McKinnon

Planetary Geology is mostly a PhD-level class, NOT suited for undergrads. Homeworks were extremely difficult and harshly graded, as were exams. Lectures were not conducive to taking notes and the class was overall so disorganized and unclear. AVOID this class as an undergrad unless you want to work ridiculously hard just to get a bad grade

12/27/2023

This class has been awful. Homework is graded harshly even when you try on it and go to office hours you continue to get bad grades; even after the professor has looked at it and told me it looked good. This class is also impossible to study for because lectures don't make sense and his slides are just picutures that you cant study from.

11/9/2023

Do not take this class unless you really have to or are really into the solar system. The grading is unnecessarily harsh and weirdly specific where the TAs will only take certain answers and not others. Lectures are also long and boring, and studying is impractical because the slides are almost all pictures. Other recent ratings also say the same.

1/1/2022

The TA's were super picky when it came to grading on homeworks and tests. I highly suggest going to lectures since a lot of his questions are trivia-style, based on things only mentioned in class. However, his lectures were pretty boring with a lot of dry humor. He did offer a generous extra credit assignment at the end though.

12/29/2021

Don't take this class. If you're looking for an easy science credit, this isn't it - he grades super harshly. If you're interested in astronomy, look elsewhere. His lectures are so long and boring, and there are far better options available (look in the physics department instead). Really no good reason to take this course

12/17/2021

His lectures are very long and sometimes boring but try your best to take notes. Homeworks are good indications of what will be on the test. He has dry humor during his lectures. Make sure you study for his tests because they are very long and sometimes have specific questions. The textbook is very helpful, try to read each chapter for the homework

12/18/2020

Biggest tip would be to attend lecture. He covers key ideas and people in lecture that help you understand the material. My biggest tip would be to attend lecture. However, if you do not end up attending lecture, homework assignments are fairly easy to complete before class and provide a guideline for what may be on a midterm.

10/11/2018

His lectures are interesting and he adds in a good amount of humor. Only take the class if you are interested in the Solar System. Good amount of homework. Overall, he is a pretty good teacher and a likable guy.

12/5/2016

People often sign up thinking it will be an easy A. Relative to other classes here its easy but you cant get by on simply going to class. Just a little solid bit of effort is required. He tries his best to make it as interesting as possible.

4/18/2013

I don't think he cares at all about his students. Students don't care at all either, so easy to dominate the curve and get an A. Just pay attention in class because tons of stuff on the tests are not in the textbook.

12/14/2011

Very funny and engaing teacher. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to enjoy teaching students so much as just hearing his own voice. In help sessions, he is often curt and does not go the extra mile to help students. That said though, if you are willing to study and attend class, the class is good.

4/26/2005