Tom Carter - College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL

Professor: Tom Carter

Department: Physics

College: College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PHY1201
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I'm from UIC and I took the 5 week summer course to get all my physics out of the way over the summer. Big mistake! If you need an A in physics to get into PT school, DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS! They use U of I exams and there's way too much homework! But Dr. Carter is really great. Clear lectures, really cares, stays late to help you. Great prof!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PHYSI2111
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I cannot express in words my gratitude for this prof. I've never seen a teacher so dedicated to his students' success. He took part in saving the Engineering Club, finds internships for his students (and pushes them to apply), and in every way goes above and beyond to help hard working students. Go to his office hours and talk. Really cool guy.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PHY2111
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Carter is really the nicest guy at COD, always there to help as long as you show interest. Lectures are entertaining and well done and he gives breaks in long ones. Weekly quizzes are straight off the homework so if you do the homework you should have no problem there. Tests require solid conceptual understanding but he gives fair partial credit.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHYS2111
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

First off Physics is a hard class. The professor matters less than your ability to sit down and learn the material. With that said, Dr. Carter is a good teacher who cares about his students and truly loves physics, engineering. His excitement in the classroom helps you stay engaged. His tests are very tough, but he is a fair guy. Study hard, pass.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PHY2111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Worst physics professor at COD. I took Physics 2111 with carter and he overcomplicated everything. He's very bad at explaining new concepts.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PHYSICS1150
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Interesting class. Great teacher. Lotta reading. Some math.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PHY2111
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

One of the best teachers I ever had! I took him for all three semesters of physics. Really helpful and friendly outside class. Makes class super interesting. Actually joined the physics club because of him! He's a tough grader though.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PHY251H
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof Carter really knows his stuff. Tests are hard. Be prepared to study (but it's physics so you knew that right??). He's a middle aged white guy but is very encouraging to women who take his classs. It's a great class and you will be well prepared when you transfer to a four year school.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PHYS2112
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

E&M was my third class with Dr. Carter. He tries very hard to explain things and answer your questions, even though sometimes the answers go over your head. He cares a lot about the engineering students here at COD.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PHYS2111
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Carter is an awesome professor and he seems to really enjoy the lectures. Hes super understanding and even pushed some due dates for homeworks we had a calc exam on. His exams are tough but if you keep up with the homework you should be fine. He's also always mentioning internships and scholarships that you should apply for. PS He saved our club

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PHY2111
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Probably one of the best profs I've had at DuPage but be prepared to work for your grade!! Interesting lectures with clickers. Tough but fair grader. His tests are wicked! Cares about how you do so he's always checking up when you don't do so well on an assignment. I'm taking him for 2112!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PHY2111
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Hardest class I've had, my first C. Mechanics is not my strong suit and Carter gives very tough tests. He is approachable, very friendly and cares about his students. Is always trying new things to get you to learn. Tends to over complicate explanations, oh well. Am taking him again for 2112.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PHYSI1150
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Very interesting class. He's absolutely brilliant and such a nice person. He explains concepts like an engineer (which may help or confuse you). Tests are straightforward and he's an easy grader. If you submit all assignments and put in a little bit of effort, you're guaranteed an A. If you do the hw without google, you will get As on the tests.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PHSI2111
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

One best thing about carter is he gives extra credit on lots random stuff. You can do volunteer work and sent him a email about the impression or so that that replaces one of your quiz scores. However, he doesn't teach very well. All of the homework I had to google for answer, because he never taught us how to do the problem.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PHYSI2112
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Carter knows his physics and presents it well. Labs and class were clear. Homework assignments could be a bit dull or annoying, but that is COD's system and not the professor's fault. He's willing to help if you have questions and posts his office hours online- you can email him to set up meetings as well. Overall great guy and professor.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PHYSICS1150
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Really interesting class. Learned a lot. Lectures were clear with notes posted online. Nice guy and always available after class. Had to read the book to know what was going on. Maybe he's different because this was a gen ed class, but I thought this was a pretty easy A for a physics course.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PHY2111
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Best engineering prof at COD, no question. Really cares how you do. Always around for help after class. Ex-military so lectures are clear but LOUD. Puts outline of the lecture online so its easy to take notes. Tests are tough so he makes you work for it, but there's lots of points for homework, etc. Do the homework and its an easy B.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PHYS2112
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Carter tries to inspire you during lecture and work on developing your intuition, but his math is confusing or flat wrong on the board. I stopped taking notes almost immediately. I had teach myself outside of class with Smartphysics, and ironically he was a tough grader when he can't do it himself on the board. Many people get 40% - 70% on tests.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: 2112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He was a pretty interesting lecturer. He'll respect you if you ask questions in office hours, it helps to get to know him a little. Do ALL of the homework the night before the quiz and try and understand the concepts the best you can. You'll be ready for UofI after taking him.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PHYSI2111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Carter is an awesome guy and always available for help. Tests/quizzes are based off homework, which is extremely hard and takes a while but its really practical. Do the homework and listen to lectures and itll be a good class. I got a C and am definitely taking him again. Take his class if you want to be a good engineer, not just to get an easy A.