[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:57:33.570348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEzNjY5NTA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:908115","instructor_name":"Adriana Nenciu","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2007-11-16 21:39:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"Kind and helpful professor. Not too hard (lectures, exams, hws).","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/908115","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:50.590042+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMjYzMjI5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2091022","instructor_name":"Alexandra Kjuchukova","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2025-05-13 04:36:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Arbitrary grading, gave me an A- despite me doing every thing expected of me. Was not fun having class with her as she was very insensitive. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2091022","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:50.590042+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5MzQ5OTg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2091022","instructor_name":"Alexandra Kjuchukova","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2017-12-28 12:30:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"She is a good professor for a proof-based course. She didn't curve anything, but she dropped the two lowest homework assignments and offered an extra credit assignment after the final. The tests were about half true/false and half free response. Kind of a strange sense of humor, but she is really personable.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2091022","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:36.595885+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Nzk1MzI2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2798807","instructor_name":"Boya Wen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2023-12-26 18:00:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Unlike other courses, there is an emphasis on proofs. Dr. Wen gave a great introduction to the subject. She prepares meticulously for every class and puts a lot of effort into her teaching. Also, she had an instant answer for any question. In short, a very smart and knowledgeable professor. Do yourself a favor and take the course with her!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2798807","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:36.595885+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Nzk0NTkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2798807","instructor_name":"Boya Wen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2023-12-26 11:16:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"I can tell that she prepares a lot for this class. She gave students worksheets in class, notes on Canvas every week. Difficulty of assignments is also acceptable, with 70% easy proofs and 30% hard proofs but can find hints in the textbook. But if you have a good mathematical foundation, her class may be a little easy and boring.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2798807","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:36.595885+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NzE3OTQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2798807","instructor_name":"Boya Wen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2023-12-17 20:05:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Dr. Wen is the best professor I've ever had. She is so incredibly thoughtful with her teaching. She is so prepared for lectures and could not be more clear with concepts. She really cares about feedback from her students and you know exactly what to study and what you have to know to get an A in this class. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2798807","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:36.595885+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4MzQ4ODA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2798807","instructor_name":"Boya Wen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2023-11-07 01:50:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"This professor is off the charts well organized, and so is the course. Grading criteria, homeworks, practice midterms, opportunities to provide feedback, everything is clear and impeccably organized. All you need to do is read .. a lot! The course is difficult of course, being proof based, but everyone knows that!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2798807","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:36.595885+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2NTMwODI5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2798807","instructor_name":"Boya Wen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2022-07-20 02:36:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Boya gives you the BEST lectures and one of the heaviest workloads (comparing to all my other courses). Prepare to learn A LOT and also struggle. You'll miss the world if you don't come to class. Working hard pays off.\nOn top of everything: GO TO HER OFFICE HOUR!!! She's super nice and she will try every possible way to help you learn and grow!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2798807","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:36.595885+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2MzMzNjI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2798807","instructor_name":"Boya Wen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2022-05-13 20:29:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"She has amazing lecture notes, which are logical, clear, and sufficient comparing to most math courses in UW-Madison. Her office hour also helps for exams, and she provides many practice problems to support what you learn. Although her grading is a little bit tough, she still worth a big recommendation. (541 destroys my GPA lol)","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2798807","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:48:59.613596+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMjQ3ODk4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2652881","instructor_name":"Chenxi Wu","course_label":"Math541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-06-14 13:56:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is very lenient on the deadlines—you get up to one day after the deadline to submit for full credit! In the final, he stated that he really wanted everyone to get a good grade. Likely they did. The notes have errors, but they largely can be subd in for Dum. sections. HW is mostly too easy. Most of the grade ~90% is exams ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2652881","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:48:59.613596+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDc2ODU5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2652881","instructor_name":"Chenxi Wu","course_label":"Math541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-05-09 02:29:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"He really cares about the students and wants everyone to do well. Most of the final grade is determined by how you do on the final, but the final was not hard. He greatly values student feedback. He knows the content very well and is good at coming up with examples. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2652881","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:48:59.613596+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNzI5Mjkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2652881","instructor_name":"Chenxi Wu","course_label":"Math541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-03-24 02:09:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"I wohld rather taking notes instead of going to his lecture. Poorly organized board writing, never stops, difficult homework problems without any hints or instructions. \nNever take with him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2652881","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:48:59.613596+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNzA2OTY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2652881","instructor_name":"Chenxi Wu","course_label":"Math541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-03-17 16:17:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Subbed one time for my modern alg class, genuinely the worst lecture I've ever sat through. Goes fast, doesn't take a breaks, board is very disorganized. Don't take","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2652881","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:48:59.613596+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NzY3MDU4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2652881","instructor_name":"Chenxi Wu","course_label":"Math541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2023-12-21 16:31:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"I don't know what the other reviews are talking about, I've never had a professor ask for as much feedback as Chenxi. He also had a very lenient grading system and he is very sharp and can easily answer any question or come up with an example if you have a question. He is great at communicating and grades everything himself very quickly.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2652881","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:19.828233+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MzQwNDMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1365279","instructor_name":"Fedor Nazarov","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2010-06-16 14:44:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"In this class I was not tested on my ability to solve abstract algebra problems.  Instead I was tested on how well I could memorize proofs that he did in class.  Got an A for memory but F for understanding.  In this respect it was an easy A but I learned nothing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1365279","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:19.828233+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MjcyMTI2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1365279","instructor_name":"Fedor Nazarov","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2010-05-26 18:29:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"I learned nothing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1365279","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MDM0MDQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-08-18 15:11:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you can take someone else, then you better do. His tests are extremely heavy and do not quite reflect what he teaches during the lecture. Plus, he's got an attitude when you ask him a question. Avoid him!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MDA0MDA1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-08-03 21:37:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Tough grader and test heavy. There was no curve in the course and he barely gives any partial credits on the test. Lectures are very monotone and kind of boring. No inspiration throughout the course. Find someone better","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0OTMyNTAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-06-23 05:37:28 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very nice supportive inspiring Professor. Organized clean and beautiful notes. Reasonable grader. Always ready and happy to help his students. He loves math and he hopes his students will.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0ODM0MTAy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-20 21:23:28 +0000 UTC","comment":"The way he teaches math is not helpful. The exams are very hard with about 2 hours. In other words, he expects you to know every single thing on the exam. He does not know how to motivate students to learn math. Unfortunately, the office hours are not helpful at all since he only talks without writing anything. Tough grader","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzY2ODU5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-11 20:21:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"he cannot teach. had him online and his lectures were decent but he speaks in a very monotone voice. like where is the energy? exams and quizzes are hard. he teaches things with very confusing methods. had to watch youtube videos to learn. if you do not have background knowledge of algebra would not recommend it","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzY2ODI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-11 20:19:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is very conservative about his teaching style. It doesn't matter you understand the topic or not, it seems that he only cares about his teaching. If had a chance, I would definitely take another math professor at the department. He cares little about his students. Find better people in the department.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzY1NzMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-11 18:48:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Do not take him at all. I took math 541 with him and I regret. His exams are super hard to pass. He barely does any examples in the class but puts very hard questions to fail you. Avoid him","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzU0MDg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-10 17:34:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is an average professor. I did very well in this class by doing the problems from textbook. His teaching style is very boring and he has zero motivation for his students. Plus, he sometimes has an attitude when asking a question. I felt that he does not like to be bothered. His exams are very tough. If you have other professor, do not take him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzUxNDYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-10 11:20:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"Make sure you note ALL examples he gives in the class. The exam is pretty tough but pretty similar to the past exam. So, doing past exams will prepare you well for this class. Homework is tough sometimes, but it is interesting and doable if you give it enough time.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:29:19.159502+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NjI1MjM4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2521051","instructor_name":"Justin Sukiennik","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-04-26 16:38:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Beware of this professor. Very uncaring and shows no interest in student progress. I will never take him for higher math. No useful at all","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2521051","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:23:43.626937+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5MDU5OTIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2071722","instructor_name":"Leesa Anzaldo","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2017-12-06 09:41:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Leesa is one of the kindest and most caring teachers in the math dept. She presents material carefully, and with a lot of emphasis on improving proof-writing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2071722","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:23:43.626937+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MTAzMzMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2071722","instructor_name":"Leesa Anzaldo","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2017-04-22 17:04:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Leesa is an awesome teacher! Material is difficult, but tests and homework are fair.  You can tell she wants you to succeed.  Only math professor I've had that uses Learn@UW, so that's a major plus.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2071722","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:23:43.626937+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3NzAyMjA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2071722","instructor_name":"Leesa Anzaldo","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2017-01-09 17:50:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Leesa does a good job of explaining the proofs, the lectures made the homework very doable (but not easy)  and she was always very willing to help in office hours. Very understanding of students and truly seems to want to have you succeed. Very open to questions during class which helped students grasp the material with ease.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2071722","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:23:43.626937+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1Njg5Njgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2071722","instructor_name":"Leesa Anzaldo","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2015-12-14 18:09:16 +0000 UTC","comment":"One of the best math instructors I have ever had. Very clear with everything.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2071722","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:52.775670+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIwMzE1Nzk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1637791","instructor_name":"Matthew Ballard","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2012-05-19 20:06:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great lecturer and very helpful in office hours. The workload was intense, but I definitely learned a lot in this class. If I'd tried a little harder, I definitely could have achieved a much higher grade than I did.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1637791","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:52.775670+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIwMjk4MTc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1637791","instructor_name":"Matthew Ballard","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2012-05-16 21:34:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Definitely the best lecturer I have had in the math department.  He assigned a fair amount of homework early on, but the workload got to be too big at the end of the semester, and material was rushed through.  I think our class was an exception though, and he usually paces the course better.  Very helpful in office hours.  Great overall.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1637791","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:17:02.037647+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTI0NTU4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2680569","instructor_name":"Mikhail Ivanov","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-01-20 19:19:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"Dr. Ivanov was a really great instructor.  His lectures were clear and enjoyable, with lots of examples, and exams and assignments were very doable.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2680569","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:17:02.037647+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTE4MDg3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2680569","instructor_name":"Mikhail Ivanov","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-01-19 03:20:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"Amazing prof. Entire class is very organized. Lots of resources to help you outside of lectures. Homework and exam difficulty is perfect. Really good book. Lectures are interesting with a lot of participation. Prof is hilarious, sometimes at your expense. Cares about students. Biggest downside: not very helpful on Piazza. Very Russian 9.5/10.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2680569","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:41.387103+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzU2MTUw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1934009","instructor_name":"Robert Grizzard","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-10 20:27:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bobby is an ok professor. He's very unorganized (doesn't post HW, shows up late, etc.), but the way he teaches makes you a better mathematician. Material is hard but doable. Every exam I did slightly better than the last (not sure if I was grasping the material or if Bobby was being a generous grader lol). Nice guy, got a B even though I struggled.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1934009","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:41.387103+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzQyOTkx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1934009","instructor_name":"Robert Grizzard","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-05-08 21:21:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bobby is an excellent professor. He's really friendly and easily accessible. His lectures are engaging and easy to follow if you're comfortable with proofs. His homework assignments are reasonably challenging and reinforce the material covered in lectures well. His quizzes and exams are also very fair with generous grading.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1934009","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:41.387103+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NTU4NzM2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1934009","instructor_name":"Robert Grizzard","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2021-04-15 21:28:42 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bobby is a great professor. He's incredibly kind and friendly with his students, very clear in his lecturing, and is always accessible. He assigns HW problems that are just difficult enough to challenge you but not overly daunting, and likewise his exams can be challenging but certainly not unfair. Overall, he is an excellent professor!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1934009","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:40.059739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxMjg1ODI2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1625443","instructor_name":"Robert Harron","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2013-01-22 19:38:27 +0000 UTC","comment":"Keeping in mind that this was hand down the most difficult class I have taken to date, Harron did a very effective job of teaching this very challenging material. He is very approachable and has a likable demeanor and sense of humor. The exams are difficult but not as difficult as most of the homework.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1625443","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:24.487057+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEwNjY5NTg2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:239910","instructor_name":"Robert Wilson","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2005-10-31 15:47:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"The man's hilarious.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/239910","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1OTMxMjM5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2016-01-12 23:54:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sean's an awesome teacher. The best math teacher I've ever had. Extremely patient and charismatic in explaining topics. I would highly recommend this class if you seriously enjoyed linear Algebra. The material covered is similar in spirit, although much more interesting.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1ODQ5MDc3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2015-12-30 13:09:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"Pros: He explains material very well. His lectures are helpful. His tests asked fair questions. He is the teacher you want for an upper-level math class. You will learn a lot.  Cons: He gives a lot of homework. His grading policy is tough. He refused to discuss how the class would be curved, if at all. You'll have to put in a good amount of work.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1NzM1NDM2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2015-12-16 23:05:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Delivery of the material is incredibly well thought out. Starts out building up theory for things you're pretty comfortable with, then he shows how those ideas work in increasing levels of abstraction. Homeworks and lectures are very thought provoking. Whole structure of the course forces you to ask why and challenges your assumptions. Great class ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1NjY2MTY4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2015-12-13 00:06:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"I really liked his class and teaching style. He gives plenty of time in lecture for you to process the information and ask questions. He always answered all questions really well and encouraged us to think for ourselves. Homework was vital and extremely helpful to understanding the material. If you're actually interested in math, I recommend. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1MzkxNTc3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2015-11-11 14:59:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"Homeworks had a definitive purpose and were awesome at helping you understand the material, where you explored things that we went over in lecture in much more detail. His lectures could be a bit slow, but that's because he always pauses to guarantee everyone understands. Office Hours are incredibly helpful, he goes through problems step by step","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1MjYxOTY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2015-10-17 12:21:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sean can get a little distracted or side-tracked, but his lectures are interesting and thought-provoking. Highly recommend taking this class with him. He has taught it for many semesters and can guide you to an answer without telling you outright. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzNTU3NTYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2014-08-26 09:01:27 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sean was wonderful. He is amazingly knowledgeable and insightfully answered every question thrown at him. Lectures were clear and exams were fair. If you are actually interested in math he's great (but apparently if you are taking math 320 or 340 and want an easy A he is not your guy). Note that all of his reviews for 400+ courses are positive.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxMzA5OTk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2013-01-30 21:50:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great professor, he actually wants to help you learn. Whenever I was confused I would email him for help and he would really take the time to explain things to me. Also, he really encouraged questions in class. My only suggestion is, if you're taking 541, buy the book \"A book of abstract algebra\" by Pinter. The book we used was pretty awful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:30.122461+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxMTUzNjEz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1786461","instructor_name":"Sean Rostami","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2012-12-22 14:23:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's a good guy who really seems to want to help. If you have questions or are confused, read the book and then go ask him for help and he'll usually do everything he can to help.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1786461","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:22.769845+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEzODczMTE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:607852","instructor_name":"Serguei Denissov","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2007-12-19 11:35:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a bad professor. His lectures make us confusing, but exams are pretty easy if you did well homeworks. If you want to study rigorous proofs, however, please find other professor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/607852","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:06:14.053692+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE4Njc5NjIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1522421","instructor_name":"Shamgar Gurevich","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2011-05-30 03:13:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"GREAT professor!!Very helpful and treating students like friends.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1522421","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:46.636551+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEzOTExNzcx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:481453","instructor_name":"Shirin Malekpour","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2007-12-26 19:58:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"Excellent.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/481453","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:46.636551+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEzOTExNzY0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:481453","instructor_name":"Shirin Malekpour","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2007-12-26 19:56:26 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great professor, knows the material she is teaching and always willing to answer questions when material is difficult or unclear.  Highly recommended.  Very nice, also.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/481453","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:46.191162+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMzg0NTE5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3064250","instructor_name":"Shiva Chidambaram","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-08-24 06:41:09 +0000 UTC","comment":"It's obvious shiva is not properly planning out his lectures beforehand because his thoughts are scattered and difficult to follow. That being said, abstract algebra can just be extremely unintuitive at times. Biggest complaint is homework is graded unnecessarily harshly. Textbook is really good and it saved me on homework/exams. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3064250","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:46.191162+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMzAwNzE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3064250","instructor_name":"Shiva Chidambaram","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2026-07-13 17:02:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"Will read from the book. Is a nice guy and definitely has potential as a teacher, but for now seems to just copy the textbook. Occasionally gets a little confused and has to redo a lot of work. Hardest exams I have ever seen, but he will lower the grade cutoffs significantly at the end. Will go over at the end of class. Again, really nice guy.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3064250","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:01.368165+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzMjczODYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:133058","instructor_name":"Steffen Lempp","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2020-05-12 15:41:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"pros: very knowledgeable, good at answering questions. exam is far easier than hw, so doing it all will over-prepare you cons: handwriting is TERRIBLE, you will have to stop him in lecture to ask what he wrote. covers a lot of material as 541 is a prep for 542. this means hw assigned during test weeks, and no review sessions before exams","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/133058","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:04:44.099891+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE4OTc1OTY=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:167023","instructor_name":"Stephen Wainger","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2004-04-04 16:42:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Don't take a high-level math course with him.  He makes frequent mistakes, has trouble remembering most of the material, and thinks his way is the only right way.  His grading is brutal (almost no partial credit) and he's pretty rude to most students.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/167023","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:02:15.299111+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjE0MjY5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2826174","instructor_name":"Trinh Nguyen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2025-01-28 21:00:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"Accent was very strong and hard to understand","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2826174","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:02:15.299111+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjkwMzQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2826174","instructor_name":"Trinh Nguyen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2024-12-14 04:06:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"Nguyen gives such little effort, his handwriting is horrible, and he spoken communication is not great. The class moved so slowly through basic background knowledge and sped through new material. We'd often spend the entire lecture period \"reviewing\" from the class prior, which just isn't helpful. Avoid if you can","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2826174","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:02:15.299111+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NzU5Njc2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2826174","instructor_name":"Trinh Nguyen","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2024-09-23 18:51:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"Extremely annoying professor. Lectures are almost entirely just examples from the textbook, but much slower, harder to follow, less intuitive, and delivered in broken english. Good luck getting the homework graded before exams, both of which barely relate to whatever exercises he actually manages to work through in lecture.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2826174","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:56:26.783609+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NzE0OTE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1671330","instructor_name":"Zev Klagsbrun","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2012-01-12 00:44:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor went through the material very quickly in class and had high expectations for the midterms. His grading was initially harsh but the final was substantially easier and he was more helpful in class towards the end of the semester. I agree that he obviously has never taught before. He assumes his students are as smart as him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1671330","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:56:26.783609+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NjIzMTA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1671330","instructor_name":"Zev Klagsbrun","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2011-12-26 15:09:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"Extremely difficult grader, to the point where I'd recommend not taking one of his courses. When a course is offered all the time and the average grade in the other sections are a B or higher, it's very annoying having my GPA trashed because he feels like being a tough grader. Ruined my interest in algebra.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1671330","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:56:26.783609+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NjIyMjMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1671330","instructor_name":"Zev Klagsbrun","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2011-12-26 10:52:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"As an honors student who loves learning, Zev's class ruined all of that. He will make you feel inadequate for asking questions. He hardly hands out any partial credit, even for almost right answers and grades only 2 or 3 HW problems, so if you spend hours doing it and get 1 wrong, you're already in trouble. You can tell he has never taught before.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1671330","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:56:09.554598+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NDg2Njky","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2743901","instructor_name":"Ziquan Yang","course_label":"MATH541","course_id":"MATH 541","course_uid":"course_7e12e6bf6be7a81f7ca74420","review_date":"2024-12-17 16:53:26 +0000 UTC","comment":"Rather solid professor in my opinion: grades and lectures fairly, test are mostly just taken out of the homework etc etc. The class is difficult and the materials can feel very abstract and unintuitive, but this is just the nature of an college Abstract Algebra class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2743901","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0}]