Professor
Mikhail Solon
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Most Helpful Review
Fall 2024 - Solon is a really good lecturer. He explains concepts well, and the ideas make sense. He had one of the best explanations of Stokes' theorem I've ever seen. However, he sometimes forgets that we aren't literally in his head and can't follow him doing three simplification steps in his head without writing them down. When asked to explain what he did, he can be a bit condescending, both in office hours and in lecture. As far as office hours, he does a really good job of guiding students to a solution instead of just doing the problem himself. Solon also encourages student collaboration during office hours, and sometimes students would help each other find the solution on their own. I personally did not like his exams because of how little time you got. There were three problems on the midterm, each with multiple parts, and we got 50 minutes. For the final, we only got 2 hours. The exams were not that difficult, it was just a large time constraint, and this is something he is quite open and honest about. Overall, the class was okay, although I think the method of evaluation just didn't work for me personally.
Fall 2024 - Solon is a really good lecturer. He explains concepts well, and the ideas make sense. He had one of the best explanations of Stokes' theorem I've ever seen. However, he sometimes forgets that we aren't literally in his head and can't follow him doing three simplification steps in his head without writing them down. When asked to explain what he did, he can be a bit condescending, both in office hours and in lecture. As far as office hours, he does a really good job of guiding students to a solution instead of just doing the problem himself. Solon also encourages student collaboration during office hours, and sometimes students would help each other find the solution on their own. I personally did not like his exams because of how little time you got. There were three problems on the midterm, each with multiple parts, and we got 50 minutes. For the final, we only got 2 hours. The exams were not that difficult, it was just a large time constraint, and this is something he is quite open and honest about. Overall, the class was okay, although I think the method of evaluation just didn't work for me personally.
AD
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2024 - The instructor of this course embodies warmth and kindness, seamlessly merging profound subject matter expertise with a genuinely approachable demeanor. His intellectual acumen is matched by his remarkable accessibility; he is exceptionally willing to assist students during office hours, demonstrating an openness to engage even beyond scheduled times. My frequent visits to his office, even outside the office hours, for discussions on a wide array of topics—from the nuances of course material to the broader vistas of theoretical physics—have likely made me a recognizable figure, as I've eagerly seized these opportunities for in-depth dialogue outside the traditional classroom setting. This consistent engagement has fostered a distinct student-teacher rapport, to the point where the instructor might well recognize me due to my regular use of office hours, a testament to their immense value. The course, complex analysis, presents inherent challenges that the instructor tackled with skill and clarity, employing an engaging teaching style to illuminate complex concepts and significantly enhance my mathematical toolkit within physics. His strategic use of examples solidified my understanding, and his readiness to clarify any confusions during office hours was pivotal in demystifying the subject. The assignments and exams, thoughtfully crafted, struck a balance between fairness and rigor, with the instructor's adeptness at elucidating difficult concepts ensuring thorough preparation. Despite these strengths, the course's progression was not without its challenges, particularly due to the constraints of the quarter system. This accelerated schedule, especially noticeable in the latter half of the term, slightly detracted from the learning experience, underscoring that the quarter system may not be the most conducive framework for such a complex subject. This is no reflection on the instructor's efforts, which remained commendable throughout, but rather an inherent limitation of the academic calendar. Moreover, the lecture notes emerged as a crucial resource, often more relevant and insightful than the textbook, especially for exam preparation, underscoring the instructor's dedication to providing accessible and effective study materials. Beyond his educational prowess, the instructor's affable nature fostered a classroom atmosphere filled with humor and engagement, making the learning journey both enjoyable and impactful. The lenient grading policy further contributed to a positive classroom experience. This course, under the stewardship of such a dedicated and capable instructor, has been an enriching academic endeavor. Despite the challenges posed by the quarter system, the instructor's expertise, coupled with his approachable and supportive demeanor, makes this course highly recommendable to peers seeking both academic rigor and an engaging learning environment.
Winter 2024 - The instructor of this course embodies warmth and kindness, seamlessly merging profound subject matter expertise with a genuinely approachable demeanor. His intellectual acumen is matched by his remarkable accessibility; he is exceptionally willing to assist students during office hours, demonstrating an openness to engage even beyond scheduled times. My frequent visits to his office, even outside the office hours, for discussions on a wide array of topics—from the nuances of course material to the broader vistas of theoretical physics—have likely made me a recognizable figure, as I've eagerly seized these opportunities for in-depth dialogue outside the traditional classroom setting. This consistent engagement has fostered a distinct student-teacher rapport, to the point where the instructor might well recognize me due to my regular use of office hours, a testament to their immense value. The course, complex analysis, presents inherent challenges that the instructor tackled with skill and clarity, employing an engaging teaching style to illuminate complex concepts and significantly enhance my mathematical toolkit within physics. His strategic use of examples solidified my understanding, and his readiness to clarify any confusions during office hours was pivotal in demystifying the subject. The assignments and exams, thoughtfully crafted, struck a balance between fairness and rigor, with the instructor's adeptness at elucidating difficult concepts ensuring thorough preparation. Despite these strengths, the course's progression was not without its challenges, particularly due to the constraints of the quarter system. This accelerated schedule, especially noticeable in the latter half of the term, slightly detracted from the learning experience, underscoring that the quarter system may not be the most conducive framework for such a complex subject. This is no reflection on the instructor's efforts, which remained commendable throughout, but rather an inherent limitation of the academic calendar. Moreover, the lecture notes emerged as a crucial resource, often more relevant and insightful than the textbook, especially for exam preparation, underscoring the instructor's dedication to providing accessible and effective study materials. Beyond his educational prowess, the instructor's affable nature fostered a classroom atmosphere filled with humor and engagement, making the learning journey both enjoyable and impactful. The lenient grading policy further contributed to a positive classroom experience. This course, under the stewardship of such a dedicated and capable instructor, has been an enriching academic endeavor. Despite the challenges posed by the quarter system, the instructor's expertise, coupled with his approachable and supportive demeanor, makes this course highly recommendable to peers seeking both academic rigor and an engaging learning environment.
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