ASTR 1290

Take this class! It's truly one of the most fascinating I've taken at UVA. There is so much about the universe and physics that will blow your mind. Black holes are the weirdest, most chaotic objects in existence. You will learn about relativity (and how time isn't what you think it is) and black holes (and how they are points of infinite density) and galaxies and stars and much more. (What was awesome, too, about the class is that it almost a survey of the universe, so you get info about many of the things important astronomers and physicists have been studying.) Professor Davis was pretty good, he could be funny at times but mostly just kept to his lecture. He was a good lecturer generally, although sometimes his explanations were a little esoteric. But yes, he did make sure to talk about all the juiciest physics marvels. The work itself was pretty easy in general, although some of the concepts like relativity will require you to think hard.

Shane Davis is one of the best professors at UVA. No hate to the other professor who teaches this class, but you want Shane. He is a really genuine guy who loves to research black holes and then has a great knack for teaching as well. The class is interesting and sometimes is tough to grasp, but its fairly easy to get a good grade. It is not necessary to take notes as the answers to the three quizzes and final can be found on his slides. The second quiz can really sneak up on you if you are not paying attention in class after the first one way so easy. A little math is required, but do not let it discourage you as he provides good examples and he gives a lot of partial credit. There are online clicker questions in class that keep you paying attention, but he offers a lot more questions than you need to respond to in order to fulfill the requirement. It is possible to skip the class especially on Fridays, but it is not that hard to make it for 50 minutes and you are missing out if you do not go. This has been the class I have most been excited to go to. There is something special about Shane and his lecture that just makes you want to go back and sit in his class, which I cannot say for any other professor.