ASTR 1220

Prof. Johnson is amazing! Super intelligent and teaches the content very well. This course has inspired me to major in Astronomy. Take this class with Johnson if you have the option!

This course was pretty interesting, especially if you enjoy learning about astronomy. It wasn't very difficult, although exams were only ten questions (and half the questions were usually multiple choice), so each individual question was pretty high-stakes. There is a bit of math in this class (nothing too hard, mostly converting between units and plugging numbers into equations), so if you dislike math, you might not want to take this class. Professor Johnson is a good lecturer- he explains things very well, and doesn't rush through math problems. He's not the most enthusiastic professor there is, but if you listen to what he says, you can tell he really enjoys the subject.

Too easy. The lectures were just powerpoints that cover all the information needed. The math equations are not hard at all if you just write down his examples. The 2 labs were honestly a joke. There were only 3 exams, each one being the same short length and not hard at all. The in-class learning catalytics questions are also not hard at all. The weekly homework can be a little tricky at times but overall not hard to get 90+ on. I think the class is listed officially on some ranking website as like the easiest class at uva or something so...

IF YOU ARE TAKING ASTRONOMY TAKE IT WITH JOHNSON. The lecures are a little dull since they are just powerpoint notes but he really does know what he is talking about and you can tells he is passionate about astronomy. There is more math involved than I was expecting but if you know how to do the practice problems in class you should be fine. Weekly homework that you get 3 tries on, 2 labs that are more or less completion, in class questions that should give you a little extra credit, and 3 tests that are 10 questions (usually 6 MC and 4 math). The final is just a regular unit tests that is weighed the same. SInce tests are each 200 out of the 1000 points for the class, that matter for determining your grade. I got an A by getting a 100 on homework nad the labs, and 8 bonus points on in class questions, 90s on exam 1 and 2, and a 100 on the final. A 93 in this class is an A, very very doable just don't slack off on the tests especially with math.

Take the other Astronomy if it fits in your schedule. This class if fine, Bradley is fine, everything about this class is just fine. It was an easy A, but a very mindnumbing one at that. The format of this class is simple, there are two, very easy lab reports due during finals week that are effectively graded on completion. They can be completed in groups and are probably the most easy parts of the course. There is a weekly homework that I would usually just finish in class. Most of the answers are in the textbook (and quizlet). There is also an attendance portion (through learning catalytics), which could theoretically be done outside of class, but I was never willing to risk it. And then there are three exams. The exams are the main reason I would not reccomend this class. Unlike the other Astronomy course, these exams are in person and closed note. While they're only 10 questions each and around half come straight from the Learning Catalytics and homeworks, you have to study. 1220 also incorporates a good amount of math. While it is easy algebra, it is still math.

Bradley's lectures are incredibly boring and dry. I pretty much would only attend because I needed an excuse to get up in the morning and could have a nice place to do some work. I don't think I ever absorbed any of the material he taught and have no greater knowledge of astronomy than I did before. This isn't a bad option to fulfil the chemical, physical, mathematical disciplines requirement, however I would probably reccomend the other astronomy class over this one.

Weekly homework assignments on the unit(s) that we learned this week included both comprehension questions and math problems. I found it hard at times to solve those problems because it felt as if he did not explain how to do them in class. Two lab reports due Monday the week of Thanksgiving Break. I recommend not to procrastinate on them, they are not difficult at all, very simple instructions. It is a fascinating subject and most of your time in class is just to listen to the lecture. Three exams, all ten questions, just study the night before and make sure to do some practice problems. Partial credit is given, but try not to rely on it too much. Final exam is the third exam, still ten questions. The professor is quite stoic and expressed any sort of outward emotions on four occasions towards the end of the semester. So if you are looking for a professor with some excitement in their lectures, then Bradley is not for you.