3.2

Rida Mirie

Mathematics - University of Massachusetts Lowell

3.2
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
38%
Would Retake
88
Reviews
3.2
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
3.6
Helpful
2.9
Clarity

38%

Would Retake

88

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

23

4

21

3

21

2

14

1

9

What Students Say

the analogies lead to more confusion

DIFEQ234 - 1.0 rating

Must attend class if you want to pass

DIFEQ234 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

56%

Textbook Required

81%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
B- (2)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(2)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 14 reported grades
A: 4
B-: 2
A+: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
TEST HEAVY (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
Hilarious (2)
Get ready to read (1)
Skip class? You won't pass. (1)
Tough Grader (1)
LECTURE HEAVY (1)
Participation matters (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.30 avg change
Aug
Nov
Apr
Sep
Dec
Apr
Last 6 months
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Difficulty by Course

DIFFYQ

5.0

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5.0

92234201

4.0

CLAC205

4.0

MATH2340

3.3

Reviews (88)
2.0
2.0
92231
Dec 14, 2002

At first you'll think you're doomed, but then he surprises you with an A or AB!

5.0
2.0
92231
Jan 10, 2003

No Comments

3.0
2.0
92231
Feb 18, 2003

not a very good prof. but like someone else said, a grade BC = AB.he's weird to.

5.0
1.0
CALC1
Mar 4, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
DIFFEQS
Mar 6, 2003

Chicken, cats, dogs....the best

2.0
5.0
DIFFYQ
Mar 6, 2003

Rida is a nice guy genius, but I can't learn from him. He goes too fast during the lecture and his handwriting is bad, and I have trouble with his accent. He also uses strange analogies to try to get the point across that I can't grasp. I'll drop.

5.0
1.0
CALCIII
Mar 10, 2003

The best Math professor on campus

4.0
3.0
CALC1
Mar 14, 2003

sure hes a little hard to understand, because u dont get sausage from pinapple but when all my test grades were like 33 or so DEFINTLY to failing, i went to his office hours a couple times, had a few laughs and got on his good side, and he gave me a cd

3.0
2.0
CALC3
Mar 25, 2003

Love the sail boat pic, and the stories!

2.0
4.0
DIFFEQS
Apr 9, 2003

cons: Hard to understand his accent, doesn't explain well, goes fast, sometimes hard to read the board, difficult tests. lets you out late from class all the time. hw. pros: funny sometimes, in a weird way, scales tests, allows a cheatsheet for tests.

3.0
2.0
92231
May 14, 2003

I really like his teaching style even if I couldn't understand everything. I've heard worse accents. He's really funny too. The scale is incredible and hope is never lost. My big gripe is that the class is a circus and homework grading is the same.

4.0
3.0
CALC3
Nov 11, 2003

Little weird with his analogies but funny. If you do your homework you will definately do well in the class.

1.0
2.0
CALCIII
Nov 21, 2003

he is extremely difficult to understand. Hes handwriting looks like chiken scratch and he's attitude towards the students is very unpredictable. It is not hard to get a good grade in his class, however, it is hard to learn the math that should be learned.

4.0
3.0
DIFFEQS
Mar 4, 2004

THIS MAN IS INSANE, but his grading is very fair...

5.0
1.0
DIFFEQS
Apr 26, 2004

awesome dude!!!

3.0
3.0
CALC3
May 3, 2004

All semester long I thought I was going to fail, but his scale pulled me up to a B. It was a pretty hard class though. He doesn't explain concepts well, its up to the student to learn from the book.

3.0
2.0
CALCDE
Sep 29, 2004

I took him for two semesters just for the in class entertainment. If you fail his class you deserve a good slap. By Differential Equations I had a good grasp of understanding him, but that was after a semester. He knows the stuff, but isn't too clear.

2.0
4.0
CALC3
Nov 20, 2004

very hard don't reccomend

3.0
3.0
CALC3
Dec 9, 2004

He's crazy. If you have more than 3 exams, keeps top 3. Cheat sheets allowed. Funny, but a little abstract in explanations. Do your class hw! In a nutshell: better than Rybnikov, but not as good as Kiwi. At least try it...

3.0
2.0
CALC3
Apr 1, 2005

Once you learn to understand him, the class isn't that bad. He uses a lot of weird analogies about cats and trees but altogether a good guy who wants to see you pass. Make sure you show up for class otherwise he will quiz you every week instead of 3 exams. Do the homework, and he'll like you.

5.0
1.0
CALCIII
Apr 11, 2005

Hes a funny guy if you sit and talk to him. Do the homework, and go to his office to ask questions if you have any. If you show a genuine interest in his class, your grade will show it :). Also be ready for cat/dog analogies to complex Calculus Systems. hah

4.0
1.0
DIFFEQ
Jul 4, 2005

either 1) do your hw or 2) do well on exams and you will be fine...do your matlab assignment and u get extra 10%. He asks you what hw u did, doesnt even verify it in end...easy to do well...offers students many chances to boost grade...u can solve a problem multiple times for multiple credit...u can also just do well on final & he won't count rest.

3.0
3.0
CALCIII
Aug 10, 2005

Mirie is like big watermelon, if you eat it you will feel good, but if you dont the cats and dogs will fight and the mice will run away. If something like this means anything to you, then Mirie may be your guy, otherwise look elsewhere.

1.0
1.0
CALCULUSIII
Aug 24, 2005

A nice enough guy. But totally unintelligible. Grading system is incomprehensible. Gives 2-part tests with errors in them. But come grade time, everyone gets an A. Which isn't a bad thing--but seems like he's covering his ass.

3.0
1.0
CALCIII
Aug 31, 2005

Hahaha, Mirie is the bomb.... he's hard to understand sometimes, but if you put the effort into his class you're seriously going to do fine. I'm mildly retarded at Calculus and even I managed to not bomb the crap outta the class.

1.0
3.0
CALCIII
Sep 7, 2005

This guy sucks, plain and simple. My GPA is over 3.6 and I could barely get though his none teaching. If you need calc for your major skip this guy because you won't learn****.

4.0
3.0
CALC3
Oct 5, 2005

The man is a king among men. Hard to understand, but if you do all your homework and try alittle, youll get an A, even if you tests arnt great. Every class is a new comediac adventure. He should have his own talk show.

3.0
3.0
CALCIII
Dec 12, 2005

He is a good guy and if he likes you, you will do well in the class. He is very hard to understand but he goes over things a lot of times

2.0
3.0
CALC3
Jan 18, 2006

Very hard to understand, poor english, and his writing is even worse.

5.0
3.0
CALCULUSIII
Apr 3, 2006

A very intense teacher, very clear if you pay attention, uses hilarious metaphors for talking about math concepts. Calculus III was very intense and very enjoyable.

5.0
2.0
CALCIIIDIFF
Apr 3, 2006

Awesome guy. Says the most insane things you have ever heard. Preferred to call me a city in England rather than by my actual last name. Take if you want a good grade.

5.0
2.0
CALCULUSIII
Apr 13, 2006

Exelent Teacher, this class was challenging but made me want to get an A. And I did

1.0
4.0
CALC3
Oct 4, 2006

I dont see why everyone likes this guy so much. I can't understand a word he says. He writes for 50 minutes and blabbers about the most stupid stuff you could imagine. None of his rambling ever makes any sense. He never reviews for tests or goes over homework problems. If you're taking this class to actually learn about Calc 3, look elsewhere.

4.0
2.0
DIFQ301
Nov 13, 2006

"So you see the logarithmic function is like a monkey in a coconut tree...you keep throwing rocks at him and he keeps throughing coconuts..." That was an actual quote from his class. Don't worry if you fail a test or two, usually you can still bail yourself out with a little bit of work and with the help of his scale.

3.0
1.0
DIFEQSECT
Sep 11, 2007

How can you hate on this man?!? yea his jokes are corny but he knows his stuff. ALso, all you have to do is take down all the notes he writes on the board and do ALL the homeworks, get dcent grades on the tests and you'll get an A

5.0
2.0
CALCIII
Apr 1, 2008

I love Mirie. He explains every concept with analogies from vectors, to triple integrals, to SPIRALS! Yes, if you didn't know what a spiral is its like if a 'goat was tied to a post with a rope and the goat keeps walking around and around the post, the rope would form a spiral!' Even though the scale's a bit unfair, his class is very good to me.

1.0
1.0
DIFEQ234
May 26, 2008

His class is an absolute joke. It makes me ashamed of going to UML.... The class covers very little material, and even then, Rida makes it nearly impossible to learn. The book was not used once. Not one application was given. He does not accept questions. The class has no structure. Gives excuses as to why he doesn't prove theorems. Should be fired

3.0
1.0
MATH234
Jun 28, 2008

Aside from Rida being hard to understand and almost completely insane, this class was pretty easy. Grading scale was forgiving and he gives more than enough chances to get extra credit. If you want to really learn the material, you'll have to put a bit of effort in. Otherwise, its an easy A-B.

2.0
4.0
CALCIII
Nov 3, 2008

Very unclear. His notes aren't very neat and he doesn't use the book much so there are concepts that you'll need to find online if you can't get them from him. I tried to have him help me out during office hours, but his handwriting is atrocious. The class gets easier midsemester and if you cry a bit he'll give you weekly quizzes instead of exams.

5.0
2.0
MATH231
Dec 25, 2008

Had him for Calc 3. I don't know why so many other students had a lot of trouble in the class--if you spend some time actually doing the very little homework he gives you'll easily get an A. Exam problems are identical to homework problems, so if you know how to do the homework you know how to do the exams.

4.0
4.0
CALC231
Apr 24, 2009

I actually like his class!!

3.0
3.0
MATHMATH
Aug 27, 2009

I took Professor Mirie for Calc II, III, and diffy Qs. I find him very difficult to understand but a very easy grader. Even though my average for the class would be a B or C and I would do maybe 6/10 homeworks I would get an A. Go to class and make an attempt and he will pass you.

4.0
2.0
CALCIII
Dec 20, 2009

So Rida is a wicked cool guy and he's funny to listen to because he is always making jokes about calc 3 and such. With that out of the way his class is not really "great" in the way that i thought i was failing and i ended up with a B-. If you go to class do all the HWs and pay attention you will pass this class... hopefully.

4.0
5.0
CALCAL
Dec 22, 2009

CAL3..COOL dude....go to class, do the hw.Easy A.....Exam are similar to HW problems.

4.0
2.0
DIFFEQS
Dec 26, 2009

Go to class and do the HW. He gives you a cheat sheet for each exam. If you put in some effort, you'll get a good grade, even if you don't understand the material.

5.0
2.0
DIFFE111
Dec 29, 2009

Best teacher in the math dept

4.0
3.0
DIFFEQS
Jan 29, 2010

His accent is noticeable but you can get used to it. If you do the HW and take notes you should do well in his class. He is a bit crazy though; he makes math analogies about chickens, foxes, dogs and cats, domestic abuse, and hillbillies, among other things

2.0
3.0
CALC3
Aug 15, 2010

guy is nuts and one of a kind. at first hated the class, but it ended up not being bad. get old tests to study from and tests will be very easy. need to do a lot of studying since hes hard to understand in class. says odd phrases, the chicken and the duck lol

2.0
4.0
DIFEQ234
Aug 19, 2010

Rida is the absolute craziest teacher I've ever had. He's awful if you go to office hours but if you take good notes, you can learn from him. I was failing the class until I decided enough was enough, and I just studied for the final, and aced it. If you get 90% or above on his final you ace the class, and that's what I did.

2.0
2.0
MATHCALC
Dec 16, 2010

Sure you can pass the class but I really didnt learn anything..HW he collects writes vg and hands it back.. doesn't like going over hw or tests.. expects you to get it from your classmates.. sad look at how our education is dying.. he yelled at a 50 yr old woman because she asked about when a test was... 10 minute rant...

3.0
2.0
CALC3
Dec 26, 2010

Easy Class. Sit in the front. Take CLEAR notes, because they are everything!!! You can use the textbook for reference. Scales based on how the class performs. Gives additional points over the course of the semester. If need extra help, go see the student who gets the highest score on the tests.

3.0
3.0
CALC3
Apr 5, 2011

Very intelligent man. It will take you a week or two to understand him, but hes a great teacher. Exams are scaled based on the class average. GO TO CLASS, SIT UP FRONT, and TAKE NOTES... you will do well

1.0
3.0
ODE101
May 11, 2011

Easy class, but not because of his teaching. Can't understand his accent, and when I can, the words make no sense. Uses metaphors like "beating your wife" for "taking a derivative."

5.0
1.0
DIFEQIDK
Oct 23, 2011

He's the best math teacher iv ever had. hes hilarious and if you take notes on everything he puts on the board, the homework is the exact same. he has the best scale iv ever seen where 25% of students get above an A on the test. Take him, pay attention, do the homework, you will get an A and if you struggle a B.

4.0
2.0
CALCA
Nov 14, 2011

what a funny guy. if you write what he puts up and do your homework the class should be too bad. When he goes off on tangents ( no pun intended) just sit back and listen to the outrageous things that he says.

3.0
3.0
CALC231
Dec 27, 2011

Really nice guy, incredibly funny, and a real character! Always helpful during office hours, but he FLIES through topics in class. We finished the semester (covered all topics) a week and a half early. Tests are based off of material given for HW. Book was NEVER used so save yourself the $100. All in all, highly recommended

5.0
1.0
DIFEQ234
Nov 8, 2012

One of the best teachers I've had. He explains everything i didnt even buy the textbook. His tests are exactly what he tought in class and with the scale I got an A on every test. If you do homework and pay attention you will succeed in his class. Also he compares functions to animals all the time and its hilarious. The guy is funny.

2.0
4.0
CLAC205
Nov 15, 2012

For me, one of the worst prof. I couldn't understand much of what hes explaining. Grade not so good and I usually get A in math. his accent, bad hand writing, disorganize, not correct or give answer to homework. make material not very interested to learn. *you should consider finding a different prof or else study very hard in his class.

5.0
2.0
CALC231
Nov 19, 2012

Loved this professor. If you can't understand him, just sit in the front rows and you'll get used to his talking. His grading policy makes it very hard to fail class, even though he goes through topics very quick. I recommend just doing the homework and going to class and you'll pass his tests. Tests are very Friday for the most part.

1.0
3.0
92231CALC3
Apr 21, 2013

Very intelligent man, poor poor teacher. He is very disorganized, hard to understand, gets things wrong and runs off on tangents. Keeps poor notes, talks too fast and is not very approachable after class. Try to find another teacher if possible.

4.0
1.0
CALCIII
Apr 23, 2013

kinda wierd in a dorky way but he knows his stuff. you will be confused by his analogies he uses to describe a topic but dont pay attention to it. once you see him do a problem showing the work you will understand it, lets u use a 1page cheat sheet on every test. show up and try hard , u will be fine

5.0
1.0
DIFFEQ
May 8, 2013

The MAN! He is hip. Says the funniest stuff in class. He gets mad when you don't show up to class, do the homework, or ask for a make-up exam. I got an A because I'm smart and he's the MAN. Take this dude. I should of taken him for Calc 3.

4.0
2.0
DIFFEQ
May 14, 2013

SHOW UP TO CLASS!! Even though you can watch the posted videos online, he will call you out on it. He hates those who only shows up for exams! So do yourself a favor and come to class! He's also quite entertaining and definitely knows his stuff!

5.0
2.0
CALCIII
Aug 16, 2013

Very understanding professor in terms of makeups. His handwriting and accent make him hard to understand sometimes but he understands his stuff and teaches it fairly well. The way he grades is unique but fair. The textbook wasn't needed at least for the summer session.

5.0
2.0
CALC3
Aug 16, 2013

A great teacher, really wants to help you succeed whether it's giving makeups for tests or letting you turn in old homeworks. Funny personality as well tries to tell stories relating to the material, if you want a good grade take his class!

4.0
2.0
92231
Sep 5, 2013

Amazing math teacher. Never used textbook so don't bother getting it. Very funny, love his animal analogies to explain math.

4.0
2.0
92234
Nov 19, 2013

The subject matter is difficult, but he made it comprehensible. He teaches using examples and not complicated mathematical jargon. I got an A in the class even though I probably didn’t deserve one. His analogies are hilarious but not for the thin skinned. All in all, I’d recommend taking this class with him.

4.0
2.0
DIFFEQ
Dec 3, 2013

Great teacher love his analogies, dont bother getting the textbook.

3.0
4.0
92234201
Dec 14, 2014

Lots of homework but problems are his own and has similar problems in class. Class gets recorded on Echo 360. Class is scaled but if you have very smart people in class does not help much. Very bad at math and got a C because I always asked him questions and attended office hours on a regular basis. Allowed cheat sheet with anything on it for exam

5.0
2.0
DEFEQ
Jan 2, 2015

He is very smart. And helpful. He give makeup exams for those who can't attend test. He gives bonus too and accept late hw. He has a perfect memory. You can use cheat sheet during exam. He explains fast, for example, he skips steps in solution coz he thinks you should understand every steps but you can understand that from the video he posts

4.0
2.0
92362
Grade: A
Feb 5, 2015

Before taking Numerical Analysis, I had no idea what MATLAB was. It became very interesting to learn. Attendance matters otherwise you won't understand what's going on. Gives a lot of bonus points.

3.0
2.0
DIFFEQ234
Grade: A
Jun 27, 2015

Hard to understand but odd jokes make up for it. Sometimes does not understand students' questions. Lots of homework, but is very helpful for studying. Posts all lectures on Echo 360. Pace of summer class is very fast so try to take during the normal school year if you are not good at math. Has a weird scaling system, but usually helps.

2.0
4.0
CALC3
Grade: C
Aug 5, 2015

His explanations make no sense. In calc 3 I had him for the summer session. He moved so fast there was no time to go back and ask questions. He recommended not to get the book but his examples and notes on the smart board were so broken and hard to read. not a bad person but a really bad teacher

3.0
5.0
CALC3
Grade: B-
Aug 14, 2015

Very difficult to understand due to language barrier. Rambles on and bounces all over the place. He does know the material very well, just cannot get it across to the class due to the difficulty to understand him and his teaching style.

4.0
3.0
92234
Grade: B-
Aug 14, 2015

Professor Mirie is a bit odd but he knows his material and in the case of differential equations he was able relate the material to real world applications. His tests are tough, but he allows notes. The final is long, expect to be there the whole time

1.0
5.0
MATH2340
Dec 1, 2015

Rida is an extremely intelligent professor. That being said, he cannot teach. He assumes way too much and students get lost very quickly. He uses SMART Notebook software that lets him do digital lecture notes instead of using the board. His handwriting is atrocious and illegible. He also likes to insult his students when they aren't there.

2.0
1.0
MATH5630
Grade: A+
Jan 19, 2016

He is out of his mind. Assignments make no sense, and require running Matlab programs that don't even work half the time. He wasn't even good at using Matlab, but expected us to be without teaching it at all. He would go off on nonsensical tangents and unprofessional rants about other students. Very easy grader, but you will learn nothing.

4.0
1.0
MATH2340
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 7, 2016

Taking him for differential equations, he is hilarious but will call you out if you skip class or text. He has always responded to emails and his practice exams are similar. He gives homework every class but they are not hard and consist of 3-5 questions. Exams have bonus points and curves them

4.0
3.0
DIFFEQ234
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 8, 2016

Exceptional mind. It takes some time to learn how he thinks but once you're there it is hilarious and informative at the same time. He is the only professor who has mastered the art of teaching without the need for a textbook. But you have to do your part - homework and taking a lot of notes. Will definitely take his class again.

5.0
2.0
DIFEQ234
Grade: A-
May 4, 2016

Class is difficult, but he scales. Wonderful guy - will genuinely help you. Homework is graded 100 if an attempt is made. GO TO CLASS. Participate - he will give you bonus points.

2.0
4.0
DIFEQ234
Grade: C+
Aug 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Must attend class if you want to pass! Scaling is ridiculous and makes no sense but it does help. Do the homework every day and that is how you will pass. Went into the exam with a D and my final grade was a C+. If you score 90 or higher on the final he told us your final grade would automatically go to an A even if you were failing before...

5.0
4.0
MATH5630
Nov 30, 2016
Would take again

Very nice guy, and teaches the material objectively.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
DIFEQ234
Apr 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is genuinely a nice guy. But honestly I can't understand him at all and he tends to skip steps thinking that everyone understood what he did. HIs grading for the exams are scaled on how the class do as a whole. All his classes will be taped and online. His practice exams are very similar to his exams.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH.2340
Sep 1, 2017
Would take again

Uses weird analogies to explain things, making the math memorable. This class is difficult as far as understanding the material goes, but his somewhat lenient grading policy makes an A readily available for the taking if you put in more than minimal effort.

1.0
4.0
DIFEQ234
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

the analogies lead to more confusion. I still don't know why a cat that ate a dog relates to u substitution. The analogies go onto tirades that don't relate back to the math well enough to stick into memory.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
DIFFEQ234
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Expect to have an exam every other week.. thank goodness for cheat sheets. If you miss class, prepare yourself for a bunch of notes. The man goes wicked fast and covers a lot. He usually gives the same q's on exams as the examples in class, & his scaling works in ur favor. Final is cumulative and had like 25 questions, kind of felt like torture.

TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
MATH2340
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Difficult to understand, used strange metaphors. Also, assigned homework but never gave a solution or feedback, so doing homework became meaningless. At least the class was heavily scaled

Participation matters
TEST HEAVY
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
4.0
DIFEQ234
Grade: A+
Apr 18, 2018
Would take again

While he may have transcended our puny and tactile realm, he still has a great influence my life EVERYDAY. Not a day goes by where I don't feel him tugging away at the strings of destiny. If you have a chance to take a class with him in the beyond, take that chance.

Respected
Inspirational
Hilarious
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

56%

Textbook Required

81%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
B- (2)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(2)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 14 reported grades
A: 4
B-: 2
A+: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
TEST HEAVY (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
Hilarious (2)
Get ready to read (1)
Skip class? You won't pass. (1)
Tough Grader (1)
LECTURE HEAVY (1)
Participation matters (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.30 avg change
Aug
Nov
Apr
Sep
Dec
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CALCIIIDIFF

5.0

(1)

MATH231

5.0

(1)

DIFFE111

5.0

(1)

DIFEQIDK

5.0

(1)

DEFEQ

5.0

(1)
+28 more courses
Difficulty by Course

DIFFYQ

5.0

CALCAL

5.0

92234201

4.0

CLAC205

4.0

MATH2340

3.3

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