Richard Mitchell - University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

Professor: Richard Mitchell

Department: Mathematics

College: University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MATH20B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The best teacher I have had at UC Santa Cruz. A caring, hilarious guy who challenges you to your breaking point and back again. Most of my friends got Cs in Math 20A, but still returned to take Math 20B with him next quarter. That is a testament to Mitchell's quality as an educator.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MATH20AB
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I sure wish I could have another teacher like Richard Mitchell. I took classes from him ten years ago and as I am about to finish my math Ph.D. I still consider him the best lecturer I've ever had.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MATH23B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

One of the hardest classes ever but totally worth it. I have never had a math professor like Mitchell before. He makes you love math even more. You'll learn more than you can imagine. Tests are quite difficult so make sure to study a lot. Class breakdown: Homework 15%, two midterms 22.5% each, and final 40%. Excellent teacher. Fantastic lectures!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MATH23A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

His class has been the death of me, but I have to admit, he's one of the best professors I've ever had. I don't think I've had math explained to me in clear and concise manner.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MATH20A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Mitchell expects a lot from his students. He said it himself that his 23A will be much harder than the online one, and his class prepares you for 23B, which is also taught by him. I found going to sections and TA's office hours are really helpful. You will do fine if you understand the homework and all his review problems.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: 23B
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Go to his office hours, even if you don't have any specific questions. His tests are a lot of material in a short amount of time. The reviews are somewhat helpful, but be sure to practice previous quarters' tests. I didn't understand any of the proofs he discussed during lecture honestly. As long as you get the example problems, you'll be fine.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MATH23A
• 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:

I feel like everything's already been said about UCSC's best lecturer, but this man is the greatest. I wish I could have him for every class. He's so passionate and he truly cares about his students like I've never seen before. His class is not easy, but worth it in every way. Learning from him is a privilege. Take his class! You won't regret it!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MATH23A
• 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:

Professor Mitchell is good in delivering the topics and concepts. However I did usually just truly understood the topics during discussions/labs. He makes you work for your grade. If you pay attention in class, in labs, do the homework, and especially do the review guides it's an easy A.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MATH23A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class will kick your butt, but you will learn so much from Mitchell, he is a fantastic professor and lecturer. He is always willing to help at office hours and clearly cares about how his students are doing. Tests are very difficult, but expect a huge curve.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MATH23A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Wow. UCSC is lucky to have this guy. He really cares about mastery in his class and it shows. He's all you can really ask for in a professor. My personal favorite aspect is that you know exactly what to expect from his midterms/final.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: 23A23B181
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MITCHELL!!!!!!!!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: 23B
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you are willing to put in the work and go out of your way to get help from prof. and TAs, you will expand your mental abilities beyond what you expected you could do. The most approachable prof in office hrs and uses at least three colors of chalk in lecture. He is nice and wants to help you learn the material. Embrace the need to ask for help.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: 20A
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Fantastic professor. Very elegant in his way of explaining things. A true math god!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MATH23A23B
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I took 23A with him and was able to pull a B. I was nervous to take 23B with him because of his level of difficulty; however, I put more time and effort into his class this time around: MSI, office hours, etc. He never made me feel stupid for where I was at. He knows you can understand it; he just wants you to show you care enough. Outstanding man!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: 23B
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Richard Mitchell is the best math teacher I have ever had, but he also gives the hardest math tests that I have ever had. He will teach you the best, but expect to work hard for your grade.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MATH20AB
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Honors calc with Mitchell was so difficult, but the payoff was so worth it. Mitchell is an amazing professor and you can tell that he really cares that his students learn the material. His lectures are also incredibly dense but he's so passionate about the material that you end up enjoying it too. He's absolutely amazing, definitely recommend him

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: 23B
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER. If you do your homework, go to discussions and office hours you will learn the material, yet; you will be challenged. Mitchell is very unique because he actually cares about his students and their success. I wish I had him for every class! 5 stars.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MATH23B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Best professor you'll ever have. His lecture is just amazing. He is also a very good mentor and is almost like a friend once you get to know him. GO TO OFFICE HOUR, it's really fun there. Do the homework, go to class and study consistently then this class will be one of the best experience in your life.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MATH23B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Mitchell can be very demanding at times, but he is always fair and respectful. He expects you to understand the material, not just memorize it. If math's not really your thing, you will struggle. Overall a fantastic professor; my one quibble is that there's a lot of homework but very few of the problems actually get graded. Class is heavily curved.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: 20A
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Mitchell is by far the best teacher I have ever had. I am constantly in awe of his lectures and general knowledge on math. I would recommend this class to anyone, and I do admit that its difficult (I put in about 2-3 hours a day of work) but it is also the most rewarding class I've ever taken. Mitchell is so humble but everyone loves him for it.