S. Semwal - University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO

Professor: S. Semwal

Department: Computer Science

College: University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CS4800
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Semwal is one of the very few CS professors at UCCS that actually care about their students. Semwal does have an accent and is very soft spoken, so sit in the front of the class. HW in Graphics was really easy, semwal is not a tough grader. Semwal gives out a lot of partial credit and truly wants to see his students succeed.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CS4720
• 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:

Semwal is one of the best professors I've had, he's a very approachable person and he's obviously very passionate about the subjects he teaches, which makes the lectures more interesting. The material is difficult, but if you read the book before class it makes more sense when he explains it rather than just going to class and never reading.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CS4720
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Probably the best Algorithms teacher. The class is still really hard. Easier grader on HW than tests. Helpful outside of class. Lectures aren't the best, so make sure you read the book.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CS4720
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The class is difficult by itself, but with Semwal it was worse. Not a horrible professor, but lacking in focus and direction. The lectures were not helpful, and sometimes just wrong. The texts were not helpful, the homework was from the texts, and the exams were difficult to prepare for. Just realize you will most likely be lost and confused.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CS480
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Meh... tests don't match subject, projects are so vague as to be worthless

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CS2060
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The pace of his course is based on the knowledge of the students. He will discuss and re-discuss material to ensure everyone understands it. His homework is fairly cut and dry; nothing outrageous. He is helpful outside of the classroom as well. It's unfortunate he doesn't teach many higher level courses in my major. I'd take hime again.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: CS2060
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Semwal has his good points, but also his bad ones. First, he's not a great lecturer. His lectures are difficult to understand, and they seem more like a brainstorming session. On the flip side, he is very approachable. Unfortunately, this doesn't always help, as topics are still not clear. More lenient in lower courses. Great person though.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: 2060
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

i loved Semwal! he is very helpful and unintentionally funny! the only bad thing was i would almost fall asleep in his class because his voice was so soothing lol!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CS2060
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very organized and sticks to the syllabus. Encourages class participation. Very knowledgeable and responds to email quickly if you are having difficulty. Definitely would take another class again with him at the helm. Took class during summer term so can assume regular semester classes are even better.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CS4720
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tough class, but Semwal is an excellent professor. Is very understanding and willing to work with students. He actually cares about how well his students do, which is more than I could say about most professors I've had. Highly recommended, I'll be taking CS4800 (Computer Graphics) with him in the fall and am looking forward to it.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CS472
• 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:

Great professor: interested, knowledgeable, and friendly. Definitely take a course with him. Has a tendency to assume you know context without explaining it. There will be moments when you are confused. Don't fret; tests are graded very generously. In fact, "Semwal grading" is a euphemism for easy grading throughout the department.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CS480
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I took Computer Graphics and Theory of NP Completeness from Dr. Semwal. Both of these are hard classes. Luckily, Dr. Semwal has very good knowledge of the subject material and is a solid professor with good teaching skills. His classes are tough but fair.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: 2CSCLASSES
• 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:

Dr. Semwal knows his topics extremely well and is enthusiastic about what he teaches. All comments from students are welcome, and discussion is encouraged. The subjects are not easy, but his tests and grading are fair.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: GRAPHICS
• 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:

Very challenging professor. Semwal understands the concepts and the theories that go into the classes, but perhaps struggles a little on breaking it down and explaining it to the students. I would still take another class from him. Be prepared to learn and study hard.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CS480
• 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:

Semwal is a great teacher. He is very good at knowing what is important in a huge subject (computer graphics) and helps you learn the key points.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: CS579
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

An excellent teacher, especially for graduate students who want to push theoretical areas. Supports a lot of innovative undergraduate independent studies.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CS480
• 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:

I recommend that anyone who has time for a CS class take one from Dr. Semwal, especially Computer Graphics. He's not easy, but he is good.