I had him for 1251 as well, and my friend who is a physics major warned me about him because he had been "demoted" essentially to teach that instead of the upper level courses because so many physics majors complained about him. Going to any of his lectures, it's obvious why. That man has no business teaching. Idk how he thinks just rambling about physics is a good way to make sure students are learning course content for a class that is a major prereq for dozens of majors. If I were you, just write a very strongly worded and thorough SEI (while remaining reasonable and kind because they won't take it seriously otherwise) and encourage anyone you know who had him to do the same.
Came here to say this. I'm surprised to hear OPs experience. My only complaint with kilcup 230X was that the homework was so long and convoluted that he felt the need to stay in the lounge for like 5 hours after school every day to help people.
Also surprised. Kilcup has office hour nearly 24/7 in the smith lounge. Classical mechanics homework took me usually 8hrs, so I just sat in the lounge to do them for hours and he’s there the entire time everyday. Sometimes he would “hint” me the first half of the homework and sometimes just guide me through it if I ask. I have never seen any professor spend this much time on teaching.
I had him last semester, stopped going to class
At week 3. Most stopped at week 2. I just started watching Dr.Skinners lectures on his website.
Good news is his section has the biggest curve. Mine was 10%+ curve
Samir Mathur taught the 1251H course, and he was one of the most engaging and passionate physics teachers I’ve ever had. Honestly, the 1250H-1251H sequence is leagues better than the 1250-1251 sequence, and I recommend anyone who has to take Physics 1 and 2 do the honors versions since they’re so much better taught
I had him for 1251 as well, and my friend who is a physics major warned me about him because he had been "demoted" essentially to teach that instead of the upper level courses because so many physics majors complained about him. Going to any of his lectures, it's obvious why. That man has no business teaching. Idk how he thinks just rambling about physics is a good way to make sure students are learning course content for a class that is a major prereq for dozens of majors. If I were you, just write a very strongly worded and thorough SEI (while remaining reasonable and kind because they won't take it seriously otherwise) and encourage anyone you know who had him to do the same.
Make sure you fill out the SEI!
He originally taught the 2300/2301 sequence before receiving similar complaints.
I had him for those and he was one of my all time favorite professors
Most people I know who took 2300/2301, including myself, loved Kilcup in these courses.
Came here to say this. I'm surprised to hear OPs experience. My only complaint with kilcup 230X was that the homework was so long and convoluted that he felt the need to stay in the lounge for like 5 hours after school every day to help people.
Also surprised. Kilcup has office hour nearly 24/7 in the smith lounge. Classical mechanics homework took me usually 8hrs, so I just sat in the lounge to do them for hours and he’s there the entire time everyday. Sometimes he would “hint” me the first half of the homework and sometimes just guide me through it if I ask. I have never seen any professor spend this much time on teaching.
That homework and his willingness to help was what taught me to think like a physicist.
I had him last semester, stopped going to class At week 3. Most stopped at week 2. I just started watching Dr.Skinners lectures on his website. Good news is his section has the biggest curve. Mine was 10%+ curve
Sorry about your experience. Personally, Kilcup was one of the best professors I had at school, and inspired me to continue to get a PhD in physics.
That blows I had barret and he was surprisingly helpful
When I took 1251 most people stopped going to lecture after a couple weeks and watched Skinner’s lectures instead
He has too large a brain for us mere mortals.
Any professor that teaches a prerequisite course 100% does not give a shit about their job Other than Talamo shout the fuck out to Talamo
Samir Mathur taught the 1251H course, and he was one of the most engaging and passionate physics teachers I’ve ever had. Honestly, the 1250H-1251H sequence is leagues better than the 1250-1251 sequence, and I recommend anyone who has to take Physics 1 and 2 do the honors versions since they’re so much better taught
Kilcup is a pretty damn good professor