[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:59.158251+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MTYyOTI5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2346875","instructor_name":"Carl Sovinec","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2022-12-17 00:11:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Flipped lecture learning, he'll be upset if you do not participate and ask questions during class when working... which is fair but it was an 8am with attendance. The homeworks don't take up too much time. Exams were straightforward. You will learn a lot if you try ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2346875","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:59.158251+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2OTE4MDI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2346875","instructor_name":"Carl Sovinec","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2022-11-30 02:54:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"I think prof. Sovinec is a great guy that cares about his students. But EP271 as a class needs to be fixed. If you have never coded before you will be learning about python for the first time by doing some of the most difficult math you have probably ever seen. The emphasis is more on the math than it is the coding and that made it really hard","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2346875","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:59.158251+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2NjY2NzQ3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2346875","instructor_name":"Carl Sovinec","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2022-09-29 00:01:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you want to take a class where the only instructions you get are by following terrible examples on canvas than this is the professor for you. Lectures were all online, and far too long for little information. The course is supposed to be about understanding Maple and Python, yet the professor makes the focus on the math instead. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2346875","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:59.158251+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjMzOTU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2346875","instructor_name":"Carl Sovinec","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2021-12-22 19:12:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Sovinec clearly loves his students and what he does. I think this class could be structured a lot better though. For many engineering students this is the first programming class, but it seems knowledge of Python and calculus is necessary to do well. The exams are easy so a lot of students got by on group hw and collaborated on quizzes","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2346875","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:59.158251+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjAxNjA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2346875","instructor_name":"Carl Sovinec","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2021-12-20 01:58:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor is nice - class is not. Despite being an intro class, you "learn" python by trying to solve neutron flux and other equations you don't understand. I wish the curriculum was better suited for the level of the class because I'm sure I would have enjoyed it if that was the case.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2346875","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:59.158251+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NTkwMzc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2346875","instructor_name":"Carl Sovinec","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2021-12-18 20:19:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Math222 is the only prerequisite, but much of the class is solving diff equations using matrices (though math320 doesn't prepare). Both the mathematical background and the programming skills are underdeveloped in the lecture videos (even though the class is inperson), which are pretty dry. Still, Carl is a nice guy and the class is useful elsewhere","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2346875","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDA0NjYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-21 03:34:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof Hirst has been my favorite prof at Madison.  He made his class interesting and useful.  I learned the most applicable skills to my future career in his class, and use the languages we learned in all of my other classes. He is caring and whenever I needed help he would make time for my friends and I Caring and invested in his students learning.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMzc0Mjkx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-19 02:07:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"charlie hirst has brought out the worst in me. i want to rip my hair out every single day. I do the stuff we learned on the final and the problems arent able to be solved that way. I could hardly answer any of the problems. on my walk home and i was so mad i flipped off a baby right in its face. charlie hirst more like charlie HURTS you.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjU3MjQz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-12 20:52:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Unlike what some students are saying I truly believe Charles cares about his students and this class. He always makes sure that he answers students' questions, to his fully capability. He would constantly stay after office hours to answer student's questions. The class is challenging but Charles always was willing to help, and overall a great prof.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjQ2NzM2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-12 09:20:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"He structures the class with the \"flipped classroom\" style. we all know what that means and we all know how we feel about it. His office hours are not actually plural, it is one singular hour once per week during a time I have other obligations. He plays music during class that was often loud enough to make me feel uneasy. TA was just as bad.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjQ2NjU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-12 09:03:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"He does not teach the class anything. I am so upset by how little effort he put into instructing the class. he literally does nothing the ENTIRE class. friends say I'm too harsh and it's not his fault the course is like this but it is actually, theres no reason he cant just teach during the class period but he is lazy and would rather not.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjQ2MjY5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-12 08:03:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"As Wendy Williams once said. \"It could always be worse... well not really... this IS the worst *cameraman nods in agreement.*\" and lemme tell you when wendy said this she was talking about this guy and she was spittin fax. this course is horrible.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjQxNjQ5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-12 03:50:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"Dr. Hirst is an amazing professor. He is enthusiastic, kind, and easily accessible. The class is tough mostly due to the format, but that is not his fault as he only just inherited the class from another professor. He is actively trying to improve the class and it's clear that he cares about his students, even knows everyone's names.\n","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjI2NzQ5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-11 19:25:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"The content in EP271 is difficult, especially if you have not taken Math 320, but Prof. Hirst tries his best to help. I personally think he did a good job guiding students through the course the way it is set up, particularly for a 1st year professor. Lectures are pre-recorded from an old professor, most issues with the course can't be put on him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjI0NjI4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-11 18:19:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Good professor who suffers from having to teach a class with a tough curriculum. MATH320 is not required but will be in future semesters. Homework's are pre-written and very difficult, but the professor does a good job of writing easy midterms to counteract these. In the syllabus: 94-100(A) 87-94(AB) which feels a little harsh.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjA5ODAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-11 01:13:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"homework is so hard but you can do them in groups of three but you're not really taught anything. Everything is so confusing and I had a weird heavy feeling in my heart anytime there was a lab quiz due at 8am the next day and theres always 1 or 2 difficult questions w/ no time to figure them out and I get a 6/10 and scream cry into my pillow :*(","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:49:41.844538+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjAxODg0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057874","instructor_name":"Charlie Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-10 20:33:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"I no longer look both ways when I cross the street because of what this class has put me through.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057874","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:05.735606+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjQ3Mzg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057878","instructor_name":"Charles Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2025-02-06 20:27:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very nice professor who cares about his students. Homework's are group assignments and tough. Exams are reworked problems of the homework which is easy because of open note format.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057878","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:05.735606+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjQwOTIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3057878","instructor_name":"Charles Hirst","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2024-12-12 03:21:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"Dr. Hirst is an amazing professor. He is enthusiastic, kind, and easily accessible. The class is tough mostly due to the format, but that is not his fault as he only just inherited the class from another professor. He is actively trying to improve the class and it's clear that he cares about his students, even knows everyone's names.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3057878","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:38:00.074463+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1OTA1MTE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:620299","instructor_name":"Gregory Moses","course_label":"EP271","course_id":"EP 271","course_uid":"course_357e5ceed1d47248886bd716","review_date":"2016-01-08 19:15:22 +0000 UTC","comment":"The first month of the course you learn to use Maple and after the first midterm you learn to use MatLab. I know he is retiring soon but he is a very good teacher and nuclear engineer.  The entire class is spent working on problems with the programs and he lectures 5 minutes max and then will walk around and help you out and see where you are.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/620299","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0}]