# SOILSCI 250: Introduction to Environmental Science | UW–Madison [View on UW Courses](https://uwcourses.com/courses/SOILSCI_250) ## Dataset ### revision e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349 ### repository twangodev/uwcourses ### schema version 6 ### importer version 7 ### projection id 52a78527ff09011d88cb04c7d43867d9fbfec2930bf1dd2ec359ebd2844e0b07 ### observed at 2026-09-07T15:55:43.033547+00:00 ### built at 2026-09-10T19:50:42.743001+00:00 ### courses 8951 ### current instructors 5754 ### limited false ### terms * 1272 * 1264 * 1262 * 1254 * 1252 * 1244 * 1242 * 1234 * 1232 * 1224 * 1222 * 1212 * 1204 * 1202 * 1194 * 1192 * 1184 * 1182 * 1174 * 1172 * 1164 * 1162 * 1154 * 1152 * 1144 * 1142 * 1134 * 1132 * 1124 * 1122 * 1114 * 1112 * 1104 * 1102 * 1094 * 1092 * 1084 * 1082 * 1074 * 1072 ### term 1272 ### departments | subject | count | | --------- | ----- | | AAE | 90 | | ABT | 20 | | ACCTIS | 36 | | ACTSCI | 14 | | AFAERO | 10 | | AFRICAN | 87 | | AFROAMER | 71 | | AGROECOL | 21 | | AMERIND | 53 | | ANAT\&PHY | 7 | | ANATOMY | 2 | | ANESTHES | 8 | | ANSCI | 57 | | ANTHRO | 95 | | ART | 125 | | ARTED | 10 | | ARTHIST | 121 | | ASIALANG | 129 | | ASIAN | 109 | | ASIANAM | 28 | | ASTRON | 38 | | ATMOCN | 69 | | BIOCHEM | 51 | | BIOCORE | 10 | | BIOLOGY | 14 | | BIOMDSCI | 18 | | BME | 66 | | BMI | 41 | | BMOLCHEM | 10 | | BOTANY | 69 | | BSE | 44 | | C\&ESOC | 73 | | CBE | 48 | | CHEM | 101 | | CHICLA | 52 | | CIVENGR | 133 | | CLASSICS | 47 | | CNP | 10 | | CNSRSCI | 50 | | COMARTS | 137 | | COMPBIO | 15 | | COMPLIT | 11 | | COMPSCI | 138 | | COUNPSY | 78 | | CRB | 19 | | CS\&D | 71 | | CSCS | 40 | | CURRIC | 193 | | DANCE | 93 | | DERM | 8 | | DS | 88 | | DYSCI | 35 | | ECE | 155 | | ECON | 145 | | EDPOL | 114 | | EDPSYCH | 97 | | ELPA | 70 | | EMA | 53 | | EMERMED | 17 | | ENGL | 206 | | ENTOM | 40 | | ENVIRST | 148 | | EP | 15 | | EPD | 67 | | ESL | 16 | | F\&WECOL | 60 | | FAMMED | 22 | | FINANCE | 50 | | FOLKLORE | 40 | | FOODSCI | 43 | | FRENCH | 63 | | GEN\&WS | 145 | | GENBUS | 72 | | GENECSLR | 17 | | GENETICS | 60 | | GEOG | 113 | | GEOSCI | 83 | | GERMAN | 82 | | GLE | 48 | | GNS | 38 | | GREEK | 27 | | HDFS | 41 | | HEBR-BIB | 13 | | HEBR-MOD | 10 | | HISTORY | 233 | | HISTSCI | 56 | | HONCOL | 13 | | ILS | 43 | | INFOSYS | 9 | | INTEGART | 7 | | INTEGSCI | 22 | | INTER-AG | 18 | | INTER-HE | 11 | | INTER-LS | 22 | | INTEREGR | 16 | | INTLBUS | 21 | | INTLST | 50 | | ISYE | 83 | | ITALIAN | 53 | | JEWISH | 56 | | JOURN | 88 | | KINES | 128 | | LACIS | 26 | | LANDARC | 61 | | LATIN | 24 | | LAW | 120 | | LEGALST | 48 | | LINGUIS | 35 | | LIS | 89 | | LITTRANS | 78 | | LSC | 52 | | M\&ENVTOX | 7 | | MARKETNG | 62 | | MATH | 153 | | MDGENET | 8 | | ME | 130 | | MEDHIST | 43 | | MEDICINE | 60 | | MEDIEVAL | 32 | | MEDPHYS | 39 | | MEDSC-M | 29 | | MEDSC-V | 41 | | MHR | 68 | | MICROBIO | 45 | | MILSCI | 16 | | MM\&I | 22 | | MOLBIOL | 6 | | MS\&E | 59 | | MUSIC | 165 | | MUSPERF | 126 | | NAVSCI | 20 | | NE | 44 | | NEURODPT | 11 | | NEUROL | 7 | | NEURSURG | 4 | | NTP | 11 | | NURSING | 111 | | NUTRSCI | 65 | | OBS\&GYN | 18 | | OCCTHER | 39 | | ONCOLOGY | 14 | | OPHTHALM | 5 | | OTM | 43 | | PATH | 34 | | PATH-BIO | 29 | | PEDIAT | 26 | | PHARMACY | 31 | | PHILOS | 77 | | PHMCOL-M | 11 | | PHMPRAC | 45 | | PHMSCI | 60 | | PHYASST | 37 | | PHYSICS | 88 | | PHYSIOL | 3 | | PHYTHER | 37 | | PLANTSCI | 52 | | PLPATH | 35 | | POLISCI | 192 | | POPHLTH | 58 | | PORTUG | 33 | | PSYCH | 101 | | PSYCHIAT | 22 | | PUBAFFR | 54 | | PUBLHLTH | 23 | | RADIOL | 11 | | REALEST | 41 | | RELIGST | 90 | | RHABMED | 9 | | RMI | 24 | | RP\&SE | 102 | | S\&APHM | 17 | | SCANDST | 73 | | SLAVIC | 89 | | SOC | 149 | | SOCWORK | 87 | | SOILSCI | 46 | | SPANISH | 83 | | SRMED | 21 | | STAT | 94 | | STDYABRD | 52 | | STS | 8 | | SURGERY | 25 | | SURGSCI | 33 | | THEATRE | 91 | | URBRPL | 60 | | UROLOGY | 5 | | ZOOLOGY | 89 | ## course ### run id 20260907T155543-ce3781c4 ### semester 1272 ### observed at 2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00 ### record version id b85ed74638b787f980613d8f4512aa11aac8dca5d7de03c5fd6c426163925f68 ### course id SOILSCI 250 ### course uid course\_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f ### catalog version id 9d065e6c1846ab936458ad2472364f442b3d1cb63ac81f28a2674e9da7833159 ### course number 250 ### subjects * SOILSCI ### title INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ### description Discuss how Planet Earth is an interconnected system dominated by the ever-present exchange of materials and energy that control the fitness and fate of all living organisms. Designed to introduce the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Science by providing a broad overview of the basic concepts used to make sense of the environment. Explore how natural systems work, the services they provide, important environmental challenges facing these systems, and how people are working to address them. Includes professionals in the field as guest speakers to discuss a future in Environmental Sciences. ### requirements text None ### credits min 3 ### credits max 3 ### credit offering ids * 1272:908:025422 ### llm job id enrich-8b774950c2b6adfdc46d1b82 ### llm output id d670b7c04e09d8787c4947c1e43c7086b8cd359faade71daf15ba8d5032e9629 ### llm model nvidia/Qwen3.6-35B-A3B-NVFP4 ### llm model revision 1355db6a052410cfd62085d94b58866fd0f2c3c5 ### llm task version 14 ### llm search status valid ### llm summary Introduction to Environmental Science covering Earth's interconnected systems, natural services, and environmental challenges. ### llm topics * Interconnected Earth systems and material/energy exchange * Natural systems and ecosystem services * Environmental challenges and human solutions ### llm skills * Discuss Earth as an interconnected system of material and energy exchange * Provide a broad overview of basic environmental science concepts * Explore natural systems, services, challenges, and human solutions ### llm assumed background None recorded. ### llm search phrases * environmental science introduction * interdisciplinary environmental systems * natural systems and services * environmental challenges solutions ### llm requirements status valid ### llm student summary status valid ### llm experience status valid ### catalog variants None recorded. ### student summary #### context hash 61a0f6ca8d18c72630a6d7a3d9aceed506a8cf7e0a9357ac9ffa4120713fcc8f #### course id SOILSCI 250 #### current instructors ```json [ { "instructor_uid": "instructor_d0392633eeb3a37acc53f98b", "message": null, "name": "Nick Balster", "review_status": "supported", "rmp_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "summary": [ { "citations": [ { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-09 14:49:47 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "8c90265650232b2e025763c0", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjEwODA4", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-19 14:31:49 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "dbfc386945cef35a6cfd1c7c", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjczOTMz", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2023-02-28 18:46:40 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "ce396017e2ffa4bbe6b6a5fe", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM3NDY1Mzk2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-11 17:38:59 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "5cecdd2eec86a7ca8997d729", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMTc5NjQ2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" } ], "text": "Nick Balster is criticized for outdated teaching and confusing lectures that fail to prepare students for difficult weekly quizzes and exams. Reviewers describe the workload as excessive with little relevant learning, noting a lack of grading curves despite high difficulty." }, { "citations": [ { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-12-07 00:00:51 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "01f91e44b58fad279dd21edc", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MzkwMTU2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-12 05:04:55 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "28c4c30edda3a9666915306e", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMjAwNjc0", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" } ], "text": "Some students find Balster passionate and caring, appreciating his effort in creating materials and willingness to award points for justified quiz answers. These reviewers recommend the class, though they acknowledge the quizzes remain challenging and the workload is significant." }, { "citations": [ { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1242", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1252", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1262", "type": "grade" } ], "text": "Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 2.89 GPA, 45.5% A/AB (n=66 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.17 GPA, 53.7% A/AB (n=67 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.07 GPA, 52.3% A/AB (n=65 letter grades)." } ] } ] ``` #### difficulty workload Reviewers consistently describe the workload as heavy, citing long readings and weekly quizzes that function like exams with tight time limits and high point values. ```json { "citations": [ { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-09 14:49:47 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "8c90265650232b2e025763c0", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjEwODA4", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-19 14:31:49 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "dbfc386945cef35a6cfd1c7c", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjczOTMz", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-12-07 00:00:51 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "01f91e44b58fad279dd21edc", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MzkwMTU2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2023-02-28 18:46:40 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "ce396017e2ffa4bbe6b6a5fe", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM3NDY1Mzk2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-11 17:38:59 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "5cecdd2eec86a7ca8997d729", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMTc5NjQ2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" } ] } ``` #### errors None recorded. #### historical context None recorded. #### offered true #### profile hash 5cb4dabf887cdbcd8c00d5a1312e10828b95c63f30bc3ea76aea199565390d02 #### quick take Reviews of Nick Balster’s SOILSCI 250 are sharply divided. Some students find the course useless and difficult with irrelevant content, while others praise his passion and care for student learning. ```json { "citations": [ { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-09 14:49:47 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "8c90265650232b2e025763c0", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjEwODA4", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-19 14:31:49 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "dbfc386945cef35a6cfd1c7c", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjczOTMz", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-12-07 00:00:51 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "01f91e44b58fad279dd21edc", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MzkwMTU2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2023-02-28 18:46:40 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "ce396017e2ffa4bbe6b6a5fe", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM3NDY1Mzk2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-11 17:38:59 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "5cecdd2eec86a7ca8997d729", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMTc5NjQ2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-12 05:04:55 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "28c4c30edda3a9666915306e", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMjAwNjc0", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" } ] } ``` Recent recorded grades — Fall 2024: 3.17 GPA, 53.7% A/AB (n=67 letter grades); Spring 2025: 3.55 GPA, 72.1% A/AB (n=43 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.07 GPA, 52.3% A/AB (n=65 letter grades). ```json { "citations": [ { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "grades_latest", "term_id": "1252", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "grades_latest", "term_id": "1254", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "grades_latest", "term_id": "1262", "type": "grade" } ] } ``` #### student experience Experiences vary significantly; some students feel they learn nothing relevant and find the teaching confusing, while others appreciate the professor's passion and willingness to award points for justified answers. ```json { "citations": [ { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-09 14:49:47 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "8c90265650232b2e025763c0", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjEwODA4", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-11-19 14:31:49 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "dbfc386945cef35a6cfd1c7c", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MjczOTMz", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2021-12-07 00:00:51 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "01f91e44b58fad279dd21edc", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM1MzkwMTU2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2023-02-28 18:46:40 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "ce396017e2ffa4bbe6b6a5fe", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTM3NDY1Mzk2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-11 17:38:59 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "5cecdd2eec86a7ca8997d729", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMTc5NjQ2", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" }, { "instructor_name": "Nick Balster", "review_date": "2025-12-12 05:04:55 +0000 UTC", "review_id": "28c4c30edda3a9666915306e", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "source_instructor_id": "rmp:262714", "source_review_id": "UmF0aW5nLTQyMjAwNjc0", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "type": "review" } ] } ``` #### task hash 74fb0997943e888960bbc9e47db8c4fd12e4292d55c20509d8d89db6a9910f68 #### teaching history NICK BALSTER is recorded teaching in Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule. ```json { "citations": [ { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1202", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1212", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1222", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1232", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1242", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1252", "type": "grade" }, { "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "section_number": 1, "source_course_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "source_record": { "entity_id": "46c09116-3eda-3ba0-8eec-c31eb05684c9", "file": "tables/observations.parquet", "kind": "grades", "source": "madgrades" }, "table": "section_grades_latest", "term_id": "1262", "type": "grade" } ] } ``` #### term id 1272 #### term name 2026 Fall #### version 2 ### requirements #### nodes ```json [ { "children": [], "condition": "None", "course": null, "evidence": "None", "id": "source_requirements", "kind": "condition" } ] ``` #### notes * Display fallback using original requirements text; not an LLM-parsed rule. #### root source\_requirements #### status needs\_review ### instructors ```json [ { "instructor_uid": "instructor_d0392633eeb3a37acc53f98b", "source": "enrollment", "source_instructor_id": "njbalster", "identity_basis": "netid", "identity_status": "source_identified", "name": "Nick Balster", "email": "NJBALSTER@WISC.EDU", "first_observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "last_observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "ratings": { "review_count": 64, "quality": 3.2, "difficulty": 3.45, "quality_count": 64, "difficulty_count": 64, "profile_id": "rmp:262714", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "match_basis": "exact_name", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00", "courses": { "course_0d4cf169ef7d2f1437b00cb6": { "review_count": 2, "quality": 5, "difficulty": 4, "quality_count": 2, "difficulty_count": 2 }, "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f": { "review_count": 6, "quality": 2, "difficulty": 3.5, "quality_count": 6, "difficulty_count": 6 } }, "bayesian_quality": 3.309448996082523, "prior_mean": 3.6596857835465957, "prior_weight": 20 }, "instructor_url": "/instructors/NICK_BALSTER" } ] ``` ### offerings ```json [ { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "offering_id": "1272:908:025422", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1272", "source_course_id": "025422", "source_subject_id": "908", "title": "Introduction to Environmental Science", "credits_min": 3, "credits_max": 3, "typically_offered": "Not Applicable" } ] ``` ### sections ```json [ { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "section_uid": "uw-section:1272:20743", "term_id": "1272", "source_section_id": "20743", "identity_basis": "class_number", "section_number": "001", "section_type": "LEC", "instruction_mode": "Classroom Instruction", "capacity": 100, "enrolled": 67, "waitlisted": 0, "start_date": "2026-09-02 05:00:00+00:00", "end_date": "2026-12-09 06:00:00+00:00" } ] ``` ### grade instructors ```json [ { "instructor_uid": "instructor_5547e51dbd6971d1b1bf9f10", "source": "madgrades", "source_instructor_id": "275007", "identity_basis": "source_id", "identity_status": "source_identified", "name": "NICK BALSTER", "email": null, "first_observed_at": "2026-09-06 23:14:58.172943+00:00", "last_observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "ratings": { "review_count": 64, "quality": 3.2, "difficulty": 3.45, "quality_count": 64, "difficulty_count": 64, "profile_id": "rmp:262714", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "match_basis": "exact_name", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00", "courses": { "course_0d4cf169ef7d2f1437b00cb6": { "review_count": 2, "quality": 5, "difficulty": 4, "quality_count": 2, "difficulty_count": 2 }, "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f": { "review_count": 6, "quality": 2, "difficulty": 3.5, "quality_count": 6, "difficulty_count": 6 } }, "bayesian_quality": 3.309448996082523, "prior_mean": 3.6596857835465957, "prior_weight": 20 }, "grade_statistics": { "gpa": 3.022, "graded": 2481, "counts": [ 811, 443, 461, 234, 295, 144, 93 ], "sections": 165 }, "instructor_url": "/instructors/NICK_BALSTER--instructor_5547e51dbd6971d1b1bf9f10" }, { "instructor_uid": "instructor_a716e21294a147264071b402", "source": "madgrades", "source_instructor_id": "3290045", "identity_basis": "source_id", "identity_status": "source_identified", "name": "ZAC FREEDMAN", "email": null, "first_observed_at": "2026-09-06 23:14:58.172943+00:00", "last_observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "grade_statistics": { "gpa": 3.751, "graded": 661, "counts": [ 506, 75, 40, 14, 16, 6, 4 ], "sections": 35 }, "instructor_url": "/instructors/ZAC_FREEDMAN--instructor_a716e21294a147264071b402" }, { "instructor_uid": "instructor_d0392633eeb3a37acc53f98b", "source": "enrollment", "source_instructor_id": "njbalster", "identity_basis": "netid", "identity_status": "source_identified", "name": "Nick Balster", "email": "NJBALSTER@WISC.EDU", "first_observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "last_observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "ratings": { "review_count": 64, "quality": 3.2, "difficulty": 3.45, "quality_count": 64, "difficulty_count": 64, "profile_id": "rmp:262714", "source_url": "https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714", "match_basis": "exact_name", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00", "courses": { "course_0d4cf169ef7d2f1437b00cb6": { "review_count": 2, "quality": 5, "difficulty": 4, "quality_count": 2, "difficulty_count": 2 }, "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f": { "review_count": 6, "quality": 2, "difficulty": 3.5, "quality_count": 6, "difficulty_count": 6 } }, "bayesian_quality": 3.309448996082523, "prior_mean": 3.6596857835465957, "prior_weight": 20 }, "instructor_url": "/instructors/NICK_BALSTER" } ] ``` ### grades ```json [ { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1202", "term_name": "Fall 2019", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 16, "ab": 6, "b": 2, "bc": 2, "c": 1, "d": 0, "f": 1, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 28, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1212", "term_name": "Fall 2020", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 11, "ab": 18, "b": 14, "bc": 6, "c": 7, "d": 4, "f": 0, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 60, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1222", "term_name": "Fall 2021", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 7, "ab": 10, "b": 10, "bc": 7, "c": 2, "d": 1, "f": 1, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 38, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1232", "term_name": "Fall 2022", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 15, "ab": 17, "b": 17, "bc": 9, "c": 4, "d": 1, "f": 4, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 67, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1242", "term_name": "Fall 2023", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 19, "ab": 11, "b": 11, "bc": 8, "c": 9, "d": 5, "f": 3, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 66, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1252", "term_name": "Fall 2024", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 22, "ab": 14, "b": 10, "bc": 9, "c": 11, "d": 1, "f": 0, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 1, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 68, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1254", "term_name": "Spring 2025", "instructors": [ "Zac Freedman" ], "a": 17, "ab": 14, "b": 11, "bc": 1, "c": 0, "d": 0, "f": 0, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 43, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] }, { "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4", "semester": "1272", "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00", "course_id": "SOILSCI 250", "course_uid": "course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f", "term_id": "1262", "term_name": "Fall 2025", "instructors": [ "Nick Balster" ], "a": 17, "ab": 17, "b": 13, "bc": 8, "c": 6, "d": 1, "f": 3, "satisfactory": 0, "unsatisfactory": 0, "credit": 0, "no_credit": 0, "passed": 0, "incomplete": 0, "no_work": 0, "not_reported": 0, "other": 0, "total": 65, "source_aliases": [ "SOILSCI 250" ] } ] ``` ### statistics #### gpa 3.116 #### graded 434 #### counts * 124 * 107 * 88 * 50 * 40 * 13 * 12 ### grade conflicts None recorded. ### evidence #### history * [/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/history/course\_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json](https://uwcourses.com/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/history/course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json) #### traces * [/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/traces/course\_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json](https://uwcourses.com/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/traces/course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json) #### reviews * [/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/reviews/course\_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json](https://uwcourses.com/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/reviews/course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json) #### meetings * [/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/meetings/course\_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json](https://uwcourses.com/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/meetings/course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json) #### results * [/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/results/course\_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json](https://uwcourses.com/data/e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349/results/course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f-0.json) ### revision e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349 ## context ### all #### term #### gpa 3.116359447004608 #### count 434 #### university ##### size 3716 ##### gpa Percentile 4 ##### count Percentile 82 ##### median Count 120 ##### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 0 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 10 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 214 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 923 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 2569 | false | #### departments ```json [ { "subject": "SOILSCI", "comparison": { "size": 17, "gpaPercentile": 19, "countPercentile": 94, "medianCount": 84, "histogram": [ { "range": "0.0–0.4", "count": 0, "current": false }, { "range": "0.4–0.8", "count": 0, "current": false }, { "range": "0.8–1.2", "count": 0, "current": false }, { "range": "1.2–1.6", "count": 0, "current": false }, { "range": "1.6–2.0", "count": 0, "current": false }, { "range": "2.0–2.4", "count": 0, "current": false }, { "range": "2.4–2.8", "count": 1, "current": false }, { "range": "2.8–3.2", "count": 3, "current": true }, { "range": "3.2–3.6", "count": 2, "current": false }, { "range": "3.6–4.0", "count": 11, "current": false } ] } } ] ``` ### terms #### 1202 ##### term 1202 ##### gpa 3.5 ##### count 28 ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1212 ##### term 1212 ##### gpa 3.033333333333333 ##### count 60 ##### university ###### size 1111 ###### gpa Percentile 5 ###### count Percentile 43 ###### median Count 68 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 0 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 4 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 159 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 337 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 611 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1222 ##### term 1222 ##### gpa 3.039473684210526 ##### count 38 ##### university ###### size 1157 ###### gpa Percentile 7 ###### count Percentile 18 ###### median Count 64 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 1 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 17 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 174 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 351 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 614 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1232 ##### term 1232 ##### gpa 3.014925373134328 ##### count 67 ##### university ###### size 1216 ###### gpa Percentile 6 ###### count Percentile 50 ###### median Count 66 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 2 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 14 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 174 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 356 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 670 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1242 ##### term 1242 ##### gpa 2.8863636363636362 ##### count 66 ##### university ###### size 1295 ###### gpa Percentile 2 ###### count Percentile 48 ###### median Count 67 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 2 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 11 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 162 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 394 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 726 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1252 ##### term 1252 ##### gpa 3.171641791044776 ##### count 67 ##### university ###### size 1333 ###### gpa Percentile 8 ###### count Percentile 47 ###### median Count 69 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 0 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 14 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 115 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 431 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 773 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1254 ##### term 1254 ##### gpa 3.546511627906977 ##### count 43 ##### university ###### size 1289 ###### gpa Percentile 36 ###### count Percentile 26 ###### median Count 66 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 0 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 17 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 128 | false | | 3.2–3.6 | 379 | true | | 3.6–4.0 | 765 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | #### 1262 ##### term 1262 ##### gpa 3.0692307692307694 ##### count 65 ##### university ###### size 1320 ###### gpa Percentile 5 ###### count Percentile 46 ###### median Count 70 ###### histogram | range | count | current | | ------- | ----- | ------- | | 0.0–0.4 | 0 | false | | 0.4–0.8 | 0 | false | | 0.8–1.2 | 0 | false | | 1.2–1.6 | 0 | false | | 1.6–2.0 | 0 | false | | 2.0–2.4 | 1 | false | | 2.4–2.8 | 8 | false | | 2.8–3.2 | 133 | true | | 3.2–3.6 | 381 | false | | 3.6–4.0 | 797 | false | ##### departments | subject | comparison | | ------- | ---------- | | SOILSCI | | ### benchmarks #### all ##### school ###### size 3716 ###### gpa 3.6899746206439836 ###### top Share 83.83505698525799 ###### count 120 ##### SOILSCI ###### size 17 ###### gpa 3.5691553357134005 ###### top Share 76.7720960739355 ###### count 84 #### terms ##### 1202 ###### school ###### size 1102 ###### gpa 3.5102605987403313 ###### top Share 72.78244569053733 ###### count 68 ##### 1212 ###### school ###### size 1111 ###### gpa 3.5856416028074487 ###### top Share 77.58926748660845 ###### count 68 ##### 1222 ###### school ###### size 1157 ###### gpa 3.563052311875811 ###### top Share 76.64869058732418 ###### count 64 ##### 1232 ###### school ###### size 1216 ###### gpa 3.575457431972425 ###### top Share 77.33712216234007 ###### count 66 ##### 1242 ###### school ###### size 1295 ###### gpa 3.595302892737449 ###### top Share 78.36291889885307 ###### count 67 ##### 1252 ###### school ###### size 1333 ###### gpa 3.619494049739118 ###### top Share 79.71442190500672 ###### count 69 ##### 1254 ###### school ###### size 1289 ###### gpa 3.6126423469389106 ###### top Share 79.48050408754871 ###### count 66 ##### 1262 ###### school ###### size 1320 ###### gpa 3.628825763035853 ###### top Share 80.21118846327654 ###### count 70 ## instructor Trends ```json [ { "uid": "instructor_5547e51dbd6971d1b1bf9f10", "name": "NICK BALSTER", "count": 391, "terms": [ { "term": "1202", "count": 28, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.5 }, { "term": "1212", "count": 60, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.033333333333333 }, { "term": "1222", "count": 38, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.039473684210526 }, { "term": "1232", "count": 67, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.014925373134328 }, { "term": "1242", "count": 66, "sections": 1, "gpa": 2.8863636363636362 }, { "term": "1252", "count": 67, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.171641791044776 }, { "term": "1262", "count": 65, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.0692307692307694 } ] }, { "uid": "instructor_a716e21294a147264071b402", "name": "ZAC FREEDMAN", "count": 43, "terms": [ { "term": "1254", "count": 43, "sections": 1, "gpa": 3.546511627906977 } ] } ] ``` ## following None recorded. ## projection ### target 1272 ### gpa 3.0468905108985975 ### grades | grade | percentage | | ----- | ------------------ | | A | 26.7297403080573 | | AB | 22.997061778766373 | | B | 19.745644133350133 | | BC | 13.456214844174713 | | C | 10.799879880963104 | | D | 2.8031443595348566 | | F | 3.4683146951535218 | ### source Terms * 1262 * 1252 * 1242 * 1232 * 1222 ### source Count 303 ### same Season true ### historical Range * 2.8863636363636362 * 3.1716417910447756