I love this guy! His class is a little difficult meaning he doesn't just hand you the grade on a plate, but you can tell he loves what he teaches. A good hearted guy that would do anything to help you out. He always says cheesy little lines that make you chuckle and that's what makes the class have personality. I learned a lot of material.

Mr. Phelps knows his stuff. Gives great lectures and follow the book along with lecture notes and you will do well.

good teacher take his notes and pay attention then you are set to go for the exams he makes the class fun if you really are interested in it i suggest you take the field trip too it was a blast!

he is a good teacher...it is a fun class and you learn alot

PHELPS ROCKS! He is a great teacher and is really helpful. He makes Geology fun and knows what he is talking about, but is not one to admit it. If you take notes and listen to his lectures you will go far and he will help you get there. I enjoy his class so much and I never knew I liked Geology until Phelps showed it to me. Thanks Bill!

I took both the lecture and field trip classes. I enjoyed him as a teacher very much. I especially enjoyed the field trip class, where I was able to get real world examples of the lectures. I would highly recommend Bill for Geology classes.

This guy is fabulous! He will explain everything to you without just giving you the answer. He really wants everyone to learn and actually got me interested in perhaps majoring in marine biology.

he is a geat teacher. he is very clear, and will answer all your questions. you have to study, but it is very interesting and i really enjoyed the class

He Is a Good teacher knows what he is talking about you need to know alaot of diagrams though.

Phelps class was very tough, but still interesting. I neved thought I would like Geology until I took his class. As interesting as the class was however the material was still very difficult and quizes, midterm and final were tough. None the less, one who studies hard, perserveres and takes good notes can earn a B in this class. Take Bill!

he expects students to know too much for an into class. course is very interesting, not much about sea life except little tiny stuff like plankton/jellyfish... watch a few movies... mainly lecture. lab was not fun, boring paperwork. if you want an a or b... u needa study

Mr. Phelps is a fantastic teacher. He is concise but goes into detail about everything. He makes you feel like a genius. you are learning so much and having so mush fun. The notes are extensive as well as the quizzes and tests. but all the time studying is well worth the A he rarely gives out!

Great professor, his lectures are fun, and his quizes are super easy! His exams are a little difficult. If you study you will pass. Recomment that anyone taks his class.

A good professor and explains very well. The class is hard though and lectures can get boring. He can be funny at times to try to get your attention. He doesnt tell you what is on quizzes so you never know what to study for them. Quizzes and tests can be difficult so study your notes and read the chapters.

For the quizes, just study your notes; they cover what he taught since the last quiz. For the test, study your notes and any key terms. In the book, just read the summarizing points at the end of the chapter. Ask questions, and definitely take notes. Look at the syllabus for quiz/test dates. I enjoyed taking his class and I learned a lot too.

i love Phelps!i'm not a geology person but it was my fav class this semester. i would like to take him again. Notes are the most impt thing.tests can be hard, but if you study it's fine. explains everything so you can understand it, he's funny and is more than willing to answer questions. but it's not an easy A, he actually expects you to learn

This class is way too much for an introductory class. Go to class everyday, and take good notes down. His quizzes and tests are based off his lectures. Use the book as a reference. I also took him for lab, and lab was HARDER than his lecture! Just be warned...it's A LOT of work to earn an A in the class. Overall, he's a nice and helpful teacher.

best professor for geology good looking too!! he knows his material!

Great teacher! Knows his stuff! I hate science and geology was an easy way out for me. made things interesting. lots of quizes few test hard but extremly fair. study and you'll do great!

Awesome teacher, he makes even the boring stuff interesting. I believe he genuinely wants to see his students do well and that he loves what he does. Very helpful and you learn alot. If your not interested in learning then you shouldnt take him. Show up for class, read over your notes (what the tests and quizzes are based on) and your good.

Fantastic class! I just needed it as a transferable class and ended up really enjoying it. Tests and quizzes based on lectures. Lectures were very informative. Book was good for pictures to identify rocks, but not for info. Dr. Phelps enjoys the material and it transfers to students. Highly recommend attending or tests will be very hard.

He is a wonderful teacher! So helpful and will answer any questions you have about anything. Very interested in helping the students learn. I thought he was also good looking! Nice guy.

Great teacher, really cares about what he is teaching. Answers all questions and makes you feel comfortable. He keeps you the entire class time which is good because you learn alot. He is good looking for the ladies. :) You will learn alot. Just study your notes from him and you will get an A. I didnt need the book, barely used it.

David Hasselhoff meets the Brady Bunch

amazing teacher. so willing to help you learn and earn good grade, ask and he shall answer. FUNNY guy, but in a nerdy/quirky way that ties in geologic aspects and has a rated G humor. cute smile. I believe he really loves being a teacher and giving students knowledge.All professors should be like him and I dont say that lightly,best ever TAKE HIM!

took this course at another college and was bored to death, not good. took it with Phelps and learned so much and loved it so much I have decided it is going to be my major, I was a business major before. wonderful and will enlighten you and awaken you to the splendors of the geological processes that form the world around you.

Good teacher. Interesting. Just don't miss class and you will hear everything that is covered on the tests. Lab is harder. Still, if you show up, he will cover everything during class. Just show up and take good notes to study from. When he sites a table in the book, learn it. Good sense of humor. I like his class.

He is one of the best teachers. He teaches everything so thoroughly and you remember everything. He makes his class so much fun, he makes you love science. Lab is a bit difficult, though.

Excellent instruction with clear knowledge of his field. Easy going and respectful of everyone. Made me want to change my major to geology.

I took him for lab. He is a great teacher who is always willing to help students. Attendance is MANDATORY! Make sure to look over all of your labs before taking the midterm & final!

Phelps is an alright kind of guy. He is very smart, but corny.I actually enjoy hearing him lecture, he has that kind of voice. His lab is harder than the lecture, but the lab is fun if you actually like geology and learning. I would take him again. He is charming.

Great guy, great teacher. I was sad there wasn't a pre-req for this class because I felt we spent alot of time on basic Geo things instead of Historical Geo, but I know that's not his fault. Very informed in his field and a kind man, patient and ready to answer questions. Lab is intense, you might have to actually think, but it's fun. Take him!

AWESOME PROFESSOR!!! Dr. Phelps is amazing, his lectures were fun and interesting, his tests were challenging but easy to pass if you study your lecture notes. I would take him again and again and again!

He was a really good/nice prof,would go back in lecture if you needed him to, in lab was always available to further go over any questions, sometimes let you take home your lab if you werent finished.He doesnt give out a study guide before tests or quizzes but its all mainly on your notes. Just go through your notes and you'll be fine. Good Luck =)

Amazing teacher! His lectures are ALWAYS fun. He makes his students be interested in his class. He will always find a way to make you laugh. Geology is all, mostly, about rocks, but he makes it fun. Now, this isn't an easy class; be sure you STUDY. You don't really need the book; all you need is to write down what he shows on the screen.

My favorite professor! Dr. Phelps helped to decide what to major in. His clases are fun and interesting, even for the non-science majors. The field-trip classes are the best and should be taken!

Took the one-day field trips knowing little to nothing about geology, but still came out with a passing grade. The adventures are SO much fun that I recommend those not to even wait. He always takes care of his student and is an awesome guy!

One of the best Professors I have had.Explains everything very well and will stop during any lecture to answer any question before moving on, Keeps the class sessions upbeat...Tests are not easy, but if you take good notes and breeze through your book you will do well on both the tests and quizes!

Professor is great explaining the material and is willing to go over it again if a student needs more understanding. Take good notes because the quizzes and test are not that easy otherwise. Great professor for those that are not into physical science!

Great teacher. Patient and pretty funny. There is almost no homework but studying is a must. You dont need the book though. just take notes.

Great teacher! Interested in what he teaches and cracks jokes. Doesn't make it hard to understand topics. A lot of quizzes, a mid-term, and cumalative final worth taking his class because his enthusiasm makes the class a whole lot better. Learned a lot this winter session.

Best professor I have had. Made me switch from an Anthro major to geology. If you attend class and take good notes, the class is fairly easy. He is very thorough, engaging, and funny. I suggest not missing an opportunity to take one of his classes. Also. his field trip classes are AMAZING. I did a week camp in utah/ arizona. Don't miss out.

Great teacher! You can tell that he loves to teach and he knows his stuff. Funny and entertaining.

I can't say he's not a good teacher, but he is very demanding of his students. Exams are half multiple choice half short answer, and cover a LOT of material. It's best to take good notes and try to remember just about everything you've learned, including charts and diagrams. If you're truly interested in Geology, I'd recommend him. Otherwise, not.

Great teacher. All he does is lectures, and you need to take good notes. He is very interested in making sure his students understand the material. Not hard - just do notes! he makes the hardest concepts simple, and that is the mark of a great teacher.

One of the best teachers I've ever had. Very funny. Down to earth. Uses humor to help you remember info. Expects you to attend class. Take LOTS of notes! Uses mainly info from notes for quizzes, tests, and final - which are approx half mult choice and half fill in. Barely used book. Learned a ton! Awesome teacher!!

Was behind all semester because he gets sidetracked, rather than picking up the slack, the students had to suffer. That upset me. Aside from that, he has a way of making you remember things which is incredible. If I had half an interest in Rocks, I probably would've gotten an A in his class. Very Funny, cares about students, a tad difficult overall

This instructor is absolutely amazing. The book use is nearly non-existent and he has so many fun facts throughout his lectures. He does lecture by power point but most of it is done verbally and written on the board. Power points are mostly pictures and some charts. Amazing teacher!!

Best professor i've taken. period.. made Geology a blast. took him for 5 classes including oceanography

Phelps is a great teacher, take notes on what he tells you and you will do well. He isn't a hard teacher but he makes you work for an A. Funny and interesting, made me love rocks. Take the Field studies class if you can they are informative and help plus they are fun.

BEST PROFESSOR EVER! He makes Geology fun.

Phelps is one of the greatest teachers I have had at this school. His class is pretty easy if you take notes. Literally the tests are from the notes. He explains everything very well and makes sure that everyone understands before continuing. He will answer any question you have as long as its close to what hes teaching. Definitely a class to take.

I took Bill's geology of CA, he is a great instructor. I never opened my book, all the test material is in the notes taken in class, so don't miss class. He is so nice and helpful and there is never homework.The only challenge is remembering names and types of rocks for exams, but it's doable! Easy A really.

he is a very good teacher, the lecture class was super easy and actually kind of interesting, but BEWARE of his lab class, it is not easy at all and its a lot of work and somewhat confusing. I would take a different teacher for the lab but as for lecture, you wont get any easier.

Very interesting course that can help you view your surroundings with a different perspective. Make sure you take notes and study them. His tests are based on his notes so its a good idea to show up to class. Great class

Dr. Phelps so far has been one of the best science teachers I have had. I enjoyed his class. Take good notes! Don't be afraid to challenge him if something does not jive. He enjoys interaction and "meaningful" subject related dialogue as long as you are willing to listen.

tries 2 be funny, nice dude, clear cut lectures, tells u what will be on the quiz & exam. would take again, Take the Field trip coarse! Don't take the lab!-not required. Easy A if u study ur notes. Take more time 2 study 4 the exams. best 56 quizzes + 2 exams + final. Dont need the book except 4 a few diagrams,borrow the copy textbook in library

Phelps is a great professor, but you have to work for your grade. Bi-Weekly quizzes and a test about once a month. He is a tough grader, and attendance can be crucial. Words of advice: study, pay attention, take good notes, and attend every class.

Professor Phelps was wonderful. He is full of corny rock-related jokes and a plethora of knowledge. I took a four hour evening class with him and he kept it interesting all the time. You need to really try in his class; don't skip class, don't leave early, don't forget to study. He WILL call you out. Work hard and it'll show.

This teacher is great. Takes the time to make sure his students understand the material before moving on. He can be a little scatter-brained at times, but he makes class interesting. Everything you need for the quizzes and exams will be in the notes, so studytake the notes!!!! Attendance matters, don't miss out on easy assignments.

I took this course over the winter so there were no office hours. Despite this, all my questions were answered and the professor was more than willing to help whenever he could. The in-lecture jokes were pretty awesome, it's gneiss to have a professor with a sense of humor. I read, paid attention in class, didn't mess around and I did just fine.

I took this class in the Fall of 2014 and enjoyed it. He is hilarious. My only complaint is he doesn't give study guides which makes it difficult to study for tests. You basically have to memorize your notes word-for-word. I got an "A" in the class but it is the hardest "A" I have worked for thus far.

I took Phelps in my first year of college for Geology 1. He was a great teacher, I had him for both Geology lecture and lab. He frequently tied things together to make things easier to understand, offered all the help he could, and gave very detailed lecture. Take good notes and try and sit near the front, his tests are rather detailed

Awesome guy with a great sense of humor. You get quizzed often and of course there is a Midterm and Final. Be prepared to take good notes to study off of, and don't miss class! Extra credit opportunity towards the end of the semester. You have to work for a good grade, but he will help you out a lot. Great class to take overall.

He taught this class so clearly. After this class was over I wish there was a part 2. I took Oceanography during as a winter course and it was just so easy to understand as long as you take notes. Definitely, would take again.

He explains things clearly, can be funny, and is nice but god he makes you memorize an ungodly amount of info. It wouldn't be a problem if he gave out study guides but he doesn't so you basically have to remember everything. And it can get REALLY boring. Is it a super hard class? No, but it takes a lot of effort so skip it if you're a busy person.

This class is fun! It sparked a new interest for me. There is a lot of memorization involved but he usually tells us what we have to know. Grade is based mostly on quizzes (lowest is dropped) and (long) tests. The lectures are long but he is funny.

Fantastic lectures. You will not be tested on something you have not gone over in class. He makes lectures so much fun and easy to memorize things. Wonderful teacher wish I could take him again!

Offers extra credit and lectures heavy. I didn't take his lab but he is super caring and nice.

Great professor! He is clear when lecturing and constantly gives friendly reminders of what might be on the tests throughout lectures. Also offers extra credit!

If we had more professors like Professor Phelps students would definitely be happier and have less stress. Take his class and take the lab because, we went on a nine-day camping trip to 10 national parks and it was amazing. Best experience of my life! Actually made me change my degree major to geology.

He is a bit monotone but gives clear explanations when you have a question. The syllabus makes him seem more strict than he actually is. Assignments are fairly easy but some are multiple pages long.

Took his course online and lab in person. Lab is once a week different things assigned each week. Cannot take assignment home must complete it during timeframe. Fairly simple and funny, must take!!

Professor Phelps is very knowledgeable in his field (go figure). He keeps lectures interesting with his dad jokes lol. He literally tells you the test questions during lecture. And he does not like group work, which was amazing! Not many assignments.

I have taken phelps before both online courses and he is really great. he knows what he is talking about and if you're okay with tons and tons of lecture then he is great. he tests a lot and is a hard grader but all of the answers are in the lecture. the exams are crazy long tho

Mr. Phelps is a great professor, I genuinely enjoyed his class and attended more than one class with him. All is needed to Expect to actually learn geology by studying and taking notes during his lectures and it will be an easy A. Only about two assignments during the semester which will be extra credit to help your grade and they are easy and fun.

Took the online lecture and in-person lab, which I recommend doing if you need both. Lab is fun, challenging but he is very helpful and the lecture supports the labs. Very grandpa vibes from prof. Phelps, caring and funny but firm on his policies. Turn things in on time, keep up, and give honest effort and you will do okay. Exams are hard, STUDY!