he's jumping up on desks or running around with sparklers while trying to teach the Big Bang theory, you'll never be bored... he's crazy!
This class is alot of fun. sometimes ocean matt goes of on tangants that are hard to follow, but overall very interesting. he has alot of passion and seems to love what he does-making it easier for you. yeah he grades on a curve, but its so that you can relax a little and really enjoy the experience...his lab is fun too except going to the beach in
Although class is by no means easy, he was fair grader. Go to class, do the online quizes, and do tests, and you shall pass.
Wow this man is crazy. I've never seen someone so passionate about life and his job. He's really cool, and the class is really easy as long as you do the work, which isn't too much.
AWESOME CLASS!! I really enjoyed it. Do online quizzes, go to class (the lecture material is on the midterms and quizzes) and you'll be fine. He's very passionate about Oceanography and it definitely shows..makes you interested in it too. Take the lab with him too if you can. Bottom line: OCEAN MATT IS AWESOME...TAKE HIS CLASS!!
We love OCEAN MATT!!! He grades on a big curve and gives prizes for people who got the highest score in the class. He has a lot of energy and loves his job. My favorite quote from him is "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life."
Fun loving quirky guy with a love for his subject. He makes what would normally be a textbook class fun. Cool videos, easy online stuff, funny jokes, music, etc. A fun and easy class plus you do learn something.
Pretty much the best professor ever. And not to mention one of the easiest classes ever. Ocean Matt rules!
such a tight teacher....either way if your looking to just complete some ge or to actually learn about oceanograhpy hes a great teacher....grades on such a high curve...i failed 2 midterms and got a b in the class....very cool....and class is just downright entertaining
BOMB~ take this class, i for sure recommend. weekly or biweekly online tests, but they aren't too difficult. attend lectures!
Great guy! Keeps the class very engaged! Understands the importants of great field trips to really illustrate the details of oceanography and marine biology. Great sense of humor, too!
Horrigan is not a great instructor. He grades incredibly easily and it doesn't take much to get A's on his midterms, but I never learned much from his lectures. He gets very defensive over simple comments and tends not to be very helpful. He has a great sense of humor and is a kind person, but his skills as a professor are far from flawless.
121He is the easiest grader. he curves midterms so your guaranteed over a c. take home final. useless going to class cant follow anything he says.but good class to take
Horrigan is everything you'd want in a teacher - intelligent, helpful, funny and very sweet. He walks the line between friend who is way too smart and likes to tell you crazy facts and entertaining teacher. Very good class, I wouldn't say it was easy. There are people who keep that curve going, you know? He's the type of guy you'd want to smoke out
He is a great guy and really interesting, he's not like all the other professors and a lil like a kid himself. But he can be boring at times. His class is easy to pass, and attemdence is mandatory. I do reccommend this class, he has field trips (optional) and he asks the classes opinion all the time.
Class is SUPER SUPER EASY! work in pairs on the online quizes and youll do fine. Exams are all extremely curved if you get an F on a test it will actually be an A or B. Recomended for an EASY EASY A
AWESOME teacher! He is so helpful and will help you through any situation. Offers extra credit all the time and is soooooo nice and caring! He is my FAVORITE teacher ever
Ocean matt is the easiest teacher you could possibly have, I went all of 4 times and still got a B
"I went to only 3 classes and I got an A!" that is totally not true unless everyone in the class has no integrity he's a cool guy great class the person under you is either a professional cheater or just exaggerating
Ocean Matt is a cool guy and all, but he tends to show off how smart he is every chance he gets. the online quizzes (R&P) are either very easy or hard. his tests, however, are trickier than Nixon. most people fail them and he ends up curving them so much that an D turns into an A. its an easy class, you just have to show up and do well on the R&P's
A great teacher. Makes it fun. TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!
AWESOME! If you want to learn then he will give you a plethora of information and have really intelligent and insightful conversation with you. If you don't want to learn he'll have fun with you and try to make sure that you survive the class. Keeps you interested by well being him. Totally recommend him and try to take him for lab too!
Good teacher. You have to do your work though
Prof: intelligent, witty, receptive, understanding, opinionated, passionate about his craft. Class: mandatory attendance, weekly online quizzes, textbook intensive, optional extra credit field trips, four exams. Exams extremely tricky, but the curve brings your D to an A. Make a friend, and the class will be three times easier.
Ocean Matt cracks me up! This guys always brings a smile to your face.Three tests,they are hard but he always curves. Mostly from a D to an A. Attendance is mandtory, you have to turn in 3*5 cards ecah class, that is attendance. Online quizzes from textbook...as long as you get 70% he will give you an A for it. I highly encourage you take his class
Very funny, interesting guy. Actually loves what he teaches, too! However, the exams are extremely hard, i FAILED every one of them, but I walked away this course with an A. Heh..what more can i say?
He loves what he does! You can tell it's his life! SUPER fun class! test are not so easy but their not hard, you can pass knowing some...curves though! he's very helpful if you ask questions too! Overall, he made oceanography lec/lab VERY ENJOYABLE!!!!
he's an awesome teacher, the class is usually pretty fun. i especially recommend that you take the lab class if your looking for a class to fulfill your lab requirement!!! it was so much fun, you go on field trips every other week. definitely worth your time to take this class, he's an easy grader "golden curve" even though his test and quizzes are
Class is pretty chill and he's funny! His study guides are hard though, and his test are absolutely ridiculous. The only reason why students pass is because he curves like crazy. If you make a couple of friends in class, you'll be good to go.
No Comments
This class is very easy to find short cuts and pass. For those that actually want to learn something this is also a great class, he knows a lot and wants to share with anyone that cares to learn it. Its hard not to learn anything from ocean matt
As much as I didn't really learn from this class, at least I wasn't falling asleep from the subject. Most of his assignments were short and easy but, again, I didn't really learn anything. He's an entertaining guy and willing to go out and have fun with the subject. Tests are all online.
He obviously loves what he does. Quizzes are due weekly and come from the textbook. They are kinda hard, but then again...his curve is pretty liberal (at the end of the semester if you got 50% and above, you got an A!) Lectures are pretty entertaining. The first day of class he came into class dressed as a gorilla. A little disorganized but not bad
Ocean Matt is definitely interesting, but it's the kind of class that you could easily pass without learning anything. But then again, if you're open, he knows tons that he'd love to teach you. He grades liberally and like half the grade is attendance. As long as you go and put a moderate amount of effort, you've got at least a B!
The projects during class were pretty fun for the most part. However, I found that the lectures were boring. If you're really into Geology, then it's the class for you. Make sure to do the online quizzes..those are important. Also, do your best on the projects outside of class and it'll be a done deal. He appreciates effort for sure.
Horrigan is quite the character. If you can switch your focus from his outrageous outfits & antics to the actual course material, you will be fine. Quizzes are due weekly but are online which can mean open note/book. Curves EVERYTHING. Hardly went to class, failed every test and received a B+. His class was very entertaining and fun.
Great Teacher!! Also inspiring at the same time. He really cares about what he's teaching, and he's super knowledgeable at the same time. He does a lot of group work and different types of assignments to keep you on your toes. He's very lenient too with his grading.
COOLEST TEACHER EVER! FUNNY OUTFIT N CLASS. COUNT TEST AS A IF U BEAT THE AVERAGE. LECTURE MIGHT BE A BIT UNORGANIZED BUT TEST ARE NOT THAT HARD TOO. I LIKE HIM. I LOOK FORWARD TO GO TO HIS CLASS EVERYDAY.
This guy is freakin hilarious. U essentially go to class n get entertained 4 90 minutes. His quizzes are easy n he grades on a curve. Once the semester's over ull be sad not to have him as a prof.
OCEAN MATT IS GREAT! he is absolutely insane and hilarious, classes can be VERY random and entertaining. Sometimes lectures get a bit boring and it can be hard to follow what he is talking about. Tests are hard, but he curves like crazy! you will get an A for sure. He is passionate about this subject and is the smartest man i have ever heard speak
I failed every test but passed because he curves. He takes the class average and makes that an A! Do all the online quizzes, show up (attendance is mandatory and you turn in a card every class), and you should be fine. I got an A only because he's generous.
This class is just useless. Its an easy class, but almost painful to sit through sometimes.
Easy and so fun! The only problems I had in this class were the online reading quizzes that could be very challenging. We got to have a "creature feature" presentation where I brought in my pet; it was like show and tell with a research paper. Haha. Most of the in-class assignments were creative art projects similar to those of first-grade!
Ocean Matt is my favorite teacher of all time. He motivates and inspires his students. Do all your quizzes and attend every class!
BEST CLASS EVER. Only Ocean Matt does indoor fireworks to demonstrate the Big Bang, throws beach balls around the lecture hall, and wears a curious george backpack. He actually wants you to learn too, which is a trait that (ironically) too many teachers don't have.
This guy is awesome. I loved his class, just try hard and he'll give you a good grade.
I actually liked doing projects for this class becasue theyre fun and theres a field trip in the end of the semester too! Quizzes were difficult though. He also grades on a curve too so if you have anywhere from a D to an A, you get an A! But without the curve, i wouldve given his easiness a 3 since its pretty decent. But overalltake this class!
Ocean Matt is the kind of Hippy San Francisco teacher that you only see in movies, but wish you had. He has so much enthusiasm; even if you aren't a science person, you can't help but get involved. Also, his pyrotechnics are legendary. Class is free-spirited, but not mandatory: everyone shows up anyway. Definitely my favorite teacher on campus! :)
took him for ocean lab and lecture. one word to describe ocean matt: RAD!!!!
so boring gets off topic and just talks about things that are just totally irrelevant to anything in life, but really easy like i failed every test but got an A so just go to class and do the quiz's and you should be straight.
Ocean Matt is one of the coolest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He remembered my name by week 3, so he was serious about getting to know me. I think he pretty much knows everyone on a first name basis, and that's what he perfers to be reffered to by. I really enjoy his class because he embraces any kind of outburst from students
Ocean Matt is one of the best teachers I have received this year (and in general!). He is very passionate about teaching and his class is definitely worth your time. It's a good class for people who do not enjoy sciences but need to take them in order to fulfill their GE requirements.
Ocean Matt is one of the great person I ever met. always get off topic, talks nothing in textbook except before exams. gives study guides. online quiz via iLearn. presentation as a final.
Ocean Matt is a great person loving OCN sooo much!! His lecture is sometimes boring...but if you wanna take easy A class, you should take his class:)
this class is a joke. super easy, but attendance is worth 35% of your grade, and he makes it IMPOSSIBLE to go to. classes seriously make you want to die, but you have to go just to turn in the notecard. All quizzes are online. No midterm or final, just papers & presentations. if you just want the grade, it's good, but i learned NOTHING.
Seriously, THE BEST TEACHER I'VE EVER HAD IN SFSU SO FAR! Super easy grading! I failed every single midterm and my online quizzes were mostly Cs, but I still ended up with an A as the semester grade! If you don't care about you really learn anything or not but only good grades, this definitely is the class to take!
Super easy class.. I should have gotten a C+ based off of his tests and quizzes but ended up with an A in the class. Didn't really learn anything, but he is entertaining at times.
Quirky guy who knows what he's talking about. You'll learn a thing or two- but not necessarily about the class subject. He is a good professor but he should have been an actor.
It may impossible to fail, or even do poorly in Ocean Matt's class as long as he curves exams the way he does. He wants everyone to do well and I feel bad when he has to go on a long-winded, rant to get kids to pay attention. He's passionate, he wants us to be too. He's a good teacher.
EASY CLASS. Ocean Matt was awesome. He is really funny. He always entertained us. He curves a lot. SUPER CURVE!. I should've got a C but with those curves I got an A. He is super easy. He does keep track of attendance. There are online quizzes, 3 midterms and a final presentation, a min per person. TAKE THIS CLASS! It is impossible to fail!
He is CRAZY!!! But in a good way. :D... Sometimes he rants about things that are totally irrelevant, but he is really funny. The grading curve really helps. Online homework kinda sucks, but it's not too bad. Tests are kinda hard, but again, the curve really helps. Take his class! You'll have fun!
This guy is hilarious! He knew my name before we even started our first class. Even though his lectures are dull, he's a fair grader on the few projects you have. The only hw is online quizzes, and even though I failed a few of them, he bumped up my scores at the end of the semester. He gives you the grade you deserve and really gets to know you!
Dope ass teacher! The curve in the class really helped me. I should've easily gotten a D or F but I ended up getting an A- for the semester.
I am ashamed at ANYONE that fails this class. I dont care if youre a freshman or what, even a high school or even a middle schooler can pass this class.If you have anywhere from a D to an A, you get an A! Just come to class, do all the projects (you dont hafta put to much effort into it their easy) and do those quizzes and youll getan A for sure!
OCEAN MATT IS AMAZING! Just go to class, make sure to turn in your notecards, and make sure to do the quizzes every Saturday. Super easy, I was expecting a C, but I got an A. He's crazy and entertaining. Class was always a new experience. Loved him.
fantastic teacher need to do the work but will be rewarded with an A. Very student oriented. A wonderful individual that really cares. Funny, funny man.
People say that he is crazy, but I believe that he is conservative in many great ways. He is sincerely, honest,fun, and concerned about his students and materials that he teaches. I really love his class!
'Ocean Matt' is known for his whacky personality and easy class. I personally did not like the class only because I didn't learn anything. I'm no braniac, but it sucks that you'd show up to class to sit and watch him draw on the board and or mention sex as many times possible. He curves his midterms so you do well on them regardless. Just show up.
Maybe it was just the last semester that he went downhill. Ocean Matt does not teach so it makes quizzes impossible to pass. This was my first C ever in college. He feels it necessary to be obnoixious and inappropriate. He is unclear about EVERYTHING. Yeah, the projects are easy, but have fun with the tests and quizzes when he doesn't teach.
Ocean Matt has to be the best teacher i've ever had!
he is very theatrical and humorous. classes are boring because the material in class does not really pertain to the exams and he goes off topic a lot. although he is pretty cool. if you do the online quizzes every week you'll do fine. i never aced an exam but got an A in the class. the final is a one minute presentation on anything ocean related.
I would say that his History of Life class is MUCH easier than his Oceanography class. Why? Because he gives almost impossibly insane inclass quizzes compared to the History of Life class where all you would do is 5th grade projects and have quizzes online. Regardless, he curves EVERYTHING. But if u want an easier class, take history of life.
Ocean Matt is a really cool teacher. I had him for History of Life. There are online quizzes which are pretty hard, but I don't think he really cares much about those. There are 3 projects and a paper which had nothing to do with Geology. You probably wont learn much about fossils, but you will learn so much about life in general. Take this class!
He's chill and easy, but he also doesn't teach, so if you're in a class where he gives you quizzes, you'll probably do poorly. Chances are, he'll give you an A, but it's frustrating and certainly not worthwhile.
ocean matt is by far the coolest teacher i've had in all my school years. If you are interested in really learning i would'nt suggest his classes, but his class is fun and exciting everyday. Do the online quizzes weekly & attend class. Final is a one minute presentation thats fun to do
One of the coolest teachers at state. HIGHLY recommended! Hes very generous with grades and just wants everybody to enjoy the class and not stress too much. Shoot for an A...but if you get Cs, youll still get an A in the class. The quizzes are kind of a pain, but theyre not too bad. AWESOME PROF
Ocean Matt is one of the easiest teachers at State. A lot of students had difficulty with his class but still managed to get As. He's very out there and grades on weekly quizzes, two midterms, and a final. I recommend him if you just want to get a GE out of the way and boost your GPA.
I recommend you take him during the summer...so many cool field trips...He has a good personality which makes you not mind that you are in school during the summer. Ocean Matt is cool! His final is a scrapbook which is AWESOME cuz I enjoy creative projects especially in a SCIENCE CLASS!
Epic teacher. By far the best class I have yet to have taken at State. Not a dull moment in class. Definitely participate alot, and he WILL notice you.
Such a fun professor he is incredibly intelligent he just has a quirky way of showing it. He really loves what he teaches all you have to go is go to class have fun and do the quizzes with the book and you will be just fine!
easy class. his lectures could get boring sometimes but he is a very interesting person
This guy is hilarious. But be prepared, he's a little eccentric.
Pretty easy teacher. Curves like crazy so if you get a C it'll curve to an A. Your grade is based on attendance, extra credit field trips, 18 online open-book quizzes, 3 m/c exams (1 is online and open-book). The final is a 1-minute presentation on just about anything relating to the ocean. Buy the 5th edition textbook to save money.
Crazy cool and different. This class was exciting and fun especially if you like the ocean.
TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ocean matt is hilarious and wants all of his students to get good grades.
Awesome professor!!! Really cares about his students! Curves the test! I loveee this class! He always had fun field trips! You can get any edition of the book he requires I had first bought the 7th edition (150$) returned it and bought the 5th edition for 15$!!! ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!! TAKE THIS CLASS!
Do take this class for your lab requirement. You go on field trips and just do a little write up while your on the field trip. Attendance is mandatory, but you won't want to miss class. Ocean Matt is fun and knowledgeable. It's great to see everything he talks about put into action. There is no book to buy and does curve a bit. I got an A-
this professor is dope! his hilarious and has great stories. it's just too bad he does more math in class and other stuff unrelated to our reading which is our quizzes online. but he curves the tests so well ur bound to get an A. love this guy and brings in the energy
I can't follow his logic a lot of the time, perhaps this is because most of my teachers have been quite conventional. He's definitely unconventional (probably an understatement) when it comes to his lectures, which can be fun. But then again, I didn't learn much from him... Just from the textbook.
Unconventional, hilarious, intelligent. The guy is a genius - his thought processes clearly work at a far greater level than any of his students or peers. He can pick up a dead bird on the beach and rant about it forever.Not the hardest class but if you pay attention past the jokes and unconventional methods -you will learn a LOT. Thanks OCean Matt
Ocean Matt is a cool guy, with a lot of great stories and rants about the most random stuff. But when you get down to it, he really is a good teacher as well. He knows his stuff. The class is easy, he puts the fattest curves on the tests, making it hard to NOT get an A. Take it for your segment II.
Ocean Matt is awesome! Take this class! Take all of his classes! Yes, it's a lot to do sometimes, but it's worth it.
Most unprofessional teacher I have ever come across. You will not learn anything in his class even though it's not hard to get a good grade. He comes to class dressed bizarrely, uses the F word and other profanities like the most common words in his vocab, and spends the whole class time talking about nothing that will prepare you for the tests.
Matt is the most energetic and caring professors at SF State. The class is easy, no doubt, but what 100 class isn't? I took it over summer, so there was a lot of busy work, but he made the best of it. We had class on MW, but were only in class on Mondays, which allowed us to take field trips on Wednesdays. He's unconventional, but a solid teacher.
Pretty cool guy. No tests, only projects. Very Easy. Didn't necessarily learn anything, but it was an easy A for a GE class.
AWESOME! This class is about rocks & fossils. Boring topic but his class is easy to pass. Weekly online quizzes, answers are in the book.
Ocean Matt is an..erm...character. I didn't learn anything and he doesn't talk about anything on the tests but he curves it so much that everyone's F's become A's. And I'm pretty sure he was fully on drugs the whole time but that made class interesting...very unpredictable and he dresses funny.
If you take the 3 hour class, make sure you attend every single class. Attendance is taken by submitting notecards to him at the end. Frequent in class quizzes which were a little hard, after watching a video. 12 online quizzes and several major projects. Lectures can be tedious but he's a fun guy. Definitely a character.
so easy!!! three midterms, which are curved making an F turn to an A, quizzes on sunday, and a final, which was a one minute presentation on anything. TAKE It!
A very fun class with all his jokes and humor, but if you are taking the three hour class don't leave during the breaks cause he hates it when people walks out of his class. Attendance taken by a 3X5 card turned at the end of the class. 3 big projects, 1 final, 12 online quizzes(1 attempt), and random in-class assignment and film-quizzes.Big Curves
Very easy class. He curves the exams so its difficult to not fail! You have weekly online quizzes, but they aren't too difficult. Going to class is mandatory and his lectures can sometimes be boring, but he tries his best to make it fun. Overall a great professor, totally recommend him!
Really weird and amazing teacher!! he makes his class really fun and interesting... yes he might dress funny but he is really cool!
I'm sorry, but I really hated this class, and Ocean Matt is just annoying. I know a lot of people think differently, but I dreaded coming to this class. I never once did enjoy it. If I knew how obnoxious Ocean Matt is, I would have never taken this class. His lectures are not clear, and I honestly did not learn a single thing the entire semester.
ocean matt's passion for geology is so obvious. he throws around "big" words at times, but he always breaks them down to be understood easily. go to class and buy the book for online quizzes, and you'll be good!
Final is a partner presentation on animal you chose. Online quizzes on chapters listed on syllabus but not timed, suggest have book open while doing quiz. No midterms, no tests, etc. Allows class to vote on due dates for projects/papers. Pretty easy class with a really chill professor. Attendance is taken by turning in 3x5 notecard at end of class.
So enthusiastic about teaching and you can really tell that he loves what he does which makes class bearable. I wish he would lecture on some of the things on the quizzes but yeah he's a pretty easy grader (no midterm or finals!) just some projects that are pretty simple
Ocean Matt is surely a character. He is so quirky and all over the place but he does care about his students and is very understanding. He makes getting an A very easy for everyone and anyone. Attendance is mandatory if you want to secure an A. He loves participation so dont be shy! Even though i did not learn anything i loved his class!!
easy as pie took ocn 100,101. Anyways he's all about being out doors. So bring good shoes. If you have a car volunteer it cuz you'll either get credit or can skip the final which the final is putting a scrapbook together. You do need to go, but he looks at attendance. He is fun
He's a character. There's 36-question quizzes due every Sunday along with an essay with etymology of 10 vocab from his dictionary. The tests were hard for me and the class is boring. We spend time reading essays out loud then he lectures. He doesn't take attendance til the end so you basically have to stay the whole 3hrs & doesn't excuse absences.
I honestly thought this class was going to be a boring class the whole semester, but once he came in throwing balls at everyone, I just started enjoying the class so much more. He is so funny I love you ocean man!
You seriously go on a field trip every week and a scrapbook is your final. Easiest lab class ever. Only have to write one lab report.
Honestly the class is so-so, boring 3 hour lectures but really easy to pass his class. He curves all midterms, final is super easy and as long as you do the essay and quizzes its all good. He is fun and says things straight out, the lab is very exhausting at times, but good work out and the views are wellworth it!
Ocean Matt is a really cool guy, his 3 hour lecture is super boring but he does wacky things that make you laugh and keep you awake. He has no filter so be prepared. Essays are super easy, basically just gotta do them. Do the essays, online quizzes and show up to class and your looking at an A. Tests are graded on a massive curve which is awesome.
Ocean Matt is a crazy character. He loves what he does and is very passionate about teaching. He can spend the entire 3 hours of a lecture talking about one thing. If you show up to class and go on the extra credit field trip you get an A.
This was probably my most difficult review to write. Do I like Ocean Matt as a person? Absolutely. Would I take his class again? Probably not. Nothing presented in the class was very clear, and I didn't actually walk away with much additional knowledge. He is a great character, passionate individual and has hilarious stories. Go for different class
I never had any interest in Oceanography, and still don't. I'm not scientific in any way, but somehow Ocean Matt saw talent that no other teachers did. I should not have gotten such a good grade, but he saw my potential and my effort. He remembers every name, even in a class of 200.
Ocean Matt is one of the best professors. He lectures on material that is on the tests, and then reviews what the quizzes were about. Textbook is very user friendly. He has a huge grading curve, making the class nearly impossible to fail. If you need help or are worried about your grade, ask him. He is very helpful. I recommend 100%
where do i start? haha. he makes sure you know it's ok to not know basic concepts (e.g unit conversion, arithmetic, cardinal directions). he is patient with those who deserve it. always willing to take extra time to explain material on a very individual basis. he is also a complete trip. he's got stories, beach balls and a full love for the sea.
He was cool. Need a science class? TAKE HIM. You won't regret it. Pretty entertaining and very knowledgeable.
It's very easy to get an A but you will NOT learn anything in class. If you are actually trying to learn something don't take him but if you just want an easy passing grade take him.
Go to class b/c he takes attendance for participation points. Essay due every week but don't trip bcus it only has to be 3 paragraphs long and its graded by the TA's so its an easy A. Must buy the textbooks cis you'll need it for the essays&online quizzes. Mini projects are assigned too. Super easy A if you do all the work and projects!
Ocean Matt is pretty awesome. Funny guy and super easy grader. Attendance is mandatory for labs, but they're basically just field trips to the beach. Very personable, definitely recommend taking this class.
His lectures are hilarious. Go to his office hours you are GUARANTEED a better grade on his tests. Also, sign up for the $40 extra credit field trip he offers at the beginning of the class. The extra credit is always helpful. Have a pack of index cards before the semester starts and you're already ahead of the game.
There was 9 mini essays, 18 quizzes online, 3 exams, and a final which is one minute presentation. Pretty easy class even if you failed on your exams, you'll pass. & most importantly go the field trip because that will help a lot. Field trip was extremely fun and lovely view in S.F! I recommend his class.
Matthew Horrigan, man... where do I start? As a person, he's a very down to earth guy and hilarious in many ways. As a professor, I don't think he teaches very well -I mean, his lectures are bearable but most of the time he goes off topic. Everyone bombs his midterms, most of the questions aren't from his lectures. Would I take his class again? No.
He has 3 tests, but curves it DRAMATICALLY. If you do the extra credit, an automatic A. There is weekly assignments, and a topical short 3 paragraph essay. And the final is a 1 minute speech about anything ocean related. He's coo doe.
Honestly he is an awesome guy, like if he was my uncle life would be cool. But he just rambles about off topic things all class period or talks about the same minuscule topic the whole class period. He's interesting and definitely entertaining, but it gets old. There's not much structure to his lectures. Quizzes and short essays due every week.
If anyone else taught this class, I would've hated it. The course itself can be dry & difficult, however, Ocean Matt's personality makes up for it. Most genuine, open and AMAZING professor I've ever had. An average mind won't be able to follow his tangents about the deeper intricacies in life. Requires decent effort to pass; overall great experienc
Hope you excel in sciences/love the ocean. Attendance is required. He tends to be long-winded, and you sometimes lose track of what he's talking about. There are short essays and online quizzes due every week. His tests are hard, even if you study/show up every class. He sometimes will curve it immensely though. I wouldn't take this class again.
Just don't.
Ocean Matt reminds me of Bill Nye. He showed up on the first day in a gorilla suit. He's animated, wears the craziest clothing combos I've ever seen, and is obviously extremely passionate and knowledgeable about his field. He is reasonable, gives grades with effort in mind, and will cut you some slack if you demonstrate your willingness to learn.
Makes lectures enjoyable to listen to, but gets of track and unfocused a lot of the time. Curves tests if he notices majority of students did not do a great job.
Ocean Matt is a really laid back and funny guy, don't get me wrong. However, he's not a super great professor. If you actually want to learn about oceanography, this isn't the class for you. He rambles A LOT and his lectures are very random, often hardly pertaining to class topics. Get ready to write a lot of essays and take tough tests too.
You can tell Ocean Matt has had a roller coaster of a life and he tends to share with the class, meaning he often gets off topic. I was worried that he would throw out tests and quizzes because he barely talked about topics, but he got rid of the final all together and we didn't have any quizzes. Very entertaining, would take from him again.
Ocean Matt (his preferred name) was very confident in his ability to express himself however he wanted. Unfortunately, this also involved him saying inappropriate things that he deemed ok for his students to hear because they are an "adult audience" but he is not a stand up comedian and he should have stuck to a more mild approach with his humor.
Ocean Matt definitely knows his stuff when it comes to Geology. If you are a person that likes to know how you are doing in a class, do not take this class, I had no idea what I got on most tests and quizzes and many are not posted on ilearn. If you a hard worker and show up to class, he notices that and you will be graded on the effort you put in.
Funny guy but everyone bombed his tests and that says something about the professor. He graded on a curve (I mean he had to since we did so bad) but the highest original grade was no more than a 63 percent D.
Took his class over the summer and all we did was go on field trips. It was an easy A if you show up and do the work. He does ramble a lot and goes off topic but he's definitely very knowledge. He likes it when you take interest in his lectures and he'll help you pass the class.
Ocean Matt is hilarious, but I didn't feel going to his class was necessary. There's weekly papers in the beginning about random topics, weekly quizzes on chapters in the book & his lectures are often random (not about the Ch. that you read), you check in everyday w/ a 3x5 card for participation. There's 3 projects that are a little time consuming
Ocean Matt was an interesting guy. I honestly don't think I learned anything. Get ready to do a lot of projects throughout the semester. If you don't show up, passing will be hard. He takes attendance every. single. class. Overall, the class is super easy and if you show up and do the notecards, you should be fine.
OceanMatt is a passionate and funny professor. He does his best to prepare us by pushing us with challenges and having us see the material that connects to our real lives. I recommend to not miss any class because EVERY class is important and you will MISS vital information. For this class, apply yourself and show interest for a good grade.
If you are ACTUALLY interested in learning about physical geology then take this class; otherwise you might find yourself bored. He made us buy two books, but most of us did not end up using them at all. You do take a lot of notes and there is one quiz/exam every week. First half of the semester is about minerals and second half is about maps.
Hes a good guy, but teaching isnt his thing. None of his lectures made sense and on all 3 midterms I got less than a 20%. But, I showed up, got As on all the online quizzes, and I went on a $40 field trip (which was actually hella fun) and ended up with an A in the class. My only tip: if you are taking ERTH170, dont waste your money on the book
Ocean Matt is truly one of a kind professor, nothing short of hilarious, and always shows up to class with a smile (and some one of a kind attire). However, his lectures are not one of his strengths as he tends to get sidetracked a bit. Show up to class with some 3x5 index cards, and you're good to go. Make an effort and you'll surely pass.
if youre not majoring in geology, youll be bored in his class. in hindsight, his personality (n one of a kind attire) makes up for it. he gives quizzes often but theyre not too bad. if you do skip, be sure you know people in class to fill you in or get you papers that you need. n dont buy the books, theres 2 but we never needed them LOL.
Ocean Matt is amazing and makes class very fun. His projects are worth a lot of points but if you try you'll Get a good grade. He takes attendance when you turn in a notecard at the end of class but participation isn't necessary.
Love this guy! You just have to make sure to get your attendance and do the online quizzes and youll get a good grade
Interesting lectures but there is structure to how he teaches. Answers are in the text SOMETIMES. He also makes you buy his own book.
Great teacher who knows what he's talking about. Has two mandatory fieldtrips, and takes attendance.
My favorite prof this semester, Matt is hilarious and I truly enjoyed his class even though I dont like geology. He will notice if you miss his class. If you make friends in this class it will be your favorite class if you don't youll hate it. lot of group work and its a 3hr class. He has the funniest stories and if you show interest he will like u
I've taken Oceanmatt twice. I absolutely love his lecture since he is a super fun professor. We never had a lot of homework it was very reasonable. I would definitely recommend him.
Matthew is definitely a character. Very outspoken and eclectic but if you just show up and put in the effort you will pass. He tries to engage students and will help you if you ask. Loves when people participate in class, lots of quizzes but it helps keep you on track. Little background in physics/chemistry helpful but not mandatory.
I feel like this class along with the lab is very self-teach heavy. As someone who doesn't learn this way I really struggled. Ocean Matt evidently cares about his students, but I found him to sometimes be unclear about directions and submissions. I feel like this class improved for me after the move to remote learning. 2 mandatory field trips.
This class was absolutely amazing ! OceanMatt provides so much enthusiasm which kept the class going and entertaining ! The field trips were always exciting and very connected to our lectures !(I still visit the locations to this day!) he is very accommodating as well and helpful to all those who participate in his class ! 100% recommend this prof!
Weekly field trips to fulfill the GE lab requirement. Show up, learn about cool things about waves and marine life, and get your A. Field trips were gone mid-semester because of the pandemic (and replaced with his hard midterm and other ocean activities), but either way is a fun and easy way to fulfill the B3 requirement.
Professor Horrigan was an amazing teacher for this class! He has alot of energy which helps keep the class interesting! Overall he's an amazing teacher and perfect to complete the requirements for college compared to other classes!
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
54%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.52 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOL103
5.0
(1)GEO220
5.0
(1)METR102103
5.0
(1)INTROTOOCEAN
5.0
(2)BIOL160
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIOL160
4.0
OCEAM114
4.0
ERTH170
4.0
OCEAN101
3.5
ERTH210
3.2