David Schaefer - Towson University, Towson, MD

Professor: David Schaefer

Department: Science

College: Towson University, Towson, MD

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PHYS212
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Physics is hard, but Dr. Schafer doesn't really make it any easier. The class lacked in-class practice problems and focused heavyilyon theory, which made exams very difficult. Brilliant man, but didn't always explain things in the clearest way. Very passionate though, and you can tell that his students are his #1 priority.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PHYS212
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Some days I'd agreed with everyone else on here and other days I felt they were being harsh. I'm horrible with physics. The first time was at another school and understood nothing. At least I understood him but he only taught the basics. Lecture was just powerpoint so only come if you don't understand it. Hw required more than just PP knowledge.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PHYS212
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Just stay home and learn from the book/videos. He never does anything in class thats worth going to campus for.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHYS270
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Lectures are pretty dull. He tried a reverse classroom, which meant a lot of at home work. The class seems unorganized. He didn't respond to my emails about questions hard. I'd avoid it if you can.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PHYS211
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Physics is a pretty difficult subject in general. Schaefer, however, does supply examples in the lecture & on Bb. However, his lectures are monotonous and it's easy to drift off in class if you're not interested. He does seem to procrastinate with getting the work back to the students & post review problems late. Otherwise, he's pretty clear.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PHYS211
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He's very helpful but physics is hard. He's very knowledgeable about physics but sometimes explains things beyond a student's comprehension. He grades generously so even if you don't get the answer correct if you show you understand the concept he gives some credit. The homework was really hard I think most people had to go get help every time.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PHYS212
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Schaefer is extremely knowledgeable, but hardly did anything on time for our class. He put up solutions to HW problems a day or two before an exam, like that helps. Be prepared to learn from the internet if you want to do well in his class.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PHYS241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Really intelligent teacher. He knows what he's doing and is really focused on making sure the class can grasp the concepts gone over in class by continuously asking questions (poll setup) during lectures. Helpful. Can be very busy though so it's hard to find free time to get extra help directly from him. He has assistants though to help. Great.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PHYS241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The Worst (for me). Never went over anything useful in class, gave you a ton of information with a "don't need to know this" addendum. Lectures were all over the place and ALWAYS behind the labs. Teaching style didn't mesh with me. Doesn't do examples of stuff you need to know. His "hints" are always cryptic and indecipherable.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PHYS241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Schaefer is the best professor I've had, no hyperbole. He made me understand and even enjoy really difficult (to me) concepts, and he was always willing to take extra time for confused students. Super nice guy and crazy smart. Highly recommended!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PHYS100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Schaefer really cares about his students and understanding the material, and takes things very step by step, he is nerdy and boring but this is sometimes good with teachers, overall hes good.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PHYS241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Doesn't go over homework, never gives back papers on time. Spends most of his time on concepts, but the tests and work are all math.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PHYS251
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He always made time for us after class. He was more than willing to help with the homework. Sometimes a little too monotonous, but his tests were xactly what you would expect, and he really wanted you to understand

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PHYS241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I gave Professor Schaefer a good rating despite the face that I got a C in the class. The material isn't that hard but you have to study a lot, come to class and the labs, and keep up with the practice problems. This is a good class to take with a few friends so you can study together. It's a great class if you're unsure of your future in physics.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PHYS242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class was brutal but he was pretty clear and taught well. The material is just difficult and his homework assignments at times were unbelievably hard. He makes up for it by giving tons of partial credit and curving. The good thing is you do learn a lot and if that is your interest definitely take him.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PHYS251
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Schaefer is really nice and he is always willing to help. Truth is, even with his help, the material can still be unclear. But thats physics in general. Beware...dont take this "general" physics unless you are truly interested.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PHYS100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class sux. I think that i have fallen asleep in every class. But a good thing is that he puts his notes up online. But the assignments make no sense.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PHYS100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He's a really nice,approachable guy-but it's very difficult for him to get his point across. He'll go off on long tangents and end up saying- "Oh, and you don't need to know this". Tests are a free for all- you never know what he'll put on them. No study guides at all. Take only if you enjoy physics

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PHYS251
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Schaefer is intelligent and helpful. Although calc based physics is a tough course, the lab approprach makes it better. Lectures do get tedious, but he cares so much about students that it makes up for it.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PHYS251
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Good teacher, does not always go over concepts needed for the upcoming homework (which is VERY hard). Gives a lot of partial credit on tests and extra credit. Boring lectures sometimes... other times very exciting class. give or take