2.2
Quality4.2
DifficultyN/A
Would Retake147
ReviewsN/A
Would Retake
147
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
12
4
19
3
32
2
44
1
40
What Students Say
“Low test averages give a false sense of insecurity, but Dr”
PHYS231 - 4.0 rating“Daunt is a great guy but not the best professor”
ASTRO152 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.15 avg changeRatings by Course
ASTRONOMY1611
4.0
(1)ASTRONOMY262
4.0
(1)ASTRO161162
4.0
(1)PHYS231
4.0
(4)AS152
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ASTRO161162
5.0
PHY161
5.0
ASTRO250
5.0
AST150
5.0
ASTO151
5.0
Reviews (147)
had him for 161 also. Take the online course with Cardall if you get the chance.
had him for 162 as well. Tests are terrible, and lectures are way off topic.
Lectures go way off topic, always keeps you longer than class time permits, tests are WAY too hard..
He is a very knowledgeable person. Extremely smart, however, a bit disorganized. Once you get the hang of his class, it's not so bad. He offers unlimited extra credit and is helpful one on one.
If you like rabbit trails you will like this guy.i learned about astronomy but the lectures are a bore and his tests can be off the wall.
GET TO KNOW HIM! Well rounded and class is interesting. Easy to talk to. If you attend class, you can get a B. If you read, you can get an A. Infinite Xcredit. Pay attention and you'll do fine. I barely read or studied, but payed attention and did well in lab (easy), did a few xcredits and got an A.
I made an A which is doable for anyone willing to do extra credit. He always ends up getting very behind shedule because he spends more time of topic than on topic. Read the Chapter summaries do the extra credit.!!!
His tests are very hard and his lectures have nothing to do with what will be on the tests. You have to basically teach yourself everything. The only way to survive is though lots and lots of extra credit...which he offers and infinite amount of (thankfully). I would avoid his class.
Had him for both astronomies. His tests are difficult, and he draws upon multiple sources for questions. If you pay attention to the obscure things he says in class, there are your test questions. Lectures were pretty boring--understandable, this is not a kid's class. Just do the extra credit and you'll come out with an A or a B.
Horrible professor who just complained about his health problems and at the end of lecture would realize that he didn't teach anything that day.
biggest waste of time dont take it unless you love getting bad grades
though dr daunt might be a good person outside of teaching he is the worst professor ive had. he pulls info from about 50 different things and the tests might as well be from thin air. they have nothing to do with class. so there is no way to study do if you do make a good grade its all luck!
The tests are hard! But its college. and honestly he just wants the students to seem intrested and participate. If you ask questions every now and then and just pay attention, do as much exrta credit as you can (which inst hard) you can come out with and a esily even if you fail all of the tests. And if you ask, he will tell you that this is true.
He is the best Ast. prof. there is. He is a smart man but VERY boring and his test are hard He makes the tests from his study guide on the web site. Take notes from that and from the book, don't listen to him, he babbles. He gives a TON of extra credit take advantage, it can add a letter grade or more to your final grade.
Probably the most boring class ever...don't sit in the front 'cause you'll fall asleep. I think he thinks that everyone loves astronomy and that most of us aren't there just to fulfill a required class. His tests are ridiculous, but he gives SO much extra credit. And the lab was awesomely easy. It's not a hard grade, but it's really boring.
He doesn't always come across as a friendly guy, but Dr. Daunt is actually very cool. I love astronomy and it's obvious that he does, too. Show up, pay attention, and participate. His exams are some of the toughest I've had at UT -- BUT he offers an incredible amount of extra credit, so take advantage of it.
Daunt's a good guy. Apparently, I am the only one who thought the tests were pretty freakin' easy. Yes, his lectures do tend to get off track, but he gives you so many resources to study with, the tests should be a breeze.
BORING
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PROFESSOR AT ALL COSTS. HE FAILED ME NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE, EVEN AFTER I WENT TO HIM FOR EXTRA CREDIT! seriously, the man needs to retire, buy an eighth, and look at the stars all night.
He offers as much extra credit as you want, and is willing to help explain and point you in the right direction. I didnt do well at all on his tests, but watched like 10 videos and did some solar viewings, and ended up with an A both semesters. Extra credit points are added on to your FINAL GRADE!! take advantage of that.
Interesting man, really knows what he's talking about. His classes do NOTHING to prepare you for the exams, which call up some of the most random facts that even all the study guides spend like two sentences on. You really have to study, but if you do and do the extra credit, you'll be golden.
I was excited to take this course when i read about it. However, now that I am taking it with Dr. Daunt I regret it. He is rude, and unclear about what he is teaching.
he is EXTREMEMLY DIFFICULT. what he talks about in class is all mixed up. he talks about nothing on the tests!!! the hardest, most confusing teacher. DO NOT TAKE UNDER HIM!! if your grades start slipping, just make sure you go to lab and do extra credit!
His lectures cover a broad array of topics ranging from the European colonization of the Americas to his personal health problems, occasionally touching upon theistic debate. Most of your studying will be done from the book but both studying and attending class and extra credit will be absolutely necessary for a good grade. Be nice and learn a lot.
Knowledgable about material, although he tends to wonder off and talk about things going on his life at NASA and likes rambling on about the history of astronomy at UT and naming the Dr.'s that he works with. The test are a little hard because it asks history questions and questions about the future (like what spaceshuttle will launch in 2048?)
Lectures don't really help you prep for exams. Exams are vague; you HAVE to study book and his website to avoid failing them. He's very kind if you're a serious student. He's ONLY willing to help those who love education, not the slackers. I was one of the former, and I made a great grade. If you're part of the latter group, you will NOT do well.
He's an okay teacher, but you have to STUDY EVERYTHING and take good notes because his tests are absolutely frightening. If you're having problems or need help you must specifically ask him or he will not be of any service at all. Good teacher who knows and loves what he's teaching. Just expect to fail the tests.
His tests are ridiculously hard. I didn't pass any of them. BUT he does give lots of extra credit. That helped me get a passing grade. His lectures are boring but it's important to listen and take notes. DO ALL EXTRA CREDIT!
He is the worst professor if u want to pass DO NOT take hiM!! he failed me even though I did great in my labs!! he talks nothing about what is on the tests and he does not let you know what your grade is until after the final unless you go up to him and ask him which most were too embarresed to do!! he is absolutely a horrible prof!
The teacher is horrible. He is all over the place and no one understands his grading system
Though he may seem rather disorganized and his grading system makes NO sense, he's a good teacher who cares about his students. Do the extra credit, every opportunity, and show up to class. Use the book questions for tests and you'll do fine.
his astronomy classes suck. the lectures have nothing to do with what is on the tests, and the tests are ridiculous. the labs are easy, and there is a lot of extra credit and those are the only reasons that you won't fail the class. there are some brown nosers in the class that make good grades that make everyone mad. remember, do all extra credit!
study for the tests (if you average nearly a 60 to a 70 and do well in everything else you'll be fine), get an easy A for a lab grade, attend class, do the extra-credit, and get to know him to the point where he can put a face with a name and you will get an A... if not you are lazy and will probably complain about his methods
I am an A student and I am absolutely confused. Instead of having one nice neat powerpoint or set of notes, he pulls up 6 different screens and clicks back and forth to all of them. It is so confusing. He also talks to everyone like they are freshman even though most of my class is jr. level or above. STAY AWAY!!! Worst prof. of college carrer!!!
Daunt sucks, he knows what he is talking about, but no efficient way of talking about it. In order to pass the test (not even get a good grade) you have to spend a few hours a day flpping through the thousands of links on his website. Dont pay attention in lecture, I suggest outlining the chapter during class. Dont take him if you don't have too
Why does he "teach" (if you can even call it that)? He needs to be an astronaut and fly to the moon... and stay there... forever.
Honestly I can say he is the worst professor I have ever had. I make good grades in all my classes. He has made me hate astronomy. The whole class has been a blur with him going over stuff, then in mid sentence going off topic to talk about the football players and such. NEVER EVER take his class. You'll regret it.
he really knows what he's talking about, but he expects everyone to love astronomy, which no one really does. his tests are ridiculously hard, but you should try and study for them the best that you can. his websites are a big help. also, DO EXTRA CREDIT and visit him during his office hours-i did that and ended up with a B+.
The material wasn't easy but Dr. Daunt was willing to offer extra help to anyone who needed it. Really a nice guy who cared if his students learned.
I had Dr. Daunt when I was a Freshman and have not taken a class with him since but I look back on his teaching fondly. Very friendly and overly helpful if you are interested in the class.
Probably the worst teacher I've ever had. Enough said.
His class seriously sucks. I got an A in 161 last semester and this semester I spent literally 3x as much time studying for his tests only to get a 44. The class avg was a 47. He does offer extra credit, but it is watching obnoxious, boring, hour-long videos and writing a 2 page paper. I would not recommend him at all.
Get out while you still can. Seriously. Switch into Dr. Blass's class. You will thank me. This is the hardest class I've ever taken. He expects you to treat the class as though it is the only class you are taking.
If you're a freshman or sophomore, don't take Daunt's class. If you do take it anyway, don't complain about how hard it is. I've been cramming the night before each test and am making A's and B's. That said, Daunt is a really good teacher, and the class will certainly get you interested in astronomy.
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Honestly, he is the most confusing man I have ever met. He never stays on topic, but that's okay because he never talks about anything relative to the test. His class is boring so get on facebook or take a Beacon with you. You definitely have to study for the test, but there are only 4 and he drops lowest one. Overall, not that bad
Dr. Daunt is witty. Unfortunately, his wit and humor don't earn you a passing grade. The professor is entirely frustrating to listen to. In class, he covers nothing related to the test. If you study for the tests in great, great detail you should be okay, but it's difficult to find the right material to study. Take the class with someone else!
He is terrible and one of the worst professors I have ever had, seriously! He is a waste of time, don't take one of his classes!!!!
Do not take this teacher! He is, hands down, the worst professor ever. His tests are impossible. His lectures consist of him talking about off the wall stuff and his own accomplishments-does not relate to material. He is rude and not helpful in person. I had to do 15 extra credit papers to make a B, and I am a straight A student usually.
His tests are difficult, but he gives lots of opportunity for extra credit (though it's all papers not worth much) and give lots of resources. It's basically teaching yourself.
Don't take him! One he told a student to lose weight. He gets off topic in class and what he does teach never shows up on the test. when you ask him a questions he either looks at you like your stupid and gets mad, or goes off for 20 minutes away from the question you asked and makes your more confused. His test are impossible! His ears are HUGE!
he said " If you work really hard in this class and do extra credit you should be able to get a c"said to the whole class not a struggling student. He goes off on random astronomy stuff, or what he does for nasa not related to tests, which are impossible in his class if you understand something he says dont worry it wont be on the test
He never talks about astronomy. EVER. For instance...the satillite "Uhuru"...all I know about it is that it means freedom in Swahili! How does that help me on the tests? Plus, it takes him FOREVER to grade tests so you never know what your grade is like. He's one of those that's more concerned with his "important" research than teaching.
This is a very hard class. HOWEVER, Dr. Daunt does give a whole lot of Extra Credit so it helps it balance out a little. The clickers that are used for attendance aren't very reliable and he doesn't see very interested in indvidual student success. He gets off subject easily too.
Horrible teacher. goes off on tangents and doesn't cover all material,but still tests on the material. Very boring and goes over class time talking every class period. Needs to be fired and never teach again.
Don't take this class. I was initially exicited thinking that it would be a "fun" science, but instead it was the most boring class I've ever taken. It took so much time to study and still fail. He teaches freshmen to "work" in school(he reminds you every day) but you don't need a huge time committment for a class that won't matter for your major
he is a ridiculously horrible teacher. he doesn't teach, he visits wikipedia sites. If you don't do extra credit you will fail. DO NOT TAKE ANY OF HIS CLASSES. I studied a ton and still barely etched out a C
Only take his classes if you are really interested in astronomy, and you better read the textbook & do homework in order to understand everything. Use his study guides for tests. It is really difficult but he's an entertaining guy and tries to help out with grades in the end. Definitely not an easy gpa booster, but if you do a lot of extra credit y
this class is hard. if you don't do extra credit, you're SOL. luckily, he offers UNLIMITED amounts of extra credit which is extremely helpful!
Dr. Daunt's test are very hard. I got in the low 60s on each. But, I did the extra credit and got help from him during office hours. He puts great weight on these two things (it shows interest and responsibility). I got an A- in the course.
Nice teacher, funny sometimes, and tends to get off topic. I wouldn't take it if I could go back in time, but he offers lots of EC and is genuinely nice. Always answers questions.
Miserable. Ridiculous to listen to, not clear or helpful, and his tests are hard. The online homework is pretty tough, but doable and ended up saving my studying. He does give extra credit, but without it, it would my chances of passing would be slim.
Easy A even if you fail the tests, because of his extra credit. Does get off topic sometimes, and takes the first 10 minutes of class to set up his laptop and papers. I started doing papers after the 2nd week of class, and did about one per week, and went to 3 night astrology sessions. My final grade was over 100 in his class.
The worst teacher I have ever had. Spends the first (sometimes half) of class talking about random news in astronomy. The good thing is that you can write extra credit on these. You MUST COME TO CLASS!! He gets really angry if you don't come, leave, or talk during. He takes attendance up to 3 times/class. Tests are hard, study the text.
I took 161-162 with Dr. Daunt my freshman year, and, despite the onslaught of negative comments about him, I found him very willing to help. The lectures can be frustrating and the tests are often extremely difficult, but the extra credit is a life-saver (and let me get 2 A's). Go to his office hours and do the extra credit, and you'll be fine.
Dr. Daunt continually downs the state of Tennessee and the University. His tests are Ridiculous! 50 of the most confusing multiple choice questions ever. Dr. Daunt is extremely egotistical, and treats the class as if they were middle-schoolers. I would highly recommend not to take this class under Dr. Daunt.
It's funny for all of the horrific things everyone says about Dr. Daunt he isn't that bad of a guy, not a great teacher but not the worst. All that's really required is paying attention in class and looking over the textbook every now and then. They're difficult, but as everyone else has said - homework and extra credit REALLY boost grades.
He might be a good teacher if he could stay on topic
AVOID. He may be a nice enough guy, but who cares if he is the most useless professor I have ever had. Completely unorganized, never on topic, BORING, tests are ridiculously hard. We never knew what to study for the tests...and we never knew WHEN they were going to be either. The syllabus means nothing. Do the extra credit, it is your only hope.
Avoid!!! He is a very nice guy and has interesting stories but says little about astronomy. The tests are incredibly difficult, and he tells you the entire world wide web is your study guide. He also never sticks to a test date so forget about the syllabus. Lots and lots of extra credit is how I passed, but luckily he gives unlimited opportunities.
I love Daunt! (I am also a physics major w/a concentration in astronomy, so...) As far as taking him for an 'easy A', don't count on it. If you actually do your work, read, and study, his class is a cakewalk.
This guy can rant about the most random stuff but occasionally it can be funny, all his faults are made up for by that ass. Gets me hard every class
DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!! It is super duper hard. He NEVER stays on topic and makes excuses a lot. AWFUL. DON"T PUT YOURSELF THROUGH IT!!
Daunt is terrible! I think he spent more time during classes talking about how disrespectful and irresponsible our generation is today. His tests always included at least a couple questions that were really hard for the most part I would probably give his tests a 6 out of 10 on a hardness scale.
Daunt is awesome. Anyone who doesn't like him is immature. He is so above everyone's level intellectually but if you pay attention and leave your personal judgments aside, you will learn so much. Do what he asks and you pass. Lazy people won't like it.
Worst teacher at school. I have never tried so hard and been so hopless in his class. I have a 3.5 GPA and got a D in this horrible class. He is also an mean to students
Get out of this class immediately. The only way you can even consider passing is doing all of the extra credit. He talks about nothing astronomy related in class, and the tests are impossible even if you study the book. RUN.
This man is a fool & @ss. he gets off subject. he's a smartass, when you ask him questions, he looks at you as if you're stupid. when he does lecture about the material that**** is never on the test. he thinks his test are easy, there not. the material in the book isnt on the test, so the book is useless in that class. do an extra credit each wk.
This is the worst class I have ever taken. I am a straight A student and will be lucky to make a B. I work 5x as hard for this class or any other. If you are looking for a "non lab" science DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. You are better of in chemistry or organic chemistry for that matter. RUN RUN RUN!
Easily the WORST teacher I have ever had. He is a stuck-up bigot. He is rude to students and rants about how today's generation are idiots. There are clicker quizzes every class so you have to go. Take him UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES!
Run for the hills! This man is crazy. Tests have nothing to do with lectures or book or homework. Most of the class fails, but he doesn't curve because you can write extra credit papers on a lot of different things. GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!
Dr. Daunt is not an easy teacher. I would not suggest this class unless you are an Astro major.He does give lots of extra credit but the tests are a challenge.
The chapters we cover are quite challenging. I must say, you definitely have to read the book, do the practice quizzes, and go over the study guides just as he advises you to do in order to pass the tests. It really helps. He also gives tons of easy extra credit opportunities. If you fail, he has every right to say, "I told you so."
HE IS AWFUL! Don't take this man for anything. He openly complains about his job and complains about everything else in his life, instead of teaching. The only thing keeping me passing is the fact that he offers lots of extra credit.
This man is flat out rude to his students and is honestly a horrible teacher. He would be a better fashion model than a teacher. Anyone that takes him is out of their mind.
This is the worst teacher I've had in years. I really wanted to take this class but he ruined it for me. He is so condescending and rude. His tests are really hard and you have to pretty much teach yourself. He does let you do lots of extra credit, but if you have other classes you don't have time to do much. Don't take him if you can avoid it!
Do yourself a favor and drop this class if you get this professor. He was disrespectful to us and just found excuses on why he didn't get something done. He will go on and talk about nothing related to astronomy which would be fine except we were weeks behind schedule. His notes and power points are useless. I did better when I taught myself.
HE IS THE WORST TEACHER AT UT, i have never had a ruder teacher in my life. Yeah okay he might be funny, but he is the only one that laughs at his own jokes. If you ever ask him questions at the end of class he will shut you down and be very rude. It is like he wants you to fail. Do yourself a favor and do not take him as a teacher.
Do not take his class. Try to do what ever you can to switch professors. Most of the bad things people have said about this professor are true. In the fall 2010 he took on like 300 more students than he's use to teaching. You HAVE to do extra credit, at least 10 points worth. You HAVE to go to his office and make sure he knows your name. Good luck!
I really enjoyed his class, and I thought he was a good professor. He does often go on side stories, but he ties them back into the class. He offers a lot of extra credit and I thought it was easy to get an A if you went to class and read the book.
The comments make it seem harder than it really is. My highest test grade was a 68. I missed 2 days and did all the online homework.I only did 4 extra credit papers. Studied about an hour for each exam and made a B in the class. Go to class but take your laptop to play games or do other class work. Good teacher
Dr. Daunt tends to ramble. A lot. And the stuff on the tests is not only stuff covered in lecture, but some stuff from the book as well as some stuff from his online study guides. The best thing about him is there's no limit to extra credit. If you have a choice, don't take him. He is a nice guy if you need help during office hours though.
Good guy with great intentions but a terrible teacher. Let's his life interfear with teaching ability. I've taken 3 tests and only got 1 grade back so far. We are a month behind the sylabus. Class is generally boring. Tests not from homework, book, or lectures, but instead from his own uncomprehendably organized website with study guides.
His test are impossible, but if you go to class, do the extra credit, and go to his office hours at least once you will get an A. I did horrible on the tests, and still got an A. The only people who have ever said that they got bad grades are the ones who didnt go to class or do any of the extra credit.
He is literally the worst professor I have ever had. I have to take this class for teacher licensure, or I would switch out. Not only is he boring, but he also gives incorrect information. Really? He teaches absolutely nothing about Astronomy. Seriously.
Smart man (NASA scientist, at that), but his lectures are deplorably bad. Very hard to stay awake. Exams are ridiculous and to make even an average grade you have to review his terribly organized study guides. The book is pretty useless as well, rarely do you find much from the exam in it. Would not recommend Daunt to anyone.
Horrible class. No matter how you studied the information in the book, lectures, and homework would not be on the exam. I am an A student and this was honestly a ridiculous class. You could pull better grades if you did extra credit work.Rambling lectures and he berated students for asking perfectly legitimate questions.Not Recommended.
Daunt is a good guy, he is fed up with freshman that can't prepare for class or put in any effort.It is not class where you can just get by.GO TO OFFICE HOURS, get to know Daunt and he will cut you some slack.If you read the book before class, do extra credit and talk to Daunt..you'll be fine. Get to know your professors!!-best advice I can offer.
Daunt wants you to read the material and outline chapter from the textbook before coming to class. By doing that you are introducing the material to yourself, then in class Daunt goes over the material in more depth. You will have to know the material inside and out to do well on the quizzes. Requires a lot of independent work. Not an easy course.
Dr. Daunt is a nice guy, very, very smart, and knows a whole lot. However, as another rater addressed, he does seem to be on an unofficial crusade against the sea of Facebook-browsers in his class. Unfortunately, that makes collateral damage of the few people in the class who simply aren't that into the class, having taken it as a requirement.
Be respectful and come to class on time. Do the reading and the homework. Take advantage of the additional study guides online if you have time. I sat towards the front which helps in a class that large. He is approachable, but very busy. The class was interesting, even if the material was a little difficult. Daunt is a good professor.
This professor is ridiculous! He does not lecture about the materials that we are supposed to be learning about. Everything I learned about this subject was from the online homework and textbook. I had to teach myself, which is not what i want when i'm paying someone to teach me the material.
Dr. Daunt's quizzes are very very very difficult. I would not even suggest really going over material in the book unless you plan to memorize every page. Most questions are related to people in astronomy rather than concepts. He is very rude also But seriously this guys quizzes will drive you insane because you dont know what is going to be onthem
Dr. Daunt claims to derive his tests from study guides, the book, and online homework. That is ABSOLUTELY not true. I hope he reads this and realizes no one likes his class. I love astronomy and learning about the cosmos but his tests are what he wants you to learn and not what actually matters. Hopefully this man does not teach ever again.
I enjoyed Dr. Daunt's lectures; he makes the material easy to understand and interesting to learn. You get credit for attending class and doing a small amount of homework, which helps your grade. The tests are not easy, but if you put in some study time and a little effort then you are sure to pass the class.
Dr. Daunt gets a bad reputation, but I don't understand why. His tests are never that hard. They include extra credit and are mostly multiple choice. I think my best test grade was a 78 and I made an A in both of his Astronomy classes. He's also hilarious if you don't take his stuff seriously.
Literally the worst professor I have ever had. He should have been a history teacher, because that is all he talks about. This is ASTRONOMY, not history! I have had to teach myself all the material, and he is constantly messing up grades and making excuses. DO NOT TAKE.
Rude, inconsistent, unintelligible professor. Please take the negative reviews here seriously. He is the rudest instructor on campus, doesn't use the textbook, and mocks his students. I'd rather die than take this man again and I'm NOT one of the failing students. I can't stress enough: DON'T!
the absolute worst teacher to ever exist this is NOT an exaggeration. never met someone more miserable. Hes rude, doesnt follow his syllabus calendar so you might as well crumple it up, tests are impossible and cover nothing he says they will, dont bother answering questions in class because he will tell you your wrong and make fun of you
I only have had one quiz so far. I made a 49. I hate this class so much. He will not make himself clear what is on the quiz.
I can't even put into words how terrible this class is. You can studying for days and still not be prepared for the quizzes. They are so tricky and I swear he designs them to make you fail. I HIGHLY suggest you don't take this course until they hire a new teacher.
After studying myself to death for the quiz we had today, and marveling over this miserable man's treatment of his students over the semester, all I can say is that you should avoid him at all costs. His tests are impossible. There's no way to study for them. Forget anything in the book being useful. Unless you do a ton of EC, you'll fail.
I don't see what everyone's problem with this guy is. He's old school. If you don't spend two hours on his class outside of outside of the class, you will not succeed. He certainly isn't a nice guy, but if you put in the time time and effort to commit to his class, you'll do fine.
Daunt's class makes me miserable.Every week he goes on about things that aren't relevant to the course his tests are impossible and he takes over a month to grade them. He'll randomly assign homework/announce tests, sometimes only a day before.If you're interested in astronomy, don't take this because you WILL lose your interest.
Horrible teacher. He notified us of a test less than 24 hours before we had to take it. This wouldn't have been a problem if he followed his daily syllabus which is located on his terrible website. Taking this class was the biggest mistake I have ever made.
This teacher is horrible. He not even slightly organized. He sent an email with less than 24 hours before our next class saying there was an exam the next day. He does not check his email and assigns stuff randomly without notice. He rambles during class about nothing important. And is always late to his own class.
First off, no, this class is not an easy A. He expects work outside of class and will tell you that on the first day. Second, he's not one to coddle you. Third, you have to actually pay attention when he speaks. He will always announce tests, EC opportunities, etc., in advance, but if you're texting, or on Facebook, you might miss it.
Honestly one of the worst professors i've had at UT in my 3 years of college. Talks about nothing in class lectures that's on his impossibly worded tests. Homework is ridiculous. Lot of extra credit opportunity, but that's only because test averages range from 30-65
Daunt's lectures are incredibly boring and his entire course is ridiculously unorganized. His website doesn't make sense and his syllabus is never updated. I'm a good student, had a 3.77 GPA going into this semester, and for a while I was honestly concerned about failing. If you only need 1 semester, take 152 with someone else!!
This class is probably the hardest class Ive taken at UT yet. Dr. Daunt is definitely not an easy professor. The quizzes are difficult but not completely unbearable. There is enough extra credit to compensate. Dr. Daunt however is an awesome professor. He loves what he does and teaches with so much passion. I adore him. Id recommend this class.
Far and away the worst teacher I have ever had. Everything about his class is miserable. I was honestly excited about Astronomy until Dr. Daunt got in the way. Our final exam consists of chapters he never went over in class. Take the class with a different professor.
I BEG OF YOU. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. You do not learn about planets and stars. You basically only learn about spectroscopy. His tests are impossible.
This professor is awful. He posted our second exam AFTER class already ended and posted our third exam the night before the final. I didn't do extra credit because I thought I had been doing great on the tests, this was not the case. If you take him, make sure to do as much extra credit as you can! This is the worst professor I have ever known!
Dr. Daunt is a decent person and is very smart, but I would not recommend this class. He rambled on for a month on Chapter 1, and by the time the end of the semester was approaching, we were cramming material in like crazy. He's always complaining about his health, and he takes forever to grade. Don't take his class.
I don't know why people always complain about this class. It's not that difficult. I was able to get an A on every test by just reading the chapters and his links. I think you all just need to work harder and quit complaining every time a class is not an "easy A". That's why you are here. To challenge yourself.
Dr Daunt is a scholar, passionate about his subject and eager to spark some interest in immature students who spend the class facebooking or texting instead of paying attention. Very easy to make an A if you are a serious student, go to class, read the book, do the homework and take advantage of the countless opportunities for extra credit.
Constantly insults "our" generation in class. Overall has a very negative attitude, very passive aggressive. He makes me very angry because he easily gets off topic, but it normally revolves around how people his age are so much better than the young people now. AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS
Overall just not a good teacher. Always goes on rants and has a negative opinion about EVERYTHING! If you work your ass of you can get an A, just do all the extra credit work he offers. Take another class if possible.
Daunt is brilliant, but he's such an arrogant jerk that there's no way to really benefit from his knowledge. He wastes most classes rambling about how worthless our generation is and has never once achieved the dates set on his syllabus. Expect to overwork yourself and have little to nothing to show for it.
You can tell Dr. Daunt is extremely intelligent, but he might be the worst professor I've had. He gets so behind in class by talking about off-topic things that you'll never be where the syllabus says you should. His exams are ridiculously difficult and he doesn't cover half the things in lecture that are on them. Don't take him unless you have to.
his class takes work, just like any other class. he takes literally anything astronomy related as extra credit, just ask him about it, he'll most likely say yes. the tests are quite hard, but go to his office hours and ask about the tests. write your notes and read the study guides. with the extra credit, you can pass just fine.
He is a major jerk, understands the subject well but has no idea how to teach or relate to students. Dont take this class, it is a pain. He gives very hard tests, and gets so far behind in lecture that you have to teach yourself a lot. ONCE AGAIN DONT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!
HORRIBLE. Our first test got pushed back by FOUR WEEKS! He expects you to be in class and does clicker questions but holds us over rambling EVERYDAY!You have to get up and leave or you will be late for your next class. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS! SAVE YOURSELF!
Daunt is extremely arrogant. He has a low tolerance for questions; do not take his astronomy class. The tests are EXTREMELY difficult, and he always falls behind on the material in class. There are lots of extra credit opportunities, but that doesn't compensate for how impossible his tests are. Good luck.
This professor is not good at all. He rambled all the time and always let us out of class 10 minutes late. Didn't help with answering questions in class and very mean to students. Does offer a lot of extra credit but it is inconvenient and tests are VERY hard. None of the material that he teaches is on his tests. Do NOT take this professor.
Low test averages give a false sense of insecurity, but Dr. Daunt knows what's reasonable and he's one of the better physics professors. HW 35%, labs 30%, 2 tests 10% each, final 15%. If you're not an electrical engineer, any PHYS 231 will be hard/frustrating/impossible. Yeah he hardly taught, but the random stuff he mentioned was better anyway lol
He is obviously very smart but is very unorganized. His study materials are organized on his personal website which half of the links are broken or outdated. I overall just think he hated teaching my Astronomy class, I would go to his office and have to wait in line behind his "engineers" and got an email from him telling me to stop emailing him!!!
Went into this class excited about learning ASTRONOMY but left disappointed. If a test was on the chapter about Jupiter, studying Jupiter's properties would be a complete waste, all the tests were about history and famous Astronomers and the types of telescopes they used (which is NOT talked about in detail in the textbook)DO NOT TAKE HIS COURSE
Daunt wouldn't get started on the notes until there were about 30 mins left of class. The tests would be so hard & no matter how well you know the material you will still get low grades on the tests because he gets all his questions from wikipedia links on stuff the chapter wasn't on. If you get stuck in his class, do all the extra credit you can!
Worst teacher on Campus! If you want to pass take another teacher. His tests never have anything on them that we learned in class or that was on the study guide. He rambles aimlessly in class and can never stay on track. He also gets far behind and you end up having like 3 tests the last week of school. Don't do it! Save Your GPA
Dr. Daunt is a great guy but not the best professor. If you take his class, prepare to study. His tests go primarily off of the his power points (which he provides the links to online). He is very fair with extra credit opportunities. He will follow the syllabus, but will get very behind. Again, for this class you MUST study.
If you're an engineer, you won't mind him as much as students in his inro Astr classes do. I enjoyed his lectures when I went (8 am class). His tests are insanely hard, but something like 65% of your average is from HW's and Lab. HW's are hard, but you can get good grades from them. Go to his office hours here and there. Difficult class, but doable
Refuses to use email. Will NOT answer regardless of the importance of content. If his office hours are only during times that you have other classes, then too bad for you. EXTREMELY condescending. Lectures are a joke.. he uses 8 year old powerpoints and randomly spends most of the lecture talking about Xerox copiers and slacker frat boys.
Yes, the class was hard. Yes, Dr. Daunt was a tough lecturer. However, there are ways you can get an A in the class. I bombed the first exam (did better on the last 3), but if you go to his office, he'll tell you what you can do for extra credit. HINT: print out the power points from his "daily syllabus" section and take notes from there.
It's sad to see how many students have given him a poor review yet he still is here teaching. He's not invested in your education in anyway. The university of Tennessee is failing all it's student by allowing this man to teach. He rambles. Then the material on his tests aren't anything we've seen. Problem with education in America.
Nice guy, not a great professor. I'm in his class now and it's his last semester and i think I'm going to get screwed. I study for his exams and they are never on anything we've studied before. HOWEVER, I will say he definitely does offer plenty of extra credit to boost your grade.
Of the professors that teach 231 Daunt and Zhao are probably the best. Yeah, the course material and structure isn't that great, especially due to artificially low test scores, but as a person and teacher Daunt is pretty good. Any time he diverges from the slides it's because his storyexplanation is better than anything the course involves anyway.
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