2.9

Paul Miller

Physics - West Virginia University

2.9
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
52%
Would Retake
125
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

52%

Would Retake

125

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

24

4

21

3

32

2

22

1

26

What Students Say

I had to teach myself the entire class

PHYS111 - 1.0 rating

Unless you want to teach the entire course to yourself, I'd recommend choosing a different professor

PHYS111 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

72%

Textbook Required

21%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 69 grades
Most common grades:
A (24)
B (12)
A+ (11)
Grade Distribution
A(35)B(16)C(7)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 80 reported grades
A: 24
B: 12
A+: 11
B+: 7
Common Tags
Lots of homework (29)
Hilarious (27)
Participation matters (18)
Get ready to read (14)
Caring (13)
EXTRA CREDIT (12)
Test heavy (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.13 avg change
Jan
Apr
May
Aug
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

112

5.0

(1)

ASTR106

5.0

(2)

ENGL101

5.0

(1)

PHYS105

4.8

(8)

MATH156

4.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHY112

5.0

PHYS101

5.0

112

4.0

PHYSICS112

4.0

PHYS112

4.0

Reviews (125)
2.0
2.0
PHYS111
Oct 18, 2009

Absolutely useless. Worst teacher I have had at this school yet. Always messes up on his practice problems and makes everything more difficult that it has to be. AVOID if you want to learn. If you had previous physics classes and already have a good grip on the subject, take him because he curves like no one else and grades really easy.

2.0
3.0
PHYS111
Nov 4, 2009

First off Dr. Miller's powerpoint lectures are useless. He does few examples on board and messes up frequently. Exams are hard but a curve helps

2.0
3.0
PHYS111
Nov 10, 2009

His class had clickers on random days so every day attendance was necessary in order to get a good grade for clickers. Tests weren't too bad (plus scale most of the time), lectures were boring and notes were useless. Basically had to read the book to do well. I don't recommend him unless you already know physics.

4.0
2.0
PHYS111
Nov 22, 2009

I liked him a lot. It was my favorite class this semester even though it was at 8am. He has a lot of corny jokes which helped me stay awake and the clickers help learn the concepts

5.0
4.0
PHYS111
Dec 2, 2009

I really enjoyed his class. Many people don't but that is because physics is a hard subject that requires a lot of work, not because of his teaching. Dr Miller taught everything with clarity. Sometimes his jokes are lame but other times he is funny.

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Dec 15, 2009

Paul miller seriously is a bad teacher. His tests are nothing like his practice tests and are very challenging unless you knew physics from High School. He is arrogant when asked questions and thinks he is funny , but not funny at all. Very immature as a college level prof. He constantly makes mistakes!

2.0
4.0
PHYS111
Dec 15, 2009

Worst teacher I have ever had at WV. Constantly makes mistakes, can't teach the material whether he knows it or not. Thinks he is funny but really is just annoying. Gives an attitude when you ask questions in class. He won't look at you when you talk to him. Just a poor teacher all around. He does curve good but that's about it!

3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Dec 23, 2009

Do not take Miller - period. He does not explain key principles at all, examples are very poor, but his tests do get curved like crazy...

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Dec 29, 2009

He has fun, but he's not the best teacher I've had. He makes mistakes often and just doesn't get the point across very well. I stopped going to class around halloween, got a 18% homework avg and still got a B. Prior physics knowledge is essential. Exams are common (multiple course sections), so they're tough. Also drops lowest exam, which helps.

4.0
2.0
MATH156
Jan 5, 2010

He wasnt a bad teacher. he has ups and downs which may turn some students against him. I would recommend him to other students. If you do the work you will get the grade you deserve.

4.0
4.0
PHYS111
Jan 8, 2010

I disagree with 90% of these reviews. Paul Miller is a wonderful teacher who made physics easy to understand, well as easy as physics can be. I am a physics major myself, but didn't have much knowledge on the mathematical workings of basic physics and he did a very very good job explaining all of this. Go to class and you'll be fine.

3.0
5.0
PHYS111
Jan 11, 2010

Hmmm were to start. If you expect to do well in this course then you better have prior physics knowledge. Seems to be a pretty smart guy that can't teach! Don't take him unless you already know physics!

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Feb 18, 2010

SO far Paul Miller seems to be poor at teaching as with the trend of these other comments. Tests for the most part don't reflect examples in class. Not mature for a college level professor

2.0
4.0
PHY111
Mar 11, 2010

DO NOT TAKE HIM! He now does not allow ANY equ. sheets on tests. other phy 111 teachers let students bring in two pages front and back of w/e they want to write on it! He makes mistakes EVERYDAY! has to rework them out side of class and do it the next day in class!! DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!

3.0
5.0
PHYS111
Apr 8, 2010

SERIOUSLY.. I am good at physics and Miller makes it hard.DO NOT take him trust me. He honestly is a jerk, and cannot teach. Take someone else that is not trying to trick you on tests AND he does not curve anymore like he used to.

5.0
2.0
ASTR106
Apr 13, 2010

Great teacher, lots of quirky astronomy jokes and he just makes the class fun in general. Doesn't scale tests but offers lots of extra credit. 85 is an a in the class..cant beat that

3.0
5.0
PHYS111
Apr 14, 2010

if you have extra time and money try taking Mr Miller. Most likely you will have to take it twice.

4.0
2.0
PHYS111
Apr 24, 2010

I was a little scared taking his class considering all the bad comments i read abt him on this website. But believe me, he isnt bad at all(REALLY).. in fact he is by far one of the best teachers for 111. If you want to truly learn physics, take him, and as long as you put in a lot of effort into this class, ur sure of an A (plus again A's are 85+)

5.0
2.0
ASTR106
Apr 29, 2010

I honestly couldn't say why people don't like him. He gives memorable(if sometimes corny)examples and is very enthusiastic. He has something due every week, but most of the tests come word for word from these assignments. He isn't the easiest, but he's a good teacher, offers lots of chances for extra credit, and really seems to enjoy teaching.

4.0
5.0
PHY112
Apr 30, 2010

Not fair across the board, does not allow the same tools during exams as everyone else. Very into the material, but too far removed to understand how unfair her is

3.0
5.0
PHYS111
May 13, 2010

The class is structured terrible the tests do not reflect homework based tests. The tests are much harder then the material reviewed in class. I would not reccomend this teacher. An A is an 85 though. I worked very hard in this class and barely got a C... I wouldn't WOULD NOT recommend this teacher

1.0
5.0
PHY111
Oct 13, 2010

Worst teacher ever. he made mistakes every class. he has to rework problems outside of class cause he didnt know how to them once he makes a mistake.he has quizes every week. he has no respect for students and does not help at all.

2.0
5.0
PHYS111
Oct 24, 2010

If you are really good with physics, then this class should be fine for you. Otherwise, if you are actually trying to LEARN something, try to find another professor. Miller's is too difficult.

4.0
4.0
PHYS111
Dec 13, 2010

Willing to help if you'll go talk outside of class... Tests are MISERABLE. Hardest class I have ever had, but I still pulled a great grade, I just had to work my butt off. You will come out of this class with a great knowledge of physics, but it is very stressful.

2.0
5.0
PHYS111
Jun 6, 2011

Dr. Miller is a great guy but awful teacher.You have to have prior physics knowledge or teach yourself the whole semester. MasteringPhysics homework is impossible if you don't just google everything. The tests are also very difficult. He never works out examples on the board. The only good thing is an 85 is an A and the final exam is curved.

4.0
3.0
PHYS111
Jul 6, 2011

He does not really come off as a nice person. I had his class at 7 AM and was late almost EVERY day, but came nonetheless. He is nice enough to help you out with really tough problems. His tests are not easy but he gives a lot of partial credit if you show work. You need to read the book and understand the concepts to get an A in his class.

5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Jul 22, 2011

summer 2011 - best physics professor I've ever had. he shows youtube videos during class and will know everyone's names by the end of the first week.

4.0
4.0
PHYS111
Aug 21, 2011

From what I've heard, Miller has improved tremendously. He takes the feedback from students and progresses, which explains the previous bad comments. He was SUCH a great teacher and very entertaining. It is pretty much impossible to not get an A in this class with the extra credit and 85 A as long as you put forth the effort. Wish I had him for 112

1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Sep 26, 2011

Hmm... Where to start. First off the teacher thinks he is hilarious but far from. He acts like he is teaching third graders and laughs at his own jokes. Second tests are UNFAIR... you better have had physics before you enroll in this class. He is a HORRIBLE teacher in my opinion and would advise no one to take him. Take anyone but this whacko!!

2.0
5.0
PHYS111
Nov 9, 2011

He is really sweet and funny but he is not a good teacher hes to smart to be a teacher his notes are useless to the test he doesn't tell you Amy equations and that's all the test are his homeorks are extremely hard and u don't learn that stuff in class so u get bad grades and it effects your overall grade alot

5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Sep 9, 2012

Great professor. Super passionate about teaching and physics.

2.0
4.0
PHYS111
Apr 29, 2013

He's a nice person but a terrible teacher. Expects everyone to understand everything on their own and rarely explains how to do any problems. Homework is online and very very difficult, I googled 90% of the answers because it's just not worth the time. Take a different teacher if you can.

4.0
3.0
PHYS111
Jul 29, 2013

Funny Teacher. In that order too. Created a positive classroom experience but didn't always succeed in relaying the content. Homework is key, if you can do your homework (and I mean REALLY understand the HW Concepts) you'll be fine. Grading is really easy (85% is an A). Tests are very difficult but a lot of partial credit will be given. no worries

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Nov 7, 2013

Very passionate about teaching; however, will spend a large portion of class time justifying his teaching abilities due to them being called to question. Some say that he relies on the homework to teach for him but at the end of the day I learned the material.

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Dec 31, 2013

Tells a lot of jokes. Really great guy. Needs to teach more though. Exam questions are not similar to what is learned in class or the practice exam in regards to the short answer questions.

2.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Apr 5, 2014

Dr. Miller is a nice guy, and probably was a really good high school teacher. Does not teach well in the lecture. He focuses more on himself than on teaching his students.

1.0
5.0
PHYSICS111
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Apr 8, 2014

Probably the worst teacher i have ever had. You want an F, take Paul Miller. He also makes fun of his students who aren't doing well in his class. Terrible teacher.

1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Apr 16, 2014

Take him if you like hearing terrible jokes from an awkward man day in and day out and receiving horrible grades in classes. Also you're in luck, he has twitter, so the jokes may always be with you.

1.0
5.0
PHYS111
May 1, 2014

Awful professor. I learned a great deal of physics this past semester, but not by the help of Paul Miller. More like hours of tutoring, and teaching myself a majority of the material. Avoid him like you'd avoid a pothole while driving.

4.0
2.0
PHYS111
Jun 9, 2014

Hard to do well in his class unless you had a great physics teacher in high school like I did. I tutored my friends, and they barely passed with no previous physics. MasteringPhysics homework is not as bad as everyone says if you study and understand the content. Exams aren't too bad, but you must be well versed in physics to do well.

3.0
4.0
111
Grade: B+
Oct 23, 2014

yeah he was alright nothing special about his class, later in the semester that class starts to become harder.

5.0
3.0
PHYSICS111
Dec 14, 2014

Dr Miller is a great professor. He genuinely cares about his students. I took his class last spring and he definitely prepared me for my engineering classes. You have to put in the work to get a good grade, which mean reading the book, doing extra practice problems, understanding mastering physics, etc. He is extremely helpful during office hrs

3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Dec 18, 2014

His class is tough, but if you are an engineer take this class. I learned so much this semester and feel prepared for the future The kids that took the other sections for an easy A got their A, but now have to pass MAE classes with little physics knowledge. An A is tough without AP physics knowledge, but a B is doable. Do problems from the book!

2.0
4.0
PHYSICS112
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 4, 2015

This class is confusing. Read the book. Miller's lectures are terrible.

4.0
4.0
PHYS112
Mar 19, 2015

Tough professor but he tries to make the class a bit more interesting by cracking jokes here and there. Tests can be very difficult, especially when he doesn't give formulas (which there are a lot that you would need to know). Does do this awesome thing where he replaces your lowest exam grade with the final grade if it's better.

3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: C
Mar 20, 2015

Hes a good guy, not that great of a teacher.

5.0
4.0
112
Apr 10, 2015

Good teacher, tough class

1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Grade: C
May 3, 2015

Super hard. He tries to explain things but doesn't do it clearly. Explains things exactly from the textbook rather than in easier terms to understand. Great personality. Calls out random people's names during class to answer questions. Attendance is not mandatory yet it is

3.0
4.0
PHYS111112
Grade: A
May 6, 2015

Not as bad as some people say. His lectures give the basics of what you need to know, you have to do the HW and expand upon your understanding. Attendance isn't necessary, but he makes it 5% of the grade. People think he's a bad teacher because physics is a hard class and they won't put in work. If you put in the work you'll pass. 85% is an A

5.0
3.0
PHYSICS111
Grade: A
May 15, 2015

Paul was awesome. A lot of people aren't used to his teaching style. He expects you to put work in (this may be the first time you have had to actually read the book). You can search all the homework online, but it will only hurt yourself in the end. He does cool demos and is always there for students. I highly recommend him

4.0
2.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
Aug 14, 2015

Miller is a good professor but what makes him a good professor isn't necessarily his teaching style (he is solid) but that fact that he is working to improve the way he teaches. He really cares. Not the best teacher but he is a good guy and a funny guy which makes for interesting lectures.

5.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B+
Nov 2, 2015

PHYS 111 is a tough course if you have no physics back ground. Miller cares about the topics but also cares about you truly understanding the concepts as well. Put in the time and you'll do fine.

3.0
5.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2015

Miller is a great guy but a horrible teacher. If it weren't for clicker points I would never go to class. He doesn't really lecture but he jokes for 50 minutes. Tests are extremely tough since he doesn't teach. I taught myself every bit of material for this course which was hard seeing I have never taken physics before.

3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2015

Goes fast through lecture slides which makes it difficult to take notes during class, better off to just listen. He goes through word problems in class very quickly and chooses weird variables for certain unknowns which made it confusing at times. Listen to his advice though, the HW is where I learned the most and don't just google the answers.

3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
Aug 16, 2016
Would take again

Not a bad guy but really shouldn't be the one in charge of so much. Tests often have errors in them. Tries to keep class light and get everyone engaged. Really pay attention in lab and to your lab TA and if you don't have a very firm grasp of physics when you walk into this class you need to read the book religiously. Ask for help early.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
2.0
ENGL101
Grade: B+
Oct 25, 2016
Would take again

one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. I suggest him for english 101 at least

Hilarious
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
PHYS105
Nov 28, 2016
Would take again

He is hilarious and makes class enjoyable. You have groups in class based off of your lab time. Clicker points everyday. It is not a bad class as long as you go. If you miss class it would be hard to understand the concepts for the tests. You have to fully understand the concepts from class for exams. Gave extra credit assignment at the end.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
2.0
PHYS105
Grade: B+
Dec 8, 2016
Would take again

If you dont pay attention in class, you won't understand. If you pay attention this class is so easy. I loved Dr. Miller, he told dad jokes all the time and made class fun to come to. Just make sure you do the hw quizzes and actually pay attention in class and you'll do fine! Plus, he gives a huge extra credit project at the end of the year.

Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Hilarious
2.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: B+
Jan 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I took AP Physics in Highschool passed with a B, But let me tell you, this man made physics too confusing. All he does for lecture is throw up equations and then make jokes about being old for 50 minutes. If you're taking PHYS 111, don't take him

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He does not explain anything, he expects you to have known certain material before teaching it. If you've never taken a physics class before then I don't recommend this class because Miller himself said it's going to be hard to understand his class without small knowledge in physics. I took physics in high-school and found his class a waste of time

2.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Mar 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is a dad, just makes dad jokes the entire class. Bad professor, can't get his point across well, I taught myself.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
1.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
May 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Unless you want to teach the entire course to yourself, I'd recommend choosing a different professor. Dr. Miller barely taught. He was more interested in telling jokes and doing confusing clicker questions that were directly counterintuitive to the things he was "teaching". Do not take Dr. Miller

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Sep 1, 2017
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE HIM. I currently have him as a professor and I haven't learned a thing. I've been spending all of my time on this class to struggle to get by his 2 quizzes a week. He just writes equations without explanation and expects you to already know it. Unless you have a degree in Physics, avoid him. I'll be changing prof's immediately.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: C
Nov 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This is a horrible teacher. He does not teach you anything at all. He goes through a powerpoint and expects you to already know every equation. I am a straight A student and this was the only C I have received yet. You will be teaching yourself the entire time.

5.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: B+
Jan 29, 2018
Would take again

This man went through and discussed concepts and their relation to the equations used. He works through sample problems very similar to those on exams. Very personable and makes lecture enjoyable. Available outside of class and is incredibly helpful. Wants you to succeed. Just put in the time

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Caring
4.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: A
May 11, 2018
Would take again

Very good professor. He is always there to help and does everything he can in order for you to succeed. Lectures can sometimes focus a lot on specific examples rather than the general use of formulas and equations, which can be a good and a bad thing. The homework also often covers things that are not gone over in class, but easy enough to solve.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
4.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: A+
May 12, 2018
Would take again

Good professor over-all, its hard to teach a class that size, but he managed to teach the material pretty well. He will skip through slides, the slides come directly rom the textbook, you really need to read the section before class and it will make everything make so much more sense. Otherwise you will be scrambling to grasp topics in class

Get ready to read
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: A-
Aug 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He cant teach. I taught myself everything. The textbook is not maditory, but to learn anything youll have to read. There are clicker questions and he has a randomizer which he will call out a random students name and they have to answer the question in front of the whole class and explain your answer.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Oct 25, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is a funny guy and will often spend a lot of class periods talking with students and making jokes. However, he has no ability to teach and expects you to already know everything. I had to teach myself the entire class. Lectures are mandatory, but pointless as he will not explain anything.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
3.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: B-
Jan 7, 2019
Would take again

Nice guy, does an ok job at keeping it not boring. Material is hard regardless who you have but going to class and doing the extra things he provides will improve your grade a lot. Take advantage of all his points

Participation matters
Caring
3.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Miller is a great guy, but he does not do a good job presenting the material. If you take his class you will like him, but not his teaching. There were a number of times where he barely talked about a certain topic and then it showed up on the homework. Read the book and use Khan Academy if you want to do well...

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
3.0
5.0
PHY111
Grade: A
May 8, 2019
Would take again

Good teacher. if you dont go to class youll stuggle a lot. the textbook is a must if you want a good grade in the class. hes a funny guy and the lectures are interesting.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
Aug 21, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Miller is a great choice for someone looking to have a personable and relatable professor. He will do his best to teach you the necessary content. Doesn't necessarily go into a lot of worked examples, but that is what homework is for.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Hilarious
1.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is the most stereotypical Dad you will ever meet. Did not explain anything well in class and I honestly didn't learn anything.

Lots of homework
Graded by few things
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 12, 2020
Would take again

Honestly, I don't get all the bad reviews for Dr. Miller. He's a great professor, really cares about his students, and makes dad jokes for the whole class. I think he does a great job explaining concepts, rather than just going through endless examples. An 85 is an A- and the lowest exam is dropped, tests aren't bad, what's not to like?

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Apr 6, 2020
Would take again

Miller is an entertaining professor, but I would not recommend this physics class for anyone who didn't take a physics class in high school, or with little to no physics knowledge. He doesn't explain equations thoroughly, and homework can be a lot. Do your best to keep up, but not a good teacher for those who need a good start in physics.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
3.0
PHYSICS111
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Class itself is super easy, test are graded super lightly. I would recommend never showing up to lecture and just reading the book the night before the test. Content isn't that bad, plus if you do well you don't have to take the final.

Get ready to read
2.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
May 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I took physics in high school so phys 111 was very easy for me. The teaching methods used in this class were not the best. My high school teachers definitely did a better job of explaining.

Graded by few things
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
May 15, 2020
Would take again

Professor Miller gives good lectures, making sure to elaborate on important areas and throwing in humor along the way. The course has a good bit of homework through Expert TA, but they're helpful practice for exams. I recommend being in class for the lectures, but definitely print the lecture slides after for re-reading later on. Book online/free.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
PHYSICS111
Grade: C
Nov 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Miller is a funny guy but he can be extremely condescending. His lectures were ok, just went through problems and occasionally did a demo. The homework isn't too bad, and if you need extra time on it he will give it. Do a ton of practice problems, get help from TA's, office hours. Exams are fairly straightforward and they give partial cred.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
PHYS105
Grade: A
Nov 19, 2020
Would take again

He's really personable and wants all of his students to succeed! He is easy to meet with outside of class and is willing to help as much as he can. He also relates topics to real life!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Feb 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Don't even know why the lectures exist. We just read the book, its practically a self-taught course.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
5.0
2.0
PHYS105
Grade: A+
Mar 18, 2021
Would take again

I took PHYS 105 during the fall semester of 2020. Dr. Miller was awesome/accommodating to the online format. The class was extremely easy- you just have to pay attention in class!

Participation matters
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B-
Mar 26, 2021
Would take again

He is super nice and engaging, he explains things very well but this is a difficult class.

Respected
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Mar 27, 2021
Would take again

Professor Miller is underrated in my opinion. His homework is very tough, it makes you think! This helps on tests later though, trust me. If you can understand homework the class is a breeze. Homework and quizzes are a huge factor to your grade and he drops things so do every single assignment and quiz and put effort in and he will help you succeed

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
1.0
1.0
PHY111
Grade: A
Apr 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Now that I am in physics 112, I feel like it shows that physics 111 is was not very helpful. This is especially true in the online setting, I feel like physics 111 was easy in the sense that the tests given were not hard. The quizzes were difficult but beware when you get to 112, it feels like you are playing catch up.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Apr 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

One of the worst professors I've ever had. Don't recommend for anyone that didn't take physics in high school. The class is easy to pass because there are a lot of free points, but this guy cannot teach to save his life and just cant connect to today's students. Simple as that. He does not deserve to have a job at WVU unless he becomes a custodian.

Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
Apr 21, 2021
Would take again

Paul's a great choice for PHYSICS 111. He's pretty funny sometimes, and makes lectures enjoyable. Teaches really well and usually will send out videos to help with the harder homework problems. All around really solid choice.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
PHY111
Grade: A
May 2, 2021
Would take again

Paul Miller was an average professor. I came into this class with almost no physics knowledge and definitely learned quite a bit. The homework can be tedious and sometimes seem impossible but he provides help for these problems. His lectures were decent, not outstanding but useful. The class is also very forgiving, but quizzes are 40% of the grade.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: A
Aug 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Really nice guy and quizzes and tests are really easy to get good grades on. The problem is you most likely will be confused the entire class and get nothing out of it. Miller barely goes over any practice problems in class and then the homework he basically has to give you answers so the entire class won't fail it. Have to put in work yourself.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Literally begging you not to take him, the class is literally so useless. Even if you somehow find a way to get a decent grade, you will not learn anything. He does not teach anything, I would either take someone else or just not go to class and get a tutor instead.

Lots of homework
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
2.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Oct 25, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Having taken physics in high school, Paul is the worst professor I have had thus far. Confuses himself on the few examples he does, condescending when questioned, and the lecture slides have so much useless information on them. The course is easy, but going to class with end up with you being more confused because of his poor explanations.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
PHYS105
Grade: A+
Feb 10, 2022
Would take again

I had taken physics in high school but Dr. Miller made sure to relate all the information to real life so that we all understood. Course content was relatively easy but he would go out of his way to host study sessions for extra help. Very personable and made me actually enjoy going to his class.

Accessible outside class
Participation matters
Caring
5.0
4.0
PHYS105
Grade: A
Feb 10, 2022
Would take again

Paul Miller is one of the best professors I've had at WVU. 10/10 recommend. He also sends dog pics in the group chat and cares about his students. #justiceforpaul

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Caring
4.0
2.0
PHYS111
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 20, 2022
Would take again

Follows the scatter-brained physics professor trope. But he's funny, makes the class engaging, and does a good job of teaching through examples. It is important to do your own work in this class though. I went in thinking I would get an easy A on the first exam without studying just because I did well on homework but boy, was I wrong.

Hilarious
Caring
5.0
5.0
111
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 30, 2022
Would take again

Best physics professor ever! He is funny as well. I'm lucky I have him instead of Zac :)

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Apr 12, 2022
Would take again

He is funny and definitely keeps you engaged in lecture. I took physics in highschool and carried me through that class as I feel like something about his teaching falls behind a little bit. Good guy and does care about his students. He does stop lecture and fully answer any questions you have so ask questions to get the answers you are looking for

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
1.0
2.0
PHY111
Grade: B-
Apr 27, 2022

Absolutely useless lecture, you won't learn a thing. That being said, the class is so forgiving you barely have to try. I failed EVERY single test (I'm talking in the 40's) and I got a B. Do well on quizzes and homework which is really easy and you'll be fine. But yeah, totally useless as a teacher.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
May 27, 2022
Would take again

The grading scale lets you fail all the tests and still do fine in the class and he's not boring in lecture so I cant really complain

Amazing lectures
Lots of homework
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Feb 21, 2023

Avoid at all costs, lectures are useless, homework hard, exams not like homework plus unreasonably hard.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Apr 17, 2023
Would take again

He is funny and engaging in lectures, but they ultimately don't help much for homework or exams. The grading scale is really forgiving.

Hilarious
2.0
3.0
111
Grade: A
May 2, 2023

Funny guy that did seem to care about us doing well in the class but overall not a great lecturer. I learned more doing studying on my own time than I did sitting in his lectures. Overall the grading scale is very forgiving and it isn't the most difficult class to pass especially if you have prior physics knowledge.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Caring
3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
May 3, 2023
Would take again

He made class easier to bear with humor, but overall not the best lecturer. The material is pretty difficult, but I think he could have spent more time on harder topics and less time on easier ones. This class will definitely demand some studying and learning on your own time. The grading scale is pretty forgiving though.

1.0
5.0
PHYS111
Grade: A-
May 9, 2023

He is a nice guy but terrible at teaching. You'll be teaching yourself or going to tutoring. Exams aren't curved but an A- is an 85. Homework is hard. Do all of the extra credit. If you keep your homework and lab grades up, you can have an exam average of like a 75 and still get an A-.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
2.0
4.0
111
Grade: A
May 18, 2023

Dr. Miller's lectures did not help me learn. You can keep your grade up if you do well on homework and in labs, but ultimately it is still stressful when the material is not being covered enough during lecture. He cracks a lot of jokes to lighten up class, but personally I wouldn't recommend taking him if you don't have to.

Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: C
Dec 8, 2023

I've had worse.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: C
Dec 15, 2023

Funny guy. Horrible teacher. I would rather take 4 more semesters of chemistry than take this class again. Skipped steps on practice problems in class, making homework problems near impossible. Exams were extremely difficult, and would often ramble in class instead of focusing on physics. Only redeeming quality was the automatic curve.

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
Jan 13, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Miller is a very caring professor who does his best to help students succeed in his class. His lectures are interesting and cover concepts well, but you may need to use some of his tip videos to help with some of the harder homework. He is very amicable and will also happily help you with anything you ask, whether it be a homework or project.

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
5.0
PHYS101
Grade: B
May 12, 2024

Miller is a nice person, however, he isn't a great professor. His PHYS 101 class was more stressful than my other classes combined. The exams were on webassign and in the beginning, there were questions worth 14 points with no partial credit. The average on one of the exams was 50% and he still refused to curve. Avoid him if possible.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lots of homework
3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A-
Sep 3, 2024

Everyone that has had Miller says the same thing: really nice, but not a great teacher. The class could have been a lot easier if things were explained better. The lab was horrible, since it took 2 hours, was very boring, and rarely helped. What I learned in the labs should have been in the lecture.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
PHYS105
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Miller is extremely caring and sweet. He truly cares about all of his students!

Participation matters
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
3.0
PHYS105
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2024
Would take again

So sweet! #justiceforPaul

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Caring
3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Dec 3, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Miller is a great man, and tries to be helpful as much as he can. My main issue with this class is the homework structure. We are often given homework on a topic that we have yet to learn or barely touched on. He has resources on ecampus for this but they aren't always helpful.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Miller is a professor that really cares about the success of his students. However, he tends to get off track easily during lectures, leading to the students sometimes feeling like they are not equipped to complete that night's homework. The tests are very difficult, and I would say you do more teaching yourself in this course.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2025
Would take again

Professor Miller's class is a mixed bag - his lectures are engaging, but the material is quite challenging. Luckily, the grading scale is forgiving, and resources like unstuck study can help with study prep.

3.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A-
Apr 4, 2025

Dr. Miller gets off-topic during lectures very often, leaving students confused and lost. He cares about his students' success and wants to help, but just attending lectures is not enough to feel prepared for exams.

Participation matters
Lots of homework
Hilarious
2.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: A+
May 13, 2025
Would take again

Dr.Miller is super funny and a good guy, but not the best professor when it comes to actually teaching physics. We didn't really learn much in class, so I had to spend a lot of time outside of class learning. Tests were fair, but it is important that you put in the time to prepare for them. If you are good at teaching yourself, you will be fine.

EXTRA CREDIT
Hilarious
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
PHYS111
Grade: A+
Aug 18, 2025
Would take again

I was so scared of taking Physics, but Professor Miller made it so easy to understand and even when I struggled, he was so eager to help. I think physics can be a daunting class, but if you are willing to put in the work, ask questions, and study you will be fine. Miller can go off on tangents, but they are normally physics related and always funny

Participation matters
Lots of homework
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
PHYS111
Grade: B
Nov 5, 2025
Would take again

Like kind of a funny guy but it just gets annoying becuase physics is something you need to be taught and he doesn't do that. Going to lecture is hit or miss, he does iclicker but turns off the location settings so you can answer from anywhere. Before tests, doing the extra ExpertTA problems and practice exam really help.

Test heavy
2.0
4.0
111
Grade: B-
Nov 15, 2025

Paul Miller is a really nice guy but unfortunately not the greatest professor. His lectures are rarely helpful and he spends a lot of time making off-topic jokes. Not terrible if you can teach yourself, tests are hard but relatively fair, lots of homework that can take a while. Generous grading scale, and the final replaces the lowest test grade.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Caring
1.0
4.0
111
Grade: C-
Nov 24, 2025

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
111
Grade: B
Nov 25, 2025

Cannot teach at all, and staying home to teach yourself would be better, but sadly, you cannot because he takes attendance. Exams aren't too hard, though, and extra credit is offered

1.0
4.0
PHY111
Grade: B
Nov 25, 2025

Chill dude, but honestly, such a horrible teacher. Would have failed if I hadn't had previous knowledge and extra credit. Also, labs and attendance helped a lot with my grade, even though going to class felt useless.

4.0
2.0
PHY111
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2025
Would take again

I do personally do not understand the heaps of negative reviews. Lecture was streamlined and time efficient, and what you really had to get down for homework was made clear. Dr Miller himself is entertaining and nice professor. I wish we focused on the calculus a little more, but the concepts of calculus helps understand. I don't get the hate.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
PHY111
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2025

Great guy, not great professor. He doesn't not explain things very well, and I ended up teaching myself the whole class which was difficult to do as I had a packed semester. His lectures weren't useful and consisted of slides with some supplemental notes on the side of some things. Often gets off topic. Very easy class to get behind in.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

72%

Textbook Required

21%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 69 grades
Most common grades:
A (24)
B (12)
A+ (11)
Grade Distribution
A(35)B(16)C(7)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 80 reported grades
A: 24
B: 12
A+: 11
B+: 7
Common Tags
Lots of homework (29)
Hilarious (27)
Participation matters (18)
Get ready to read (14)
Caring (13)
EXTRA CREDIT (12)
Test heavy (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.13 avg change
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Ratings by Course

112

5.0

(1)

ASTR106

5.0

(2)

ENGL101

5.0

(1)

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4.8

(8)

MATH156

4.0

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Difficulty by Course

PHY112

5.0

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5.0

112

4.0

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4.0

PHYS112

4.0

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