[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMjAwNjc0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:262714","instructor_name":"Nick Balster","course_label":"SOILSCI250","course_id":"SOILSCI 250","course_uid":"course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f","review_date":"2025-12-12 05:04:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Dr. Balster puts a lot of effort into the material he teaches and the videos he makes. He is very passionate about soil sciences and makes the class very enjoyable. He encourages his students to think deeply about the environment and truly cares about what he teaches. I would recommend this class to everyone!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMTc5NjQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:262714","instructor_name":"Nick Balster","course_label":"SOILSCI250","course_id":"SOILSCI 250","course_uid":"course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f","review_date":"2025-12-11 17:38:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"AVOID Super passionate professor ends up never teaching you anything in lectures that are relevant to his already challenging exams. Exams are very difficult. Not mandatory attendence but he makes it hard to skip with assignments.Very challenging, havent learned anything, DONT TAKE THIS CLASS","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3NDY1Mzk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:262714","instructor_name":"Nick Balster","course_label":"SOILSCI250","course_id":"SOILSCI 250","course_uid":"course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f","review_date":"2023-02-28 18:46:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor has an absolutely massive ego and refused to take feedback from students. Class was extremely difficult for no reason and despite many students averaging C's on weekly quizzes, grades were not curved at all. Readings were long and boring. Overall horrible class and horrible professor. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MzkwMTU2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:262714","instructor_name":"Nick Balster","course_label":"SOILSCI250","course_id":"SOILSCI 250","course_uid":"course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f","review_date":"2021-12-07 00:00:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Balster is a good dude, and he cares a lot about his students and def loves what he teaches. If you get something in wrong on a quiz and can actually back up why you chose an answer, he will most likely give you points back. But, quizzes are hard, there is a lot of work and you learn things that don't seem relevant/important at all.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MjczOTMz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:262714","instructor_name":"Nick Balster","course_label":"SOILSCI250","course_id":"SOILSCI 250","course_uid":"course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f","review_date":"2021-11-19 14:31:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you are looking for a class with a lot of work, yet no relevant information, take this class. I cannot express the amount of hate that I have towards this class and teacher. I am not majoring in environmental science, but if I was, Dr. Balster would seriously make me change my major. Avoid this class and any others that he teaches.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:14:06.113894+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MjEwODA4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:262714","instructor_name":"Nick Balster","course_label":"SOILSCI250","course_id":"SOILSCI 250","course_uid":"course_04ccf69fb33982ff8a62a49f","review_date":"2021-11-09 14:49:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"He acts like a progressive teacher, but his teaching is outdated, confusing, and does not take the student into account at all. If you love being a bootlicker and regurgitating info you'll do great. Weekly quizzes are basically weekly exams, 150 points, and only 50 mins to complete. And somehow I feel like I am learning nothing. Useless class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/262714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0}]