took him for planetary astronomy. he rocks. his material is extremely hard but he give so much extra credit,and makes test bearable, you can still make an A. he also heads the astronomy club. he is brilliant. he is also hilarious. take this class and you will definately not be disappointed.

I had him for Physics 1, Physics 2, Planetary and Stellar Astronomy. He is a good teacher that gets the info through, and the class will be easy, as long as you take notes and pay attention. He is willing to help with the class materials and he puts up Practice Tests online for all his classes. Do the labs and assignments, and you will pass.

Probably the smartest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He is so funny but very intelligent and helpful and gives TONS of extra credit! If you take him you wont be sorry!!!!

Only been in his class for two weeks and this mans knowledge of physics and the universe blows my mind. I have not seen him look at one note or book since the first day. This man knows his stuff and will bend over backwards making sure his students know

Very intelligent. knows what he's doing. His class isn't too hard. if you come to class and the lab and do your work. then you can easily pass. he also offers tons of extra credit. he makes the class interesting with his humor. if you plan to take astronomy or physics, make sure to get him. I plan on taking stellar astronomy next semester with Benge.

About the hardest class I've had, but I expected that from General Physics. He makes it clear,though, and very interesting. If you do the homework, you'll do OK. He should write his own book, since the lectures are much more clear than the text.

Terrific teacher, can and will answer any question you have

I took the class just to get a science. I didn't think that I'd really find it all that interesting, but it seemed better than the others. However, Prof. Benge makes it really interesting and fun. I'm glad I took it, and I'll be taking the other astronomy class.

Really good teacher but goes really fast. You must attend class and do the homework assigned if you going to learn anything. This is not an easy class but he makes it sort of interesting. If you haven't taken any previous math classes such as Trig or Cal then forget taking this one because the equations are pretty difficult.

Very hard class, but he knows the subject is difficult and he is very willing to help his students learn. You will definately know the material at the end of the semester! I recommend Ray to anyone planning to take the MCAT.

Made a very hard subject easy to understand. Easy to pass if you take notes and atleast try.

As long as you kinda, sort of, maybe, iffily, quasi, obscurely understand the material, then everything will be "YAY!" and "Fun? Fun? Fun? Fun?" Take this professor and you'll know what I'm talking about. The homework load is insane though, so be careful about that.

Great astronomy professor. His old exams are on his web page, so you know what to study. If you pay attention, do everything that he assigns, then you'll get an A. You'll have to work for it, of course, but all you need to do is put in the time. He explains things very clearly.

Professor Benge is fun and all, but seems a bit scatterbrained. He loves what he teaches and it shows, but the subject matter can be pretty heavy and Benge tends to move along quickly. He is also willing to help students that get lost. There are a lot of papers you will need to turn in, but he doesnt grade them too harshly.

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Physics is a hard subject, but Prof. Benge makes it understandable. The tests are mostly problems similar to examples worked in class, so you need to attend the lectures. He is very helpful if you go see him, but you need to work on the homework beforehand.

Professor Benge is a really smart guy. The material is hard, especially the calculus based physics, but he makes it a little easier to understand. We work examples in class and the test questions are similar to those. Overall hes a good teacher but you really have to apply yourself.

Ties everything to the real world, tries to be fair about grades. Lots of homework though.

Class is mandatory due to the exam questions are almost always from the lecture. 10 problems on each test, and his old exams are located on his faculty page. Study the old exams and your notes!!!! A lot of extraneous homework, but it is a good grade booster, and 2 extra credit assignments are offered in his lab. Very funny during lecture.

This is a tough course, and I knew that going into it. I was awfully apprehensive. However, Prof. Benge takes a no nonsense approach to the material that makes it understandable. He really knows his stuff. He doesn't read from notes, which is dry and boring, but he does everything live and fresh. I am really glad that I got him for a professor.

Extremely helpful. U will use a lot of math so it is hard for alot of people but Benge is great at explaining. Lots of Hw and if u dont do it it will show on test. This class is hard but benge is a great teacher.

He's cool, he's smart, and he's a good teacher!

He's a great teacher, he makes the subject matter fun.

took him for physics 1 in the summer...he's always willing to help you (in and out of office hours). he's a really great lecturer...always entertaining & goes over the stuff that'll be on tests. just go to class, do the hw, study for the tests...put in the effort & you'll get an A. and like i said, he's alwaysssss willingng to help. taking him for physics 2 (2426)...he's awesome!

If you want a teacher who loves his subject so passionately that he teaches with such enthusiasm that you can't help but be excited, Mr. Benge is your man. There is a work load, no lie, but if exploring the universe sounds cool to you, then he will guide you in your tour through the cosmos with a smile :)

Dr. Benge is awesome.

Prof. Benge is fun, kind of quirky, fun, and smart. I had him for lab and lecture for Uni. Phys. I. He has a pretty hefty workload, but if you're willing to put in the effort, you should have no problem understanding the material and getting an A. Benge is a great guy and a talented professor, I highly recommend him for any science based major.

Awesome professor! Professor Benge likes to flood on the homework from the textbook, which by the way, is not a very good textbook, the homework goes from easy to insainly hard in a few short questions. If you can fight your way though the enourmous amounts of homework, the class is awesome! Plan on spending 3 hrs a day doing homework alone!

Had to take the class, so I wasn't looking forward to it. But, Dr. Benge made the class far less painful than I was expecting and even useful.

Benge is quite the character. Very enthusiastic about teaching. Goes pretty fast in explaining but always answers questions. Had him for lab so don't know how he is in lecture. But I would imagine he flys through lectures too

Makes physics clear. There's lots of work, but if you keep up then it isn't bad. He goes out of the way to help students who are having problems. He wrote the labs, so make sure that you take him for lab, too.

Amazing lecturer. He's incredibly funny and goes on non-stop. I learned more than I ever expected to just from paying attention in class. Only thing I didn't like is that he does not remind you about deadlines, so read your syllabus. He also has a very difficult star matching exercise on the first test and the final, so be sure to study.

Professor Benge is a TCC treasure! I am not a science person at all and found myself very reluctantly in his Astronomy class this semester. His enthusiasm has won me over - and that is the power of a great professor! Take his Astronomy classes for your science requirements and you will be glad you did!

Best professor ever! I had him for lab only, but he was able to help with the lecture section, too. I learned more physics from him than from my lecture prof. I only wish that I could have had him for Physics 2 this semester.

It doesn't get better than Prof Benge! He is such an amazing professor and he's so passionate about Astronomy. Theres a lot of stuff that he requires you to do in his class but it just makes the A easier to get esp. when every lab is 15 points a piece! EASY A if you do the work which isn't hard. this class is so fun. BEST PROF EVER

great teacher, he is so funny. grades quickly but still has not posted grades halfway through semester. zero grades posted. other than this it is a fun class and he is quite the character.

I highly recommend Professor Benge for Astronomy! He's an excellent lecturer! He's very energetic & funny! There's a lot of work in the class but it pays off! Easy A, if you put in the effort.

Coolest class I've ever attended. The instructor was AWESOME!

Great professor. You don't want to miss a lecture, he moves fast but makes sure everyone understands every concept before moving on. The volume of homework is quite a lot, but honestly I am glad. The extra practice really helps. Tests can be corrected for half points lost.

Very patient and clear to understand.

He's funny which makes his lectures enjoyable. I feel like he was a little hard on us though. Tests are tough, plenty of HW, labs, & research paper. It's definitely possible to do well, but I'm sure there are "easier" teachers to take. Allowed us to do test corrections & curved our grades at the end - bumped me up from a B to an A. Overall, not bad

Really great professor. Took both stars and galaxies and solar system. You can pass the class just be sure to complete every assignment. There is also a 2500 words research paper due near the end. He gives you past tests for review . You can pass just do the assignment and you'll at least get a B and my test scores were low. Very helpful

He's the best! This is my second class with Dr. Benge. There's a lot to do, but it is all laid out in the syllabus. Last semester, I was always behind until I figured out that everything was there that I needed to do. Reading the book helps, but the tests are mainly from the lectures. Just turn in all the assignments, and you'll be fine.

Easiest science class ever! If you need a physics credit I highly recommend Benge. Several homework assignments, but they're easy. You can do as much extra credit as you want. Labs don't have tests and the lecture tests are equivalent to the reviews he gives. Doesn't remind you of due dates, so make sure to keep them in mind. Awesome class.

He's GREAT!! There aren't reviews per se, however he posts the old exams as an example. He helps you understand the subject, and he's VERY easy-going as far as when I had questions. You have to attend and do the work. If you don't, you won't pass. But it's worth it; because in the end, I learned way more than I expected!

Excellent professor. The tests are tough, but he posts old exams to use as study guides, and that really helps. He also lets you correct problems to make more points. The tests are mostly from the lectures, and the lectures are very clear, though fast paced. He will take time to help you if you go to his office with questions.

Professor Benge is amazing!! One of my favorite at TCC. He's a little quirky but super hilarious and really into what he teaches. He's always there if you have questions and he offers lots of extra credit assignments and labs. He also posts tests from past years on black board that are SUPER helpful. Would definitely take him again!!

Let me tell you, majority of our class failed every exam, but he lets you do test corrections. So score a 50, & do a great job on corrections, you are back up to a 75. A LOT of homework but do not get discouraged, he has quite a few extra credit assignments presented in the semester. GREAT PROFESSOR! There is NO way you should get less than a B.

I had him for lab only. I wish that I had gotten to take him for the lecture, though. His lab explanations often explained physics better than the lecture professor did. Though I didn't have him for lecture, he was willing to help with questions about the homework, too. Wonderful prof.

Really knows his stuff. Makes lectures fun. DO all the extra credit, and you can skip the final.

He loves the topic, and that is contagious. I was not expecting to learn so much. The tests are tough, but there is plenty of extra credit if you want to do the work. But, it is better to take PHYS 1404 first, and then PHYS 1403. They use the same books, so it is cheaper to take both astronomy classes instead of two difference sciences.

He is a great professor! Class is pretty easy as long as you show up and take notes, I didn't use my book once to study. Tests are pretty easy if you study, but you really have to pay attention in class. Labs were fun usually. Professor Benge is passionate about his job and makes it fun to learn!

Benge is passionate and likes to teach and I learned alot! He's tests are hard! But they are based off problems from class, so go to class take notes, and study your notes! He does do test corrections-you get half the points back you missed. HW doesn't account for much, and the paper doesn't either, but helps. For physics the best one at TCC!

He is a good guy, very repetitive and the lectures can get long and boring. Tests are easy if you do the practice tests and expect A LOT of homework. Relatively easy A.

Don't expect to ever get out of class early, the lectures will go the full amount of time, every time. The tests are pretty easy as long as you do the test reviews and you also get to have a notecard for each test. He's a nice guy and it is not difficult to make an A in the class, but expect a lot of homework.

He is a very good professor in physics. Took this class, condensed over the summer. He is extremely knowledgable of physics! There is TONS of homework. But it will help you develop an understanding. Do the papers and the extra credit... It will help bump your final grade more than you think. Would recommend to anyone.

Benge is my favorite professor that I've had. He is very passionate about physics and you can tell he enjoys teaching it. He gives a lot of homework, but it's necessary for the class. You get a note card on the test and can do test corrections. Be sure to do the papers, they are an easy grade.

Benge is the best professor since I last took classes on the Magic School Bus! Never miss a lecture. He makes learning physics fun!

Wonderful and Fun!!! There is a lot of homework, but it is all laid out at the beginning of the semester, so you can budget your time. You can work ahead and turn in things early so that you are not pressed for time later. There's a lot of extra credit. If you do everything, then you have enough points to not take the final and still get an A!

VERY smart guy! Loves to lecture. Labs are repetitive and we only went outside to use telescopes twice (and take home labs aren't fun) but the class is designed to easily make an A if you do all the work. He also drops your lowest test grade and offers lots of extra credit. Easy grader. HIGHLY recommend studying his previous tests that he offers.

He is amazing and truly cares about his students. Willing to help outside of class. 10/10

This is the third time taking physics, and the first time to understand it. There's a bunch of homework, but I finally realized that it really gives you practice for the tests. Study the class notes and the homework problems.

He grades on a curve, he posts old tests which are helpful. Do all your labs and short papers and you will pass even if you fail every test. Book not needed. He is very helpful with labs and gives extra credit. Accumulate points. 500 is passing and 650 points is an A. Term paper replaces lowest test even the final but the final doubles in points

Mr. Benge is witty and easy going. His lectures are interesting and worth attending.

He's a good professor and he makes lectures interesting but Physics is no easy subject. He lets you do test corrections. If you don't think you will have a lot of time to dedicate to this class then don't take it because otherwise you will drown.

Professor B is by far my favorite professor. I do not consider myself a science guy and I'm not good at math. Despite these short comings I was able to pass the class. Benge's lectures are so inspiring and funny. He really cares about his students, responds to emails fairly quickly. He gives extra credit. Just do the assignments. Cannot say enough.

Explains physics better than anyone else. There's lots of homework, but it is good practice for the tests. He posts his old tests online as a study guide. Stay on top of the work, and the class isn't all that hard.

It is easy to get an A in this class but you MUST do all of the in-class and take-home labs and short papers (1-2 pgs).This is NOT a class you can get by with minimal work if you want a good grade (A or B).You can barely pass all of the exams (65+) and still have a decent grade (A-B)AS LONG AS YOU DO ALL THE LABS AND PAPERS (INCLUDING TERM PAPER).

This course is undoubtedly the hardest course I have taken yet. This professor did a great job of making this course bearable. The homework load was intense. However, the difficulty of the homework problems made the test problems much easier to understand. This professor is fun and cares about his students actually learning!

Amazing professor that truly cares, his homework is very heavy but prepares you for the test (he lets you do corrections for half points), papers are an easy grade. didn't had him for lab but I bet he does explain them really well and helps you out. put in the work and you'll do good in the class

The lectures were really clear and easy to understand! There were lots of out of class assignments,but they weren't difficult. Overall I really enjoyed the class.

Great professor that I wish to take all of his classes, professor Benge added a value to materials through explaining and making everything understandable to students, the class is always full of joy and laughter, plus the wonder of scientific facts, really strange mix of great informative class.

I had him for Physics I, and I waited until he taught Physics II. The homework helps you learn. Do enough homework problems, and you won't need to study much for tests. I learned a lot, and I will need this for upper level engineering courses, so I am glad.

He's a fine professor. He definitely knows what he's talking about. Though he does give out a lot of assignments (two labs and a discussion board post per week) and he covers A LOT of material between tests so it's sometimes hard to know what to study for the test. You need to put some time and dedication if you want to pass the class.

The professor's grading system of, "collect as many points as you would like for the grade you want" is phenomenal. As he provides a plethora of opportunity in doing a variety of labs, 2 weekly extra credit ops, short papers(1-2 page), on top of a term paper + 3 exams + a final worth twice as much / with the lowest dropped. Take him. He's great.

This professor is awesome! Personally, I am not the best at purely lecture based classes so I thought this class was tough, especially with it being online. However, we were provided with many extra credit opportunities. Also, its awesome to see a professor who genuinely cares about what they are teaching, and you can tell he loves astronomy!

Enjoyed learning in this class

Hes passionate, a jokester, and kind. There are a ton of laboratories, five short essays, a discussion board each week, lectures, reading of the textbook, four tests which are auto-proctored, and a final paper. Extra credit opportunities abound. He drops one test or the paper. I highly recommend him! Bonus: Star Trek references!

This is a HARD class, lot's of math. There's more homework in this class than all my classes combined. Professor is available outside of class for help. Don't wait until the last minute to do work, because there's a lot of it. Professors cares a lot, and teaches you a lot, but there's a lot of work. It's not an easy A, or even a B. Very Interesting

Great Teacher. Stay on top of your labs and homework. I would recommend completing all the Extra Credit to ensure a great grade.

Took during the summer. Very intense course. Tons of homework. I easily spent *at least* 25 hours a week just doing homework. The homework is very challenging, but makes the tests very easy. My advice is to take very good notes and to do all of the homework. Labs are pretty easy. I recommend Professor Benge and will be taking him for Physics 2.

Professor Benge is a legend. Physics 2 maybe the hardest course I have ever taken, and I feel for sure that I would fail this class. However! He allows for test corrections for half points back, and he offers partial credit very generously, even if you got the answer(s) wrong. He is also so passionate and funny. Take him!!

Very very lecture heavy, you don't use the textbook a ton but it is helpful for test preparation and if you decide to do the term paper. Term paper is optional but it does replace your lowest test grade. He is super funny and makes class engaging its just a harder class. You will work for the grade you want though.

Super knowledgeable !! It is a very heavy lecture class, there is a lot of material to cover so he does move pretty fast. There are also lots of work. But it really is not that hard at all to make an A. All you have to do is turn in your assignments. Super important and helpful to look at the previous tests, they are really really helpful.

I enjoyed the class although there is a lot of homework and there are never any reminders about labs that may be due. Must be very on top of your work in this class or you'll get behind really quickly. He lectures the whole time with little discussion with students. The class is very interesting, and I enjoyed the way he taught it.

Taking Benge for both Physics 1&2 helped a lot in becoming more invested into Physics. It's important to do the homework to make sure you're pacing well in the course - he offers test corrections and is quite fair when it comes to grading overall. This was one of the toughest subjects at TCC but it was made much more fun with Benge. Take his class!

This professor is very passionate about Astronomy and it shows through his lectures and Labs. It was a bit overwhelming if you had been out of school for many years like myself. So once you get acclimated and adjust the class is enjoyable (even for non-science majors like myself). Professor Benge gives the history of astronomy which is nice.

He uses a unique grading system that I am completely in love with. He is a great prof and I'm considering taking another one of his classes just for fun

took Benge for fall 2023. here are the pros and cons! Pros: - redo test (except finals) - very flexible with work - labs are interesting - you'll only fail if you don't try Cons: - The homework is long! - Labs can take forever (may vary) - very strict on using the front page only not the back!! - a lot of assignments! overall I recommend him!!!

I would skip even getting the textbook, with lecture notes and resources available on Canvas, you can save the money for this class. It's a point accumulation scale: perfect for if you don't want to do an assignment, you can just like choose to do better on something else because the zero won't help you, but more importantly it can't hurt you.

I didn't think I'd do good in physics but professor Benge made the class easy. Lots of assignments but if you find someone in class to work with it's much less stressful. Previous test are posted for testing review and all labs you can work with people to turn in. Very chill class I'll miss it.

I love this professor. The class itself was really hard, difficult tests but so many extra credit opportunities. But the professor was a goofy goober and incredibly smart with outstanding lectures. The material was very interesting. I would recommend this class, just be prepared for the workload.

Tough course, but the professor is very engaging. Lots of work, but using Unstuckstudy and past tests helped me stay on top of it. Worth the effort for an interesting class.

Clearly knows and cares a lot about the subject. Has a lot of busy work, but it's easy. Curves test grades. Optional term paper is strictly graded. Lectures are entertaining relative to the material.

He is an easy-going but responsible professor.

Professor Benge is fantastic. His knowledge is incredible. His lectures are fascinating and keep you engaged. It is always a great experience to take a class where the professor is truly passionate about the subject and Professor Benge is the real deal.