PHYS 1110

Cates is a great professor and really cares about his students. He personally went out of his way to get me into his class. If you go to class every day and study for the finals this class is an easy A. There are 3 problems sets which are the only hard part of the class, but they are do-able. The quizzes and exams are pretty easy. He also gives clicker questions at every class to make sure you go, but as long as you answer you get the points. I would recommend this class. Cates is great and it's a pretty easy class.

Cates is a great professor, the course itself is interesting and not too difficult. Meant for non-science majors.

Cates is a very smart man and a good scientist, which is helpful because you know that he actually thinks about what stats he puts in his slides, and if there's any doubt, he'll state the caveats. If you want a relatively painless experience by which you will be forced to become well-versed about most energy-related issues, this course is for you. If you are a science major, this is an absolute cakewalk. My only major complaint is the annoyingly slow turnaround for exams and problem sets, the worst I have seen at UVA; it really shouldn't take 5 weeks to process a 10 question scantron.

This is a very informative course, but the homework did not exactly correlate with lecture. On that note, go to his office hours and he is very generous with helping students (he also takes note of who attends). Homework about once a week, a few quizzes, one midterm, and a final.

Pretty easy class about very interesting energy topics. Very current information. Professor Cates is very enthusiatic about the class but it can be boring. Since it is geared towards non-majors there is much more reading than anything else but it's not a lot of work.

Professor Cates. What an awesome guy. He is very passionate about what he does, which is seen through his energetic lectures and many (often hilarious) in-class demonstrations. He makes this class awesome. The course is pretty easy if you do the few readings and pay attention in class (but how couldn't you with Professor Cates' crazy self?!) The class goes over very, very basic physics, environmental science, and briefly nuclear science. Cates' help sessions are great for problem sets (and he's likely to bump your grade up if you go to them). If you get the chance, take the time to pick Cates' brain. He's crazy smart, and will blow your mind! Overall--great class, and coming from a non-science major, it's pretty easy.

Good easy science course. Cates is such a nerd but in the best way - he knows a lot about physics and likes to go off on tangents. He's fair in grade distribution and frequently makes use of curves. Most of your grade comes from two problem sets, and on these problem sets you are allowed unlimited help from other students and Cates, who makes himself very available by hosting problem sessions.

Gates is a vibrant and very intelligent teacher. He is easily accessible and cares a lot about his students. Make sure you attend the lectures as he takes attendance through iClicker points. The problem sets he gives (usually 3) are important to your grade but you can work with other students before you submit them. I definitely recommend this class with Gordon!

Professor Cates is very engaging and interesting during lectures. He records attendance with i-clickers and most of the material on the quizzes and midterm are from the lecture slides so it is important to go to lectures. Grades seem tough at first but Cates is a strong believer in curving. Strongly recommend this class.

What an amazing class and even more amazing professor. Definitely one of my favorite I've had at UVa thus far. Tests may seem a bit tricky at times, but don't be discouraged if you do not do well on them. He grades on a curving system and for a few of our quizzes, the highest score in the class was like an 80%. Cates has done big, big things in the world of physics and science yet he is extremely humble about his accomplishments. Definitely go to office hours and problem sessions- he is brilliant and has a million different stories that will keep you entertained. GREAT CLASS, TAKE THIS. Only downside is the interval at which you receive grades back. Don't count on seeing any of your grades until months after you take do them, haha.