[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:57:00.766334+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyMzcxMDIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2225093","instructor_name":"Alexander Brooks","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2019-11-06 22:11:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"Can be confusing sometimes because he thinks of algorithms much more deeply than the students, but is always willing to stop and explain. Very kind and will give help if needed. Also has jolly ranchers.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2225093","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:48:08.625857+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0Nzg5OTI0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2529436","instructor_name":"Christos Tzamos","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-05-14 02:13:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Informative lectures that helped with the homework. Class was hard but that's because it's algos and its always hard. My semester had one of the most generous curves I've ever seen (50% of class got an A).","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2529436","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxODUwNzYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2019-05-12 16:46:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"I was a T.A, not a student, and she is a liberalist, midway between mundane and creative, 20 years ago. She displays amazing intelligence for a human , and has deciphered some truths correctly, like that humans have not evolved beyond the yeast, still stuck in Judeo-Cristian spiritualities of bread and wine, both based on yeast, sucking!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI2MzgyNDY0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2016-04-26 14:20:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bach is still in charge of the homework and tests, but Joseph teaches off of wiki pages and has no idea what she's doing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0ODcxNTEy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2015-05-19 22:28:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"I thought Deb made a good effort to teach the material in a way that was easy to understand and easy to refer to in the future (using free online resources and textbooks). She does lecture a bit slow at times, but it is very clear. She's also very knowledgeable about extendedrelated topics if you talk to her after class or during office hours.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMjU3MTQ5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-05-15 15:59:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"Deb Joseph is probably the worst professor I've ever had. She seems to possibly know her stuff, but is just not good at conveying it. Lectures are boring as hell, she procrastinated assigning all homework til near the end, basically screwing us all over to get the 45% we needed to pass the class. Easy A, but mental suffering along the way. 2/10","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMjUwMzk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-05-14 21:20:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"Here is my advice to anyone in CS taking 577: take it with DebJo, unless you really want to learn a lot and are willing to put in a LOT of time and energy into the course with someone else. I feel I learned a bit les than I would've with another professor, but it's just crazy easy. And DebJo is pretty helpful if you ask. Just confusing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMjM4MDA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-05-13 16:52:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"Take this class if all you care about is getting an A. The class is horribly unorganized and inconsistent. Her lectures are uninformative and unprepared. She is definitely one of the worst professors I have ever had. Don't even bother going to most lectures. Just do enough work for an A, which is very doable, and take that.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMjI4OTMz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-05-12 17:53:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Horrible teacher, if you want to learn something about algorithms do not take this class with her. Only have to get 200 out of 400 points to get an A, but she routinely grades things incorrectly and enters points in wrong so you have no idea how you are doing until late into the semester.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMTk3ODc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-05-08 13:02:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"She gave us 400 available points and said that we need 200 of those to get an A. This would have been a lot easier if the homework and quizzes had been released at a constant rate and not all at the end of the semester. Overall, really easy to get an A in this class without learning anything.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMDQ1NjA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-04-16 00:49:42 +0000 UTC","comment":"Most of the material is released when half the semester is over. Just attending lecture and passively consuming the material is a recipe for failure in this course. You have to actively work hard to make sense of things. There's a lack of clarity at times, but if you put the book, her lecture & wikipedia together it makes sense.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMDEzMzEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-04-09 15:46:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Is consistently late to class, moves extremely slowly, and wastes classtime by asking poorly-phrased questions with little background and not moving on until the class has arrived at the proper answer. The lectures are a complete waste of time, and she seems not to care.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyOTc0ODIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-04-01 14:43:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"A must take if you're a CS major. Highly recommended if you want to graduate.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyOTAyMTUx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-03-11 14:59:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class is great.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyMTkzNTk5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2013-10-19 20:07:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not to hard to get an A because of her point system, but you won't learn too much. What she goes over in lecture will show up on the quizzes, but is otherwise pretty useless. Homework is ridiculously time consuming, and harshly graded, but you can pick and choose which assignments you want to do. Not as bad as some of the others say.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxNzcxMzA4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2013-05-15 23:40:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"Do not take this class with her if you actually want to learn the material.  Her grading system is that you need to get 200 out of a possible 437, so getting an A is possible but still difficult, especially since she didn't release anything until most of the semester is over.  Did not learn anything I wanted too except what I taught myself.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxNjI4ODUx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2013-04-29 15:41:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"Definitely the worst professor I've had. Material is stumbled over during lecture, not taught. Homework assignments are not consistent with material being taught. She does not seem to be very interested in this class. Take  577 from a different professor, you won't learn anything from Joseph.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE2NjMzOTkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2009-12-23 22:34:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Other than picking an awful book, she is a good professor.  The home work is a little tough but that's because she wants you to think.  The workload in this course is nothing compared to other 500 level courses.  Lecture is usually very informative and her teaching style is easy to follow.  Recommended for anyone who wants to take algorithms.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE1ODc2ODE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2009-05-20 23:08:09 +0000 UTC","comment":"Terrible prof. Doesn't make good use of lecture time. Course had WAY too much homework. HW was much harder than the problems done in class and was always due at the next lecture. HW grading was far too strict. Don't bother emailing her for HW help - better hope you get good TAs. I put in a lot of time but didn't learn much.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE0NjExNDg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2008-06-25 01:45:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"I was not fond of her teaching style. Homework was far too difficult and lengthy for the course. The grading was ruthless. Tests went back and forth between too easy and too difficult. I don't feel like I really learned much. I understand the basic algorithms, but not necessarily why they work. Class was not very instructional, more forum-like.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTgxMzk=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2004-06-19 12:10:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Don't take CS 520 or CS 577 with her. You'll get an A, but you won't learn much of anything.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE4NzU1MjA=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2004-03-31 12:13:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Good lecturer, but her version of this class is so ridiculously easy that it's hard to learn anything from it.  CS 577 with other professors is harder but much better.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MDY0ODg=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2004-02-10 21:46:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"Interesting instructor, helpful, keeps the class engaged.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTAxNjE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-11 21:39:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bach is quite good. He's a little old school and only lectures on a chalkboard, however, he tries to put up relevant material on the website. He's slow to grade, but overall, a very good professor who knows his stuff. He also writes his own fresh problem sets fresh every semester with novel problems and takes feedback actively for class ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjkwOTU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-01-03 16:11:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bach is a terrible professor. While he knows his stuff he is terrible at teaching it. Don't expect things to be graded until months after submission. The worst part is that he won't even tell you the grade cutoffs until the very end of class, so you could be failing and you don't even know since he won't say the curve. WORST professor I've ever had","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjU2MDAy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-26 08:34:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bach is a good dude and is very passionate and knowledgeable about the material, doesn't translate at being great at actually teaching it. Most lectures did not really make a ton of sense overall.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NTc3NzQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-17 19:35:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"lectures are not helpful to Exams and HWs at all. Even discussion sections by TAs are significantly more useful. Also, my HW was misgraded, Professor refuses to change my grade and told me to email the grader instead, but my HW grader doesn't even reply to any messages/emails, so even getting correct grading is not always possible.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NDg3Nzgy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-13 00:17:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bach's 577 is such a disgrace to UW-Madison. Why is he teaching the most fundamental class in the CS degree? The content of lectures makes so much sense if you take Bach and his ramblings out of the equation. HWs take months to be graded, exams - 5 weeks. Don't take this class with him if you want to learn algorithms.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NDIxODEy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-08 19:51:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"Avoid this professor at all costs. Homework's are downright impossible, exams are really hard as well. Lectures are incredibly boring and you basically have to teach yourself everything. Take any other professor","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1Mzg2MTU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-06 20:31:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is a smart guy, but not a good teacher. Do not take this course with him, you will learn nothing. Hw is impossible, average for midterm was 18/40, like seriously do not take this guy...","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MjY1OTYy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-11-18 16:15:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bach is easily one of the worst professors I have ever had. DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE WITH BACH. He rambles on about noting during lecture and gives 0 examples. You will spend more time figuring out what the questions are asking than actually solving them. The midterm took around 1 month to be graded. Avoid Bach at ALL costs!!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyODIwNTI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2020-01-10 17:09:14 +0000 UTC","comment":"People say Dieter's section is the hardest one. No, Eric Bash teaches the hardest CS577. Some of his material has never been taught by other CS 577 professors, such as FFT. That means you learn a lot and suffer a lot as well. His homework is challenging but he is a very nice guy in office hour and would give you tons of hints. I like him overall.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyMzg3MTIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2019-11-09 20:46:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"DO NOT TAKE FOR CS577. TAKE ANYONE ELSE. Eric Bach is a truly horrible teacher. You will learn nothing. The worst part is that some of the stuff you are supposed to learn in this class could be useful, you just won't learn it with Eric.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3NjQ3NTQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2016-12-30 20:36:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is not that scary... Some lectures are pretty confusing, which I left having no ideas what he was talking about. He is very good outside of the lecture tho. He gives tons of help in his OH. Overall you will learn a lot from him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3NTM0MDA4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2016-12-16 16:16:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Just teaches a bunch of different algorithms with a very loose structure. Be familiar with the algorithms but don't stress over them, class tests more on your deductive reasoning than your understanding of the course.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3MTI5MjUx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2016-11-04 10:17:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"An ideal teacher for this course.  He intuitively understands the material and has the ability to immediately grasp the perspective of the student asking a question.  This stuff is abstract, Prof Bach makes it approachable.  He is easily reachable, responsive and appears to truly care about both his students and the material.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI2NTM3Njk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2016-05-11 10:13:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"HWs are random questions, and everything is too theoretical. The most useful proof in this class will be \"Now it should be clear that...\". It's not a good course if you really want to learn algorithm.  Most students go to the other section because this guy just doesn't know how to teach. He sucks.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1MzE0MzAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2015-10-30 00:06:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Dr. Bach is a very smart man but isn't  a easy grader. To want to pass you have to be interested in CS if you aren't the homework will feel like a chain on your leg. In my opinion hes a tough grader and isn't the best but if you want a boost know what your doing wrong and are very interested in CS he'd be the one for you.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyOTc0ODQ3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-04-01 14:47:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Hard class but doable. If you can't get this class with deb take it with Eric.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE1MDkwNzk0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2008-12-02 23:20:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"Obscenely difficult class. Expects you to do 40 hours of work per assignment (1 assignment/2 weeks) - he told this to me personally. Likes writing almost nonstop and talking while facing the chalkboard.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4NDE5OTM=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2004-11-27 09:19:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"pretty nice guy and an OK teacher - but his class isn't engineered to teach you anything. it's meant to trick you up.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTYzMjU=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2004-06-18 10:52:42 +0000 UTC","comment":"Too hard. Take it with Deb Joseph. She's a much better teacher.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE4NzU1NDE=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2004-03-31 12:16:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not always an enaging lecturer, but a very good teacher overall.  Recommended.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTY4MzkzMw==","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2003-03-07 01:23:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Reading a textbook is more exciting than listening to his lectures.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:33:03.164288+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MjM4ODU4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2813755","instructor_name":"Jeremy McMahan","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-12-24 16:16:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Amazing professor with great lectures. Large portions of lectures dedicated to answering questions and solving examples. Gave tons of supplementary materials to set you up for success. Algos is infamously hard and there's no getting away from that, but Jeremy is your best bet for succeeding in this course.\nP.S. Generous curve as well!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2813755","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:33:03.164288+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2NjQxMTcx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2813755","instructor_name":"Jeremy McMahan","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-09-13 20:31:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"\n","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2813755","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:33:03.164288+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2NTcwMzU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2813755","instructor_name":"Jeremy McMahan","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-08-08 03:00:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Algos is HARD. I slacked off the at first and only watched lecture videos, never went to office hours. After the midterm I had an F in the class. So, I got serious: attended everything I could, stayed caught up. By Jeremy's new, wonderful way of making the course interesting and his great help, I earned a BC! He's changing UW's algos for the better","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2813755","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MTgwMTMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2020-12-22 23:51:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"People can surely say his lectures aren't useful for the exams, but the very intention of Jin-Yi is to hope he teaches you to be a good CS student, not to help you ace your exam. I am not too good in Math and Jin-Yi's lecture are more math heavy, so it's not my type. If you really love math, then you would love Jin-Yi.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzODIyOTQz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2020-11-16 10:06:42 +0000 UTC","comment":"This professor took a fascinating and fundamental set of topics from computer science and made it insufferable. None of the lectures were useful. Make sure you are able to find MIT, Stanford or Carnegie materials for algorithms and you should be fine. I see no point in taking this class except for requirements.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5NTMzMzAy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-02-03 15:56:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"9 percent A. Good Job!!!!!!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5NTAzNDUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-01-25 16:48:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great professor, very difficult class, but I found him very helpful. A prof can only tell you so much about the contents of the course, since the HW/Exams are all about you figuring stuff out by yourself. His class helped me make algos creatively. People who go to lecture understand the class, unlike those who don't and just make things up.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5MjQxMDM5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-12-16 23:54:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Couldn't understand a word or metaphor he gave. I found the textbook to be a much better use of my time, but then he started giving out free points to the people who attended lecture. So I started showing up and doing other homework during lecture.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4Nzc2ODg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-10-24 12:23:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Jin-Yi is the best professor I've ever had, his lectures are engaging, he is funny at times and does an amazing job explaining concepts. It is very clear that he knows exactly what needs to be said, not once did he stutter or not know where he was going, which is insane if you think about how difficult the content can be. Exams were fair too!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0OTM0NzQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2015-06-03 19:50:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"Obviously very smart, but he spoke very quickly on advanced topics and lectures were not always easy to follow. Homework was extremely difficult, did not match the textbook and often not the lecture, and did not leave sufficient time to the student to complete. Office hours were not helpful; he would say that he wanted the student to think about it","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5OTAzOTYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2012-03-12 21:17:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"The class is super, super hard, but Professor Cai is ridiculously smart. Pay super good attention otherwise you'll get lost very easily.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5MjYxMjg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2011-11-17 00:09:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class was very difficult.  These kind of theory classes in general tend to be difficult, but he doesn't make it any easier.  He seems like a really nice guy and like people have said seems very intelligent, but he just rambles.  He expects you to spend hours on each assignment.  The book is your only real chance to succeed, in my opinion.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMzc3ODgw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-08-20 14:35:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Course materials are heavy and useful, but lectures are not. I bet at least half of the class got lost during the last few weeks lecture about NP topics. He offers lots of extra credits, but the purpose is just to bump up the grade of entire class to a gradable number. Extra credits does not change your final position in the class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMjAwMDQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-27 20:16:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Manolis is an incredibly passionate professor who genuinely cares about his student's success. The class is extremely time consuming with the quantity of work he assigns, but it translates to high class averages on exams because he conditions you well for success. Doesn't record lectures but lectures are very interactive almost like a HS math class","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDg1MzM5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-10 16:04:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor brings great energy to class and is always available for students. However, they tend to talk a lot during exams, which can be distracting and make it harder to concentrate.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNzExOTAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-03-18 18:44:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is a goated professor. Never skipped his lecture. Got enrolled late in his class, one of the best decisions i could've made. He's really engaging and ensures everyone participates. Gives bonuses, but most important of all, he's really supportive. He'll be there for you, will stay hours longer in his OH but will ensure that concepts are clear. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjMxOTMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-02-21 10:43:16 +0000 UTC","comment":"Hands down the best professor I had. Cares about students' education and his lectures are engaging despite the complexity of the concepts. 577 was the toughest yet the most fun class I had thanks to him!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjI5MjU2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-02-20 05:38:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Manolis is very helpful and easy to approach. His classes are engaging and enthusiastic, and he encourages students to think critically and participate in discussions. His grading is fair and generous, which makes the course less stressful and more enjoyable.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjI5MjMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-02-20 05:25:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Manolis is very friendly and enthusiastic toward students, and is always willing to help. As long as you are willing to put in the time, you will learn a lot. He is also generous when it comes to grading.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjI0MjMz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-02-19 00:28:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"I took a gamble taking 577 with Manolis during his first semester teaching and it absolutely paid off. Manolis cares deeply about his students learning, and carries a passion in lecture that other teachers of 577 don't share. You'll get more out of this class if you participate more, but it is not part of the grading.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTY1NTEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-01-29 23:07:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very eccentric, only went to one class with him. Hes very interactive but was imo crossing the line getting in students faces and calling on people. He has a ton of enthusiam but its honestly hard to follow the lecture and learn anything. Hes too focused on being hyper excited and over enthusiastic and loud, rather than teaching.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwODI0MzU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-03-27 00:44:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is one of the best professor I have ever had! Highly recommended.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:24.448177+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDAyODEz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3063651","instructor_name":"Manolis Vlatakis","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-21 00:39:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"He was the best professor I've ever had. His lectures were absolutely hilarious, and his interactive lecture style made going to class so fun. He is the kind of professor whose classes you go out of your way to take. \n\nExpect his classes to be hard. But, he'll support you every step of the way. He's genuinely an amazing guy. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3063651","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMzg0NTEz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-08-24 06:36:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is just not a very good lecturer, and I sometimes thinks he actively hates teaching. He clearly likes the material, but I would not use him as a resource to ask questions. Grading is overall very generous if you actually complete the bonus points, just takes some time. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMzgxNjA4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-08-22 12:26:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not bad, just spend a well amount of time to obsorb","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMjg0NDgy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-07-02 16:25:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"This will be an extremely difficult class, no matter who teaches it. Marc does a decent job with the material; I think people are upset they have to actually think critically and not ChatGPT everything. The Star Wars theme is a nice touch, and if you do the work and pay attention, passing is guaranteed, and an A is well within reach.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMjQ5Nzg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-06-15 14:54:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"An absolute piece of (fill in the blanks). Doesn't explain what he teaches and instead if someone asks for clarification, he would start denigrating them for asking \"basic and obvious\" questions. A bit suprising why the university still lets him teach this course given that it's a compulsory course for a lot of students.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMTA4MzAw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-12 21:35:43 +0000 UTC","comment":"Unlike most I actually enjoyed Marc's lectures and I feel like I learned a lot in this class. However I hate the way the class is organized. The final is so hard, every question is unnecessarily confusing, and they're not similar to the practice questions. It just measures your ability to write down random stuff and pray for partial credit.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDk3MjQ3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-11 22:03:22 +0000 UTC","comment":"People here blurr the lines between content and professor. Yes, Marc's lecture style is a bit bland and is pretty poor for people not strong in math. But the subject itself is notoriously difficult, heck you briefly talk about unsolved CS problems who said this would be easy? I flunked the final but everyone passes the class in the end","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDk1NDk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-11 19:50:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc attempts to entertain the class with jokes that fall flat whilst being condescending w questions asked, refusing to go over examples step-by-step. It's arguable that doing hw during class, going over content material independently (ideally ahead of sched), and exploring your work/findings w TAs to do well (TAs >> Marc); check reddit for more. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDY3Nzk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-08 03:11:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"Horribly structured class, learning is not necessary, open book final that is still made to be impossible to actually study for, because no questions in the class are as hard as the final questions. that anyone else that offers this class marc cant teach","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDU0MjU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-07 01:42:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc Renault is a great professor and great person. His lectures are fun and engaging and set you up well for the exam (which has a great theme ;) ). I would definetly take his class again.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDQwODU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-06 02:33:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"The final is extremely hard and very different from the sample final questions, so don't rely on them too much. Also, if English is not your first language, practice reading bc the wording can be really hard to understand","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDQwMzkw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-06 02:01:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Enjoy his final exam","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDMxOTU2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-05 16:41:19 +0000 UTC","comment":" I feel desperate after taking the final, I'm a foreign student and I can't understand a single thing about the problem wrapped in starWar context, not to even mention how to solve them. Please avoid him like a plague.(BG: I passed math 521 and 541 with top grades...)","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDMxNTY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-05 16:15:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"final worth 45% of the grade, makes it insanely difficult","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDI4Njcy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-05 05:51:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Absolutely brutal. Never taken such a hard final on my life","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDI4MjIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-05 04:40:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"marc is an absolutely deplorable professor. avoid him at costs. he's more focused on making his exams &#8220;cinematic&#8221; rather than actually caring about his students' success. also unnecessarily petty when it comes to answering students' questions.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDI3NTA1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-05 03:31:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"fade......","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDI3MzQ4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-05 03:15:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"the final was unbelievably bloated with straight bs about star wars and problems are intentionally hard to understand at first glance due to overuse of notation, using variables without saying what they are (left to the reader to decipher), etc. avoid renaultigga at all costs","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDExOTY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-03 22:09:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"You have to spend the entire semester catching up because the quiz schedule is wonky. Quizzes are graded very strictly. Lectures are boring and filled with extra information. Exhausting. Joyless. AVOID IF YOU CAN.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDExOTA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-03 22:02:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"The TAs in this class teach better than the professor ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDA1MDc0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-02 19:33:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"dont do it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDA1MDY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-02 19:31:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lecture slides are not helpful and do not have many examples. Extreme strict ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDAyODQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-02 07:10:54 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is not a good teacher, or a prof. The lectures are pointless. The requirement of ZyBooks felt like I had to pay just to get the bonus points. The study groups did a better job teaching me than the discussion sections AND the lectures combined. Good luck if you take his class. You are on your own.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyOTk5NTY5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-05-01 22:26:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"No, the other reviews aren't just seething haters, this professor is genuinely distrustful and disrespectful toward his students. He mocked students who asked questions that he deemed too broad in lecture, and mocked students who had to leave early. Students with tech issues during quizzes were told to kick rocks and left unable to submit.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyOTM2NTU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-04-26 20:10:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"Has a lenient grading policy of the 80% rule for all grades (homeworks, the final, quizzes) and lots of resources, but I still highly recommend taking a different professor. In-lecture examples don't help, and he often wouldn't call on me when raising my hand for a Q. This class is a very hard class (rigorous proofs) made harder by this professor. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyOTI5Mzg0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-04-25 01:48:28 +0000 UTC","comment":"Yes its true, his lectures are pretty boring and it doesn't help they are 75 minutes. But if you can pay attention, the course is a lot easier, still brutally hard by design. That being said, he is not unreasonable. You get out of the course what you put in, and if you try your best, you will get an A and be very prepared for leetcode interviews.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyODQ2NjY5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-04-15 22:29:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"Actually a dreadful professor. Do not expect to get your question or emails answered EVER. He will make you regret asking for help.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyODM2NzYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-04-14 20:45:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"this is the best professor i've ever had. Hope you all enjory it","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyODM0MjA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-04-14 17:30:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"0/5. Take 577 with literally anyone else.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyODM0MTkw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-04-14 17:28:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Just the worst professor I've ever had. It's like he's always power trip or thinks so highly of himself since he's teaching (if you can even call it that) a class all CS majors have to take. He makes this class just so much harder than it needs to be. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjc5MDUw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-03-09 04:21:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"I'd rather have a CS200 student try to teach me algorithms than him. My TA, Jin Soo Ihm would be a better professor than him. Renault doesn't break anything down or explain anything at all. I learn more with my TA than with this professor. He doesn't even deserve the title of professor. The way Renault structured the class is so unoptimal.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjc5MDEz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-03-09 04:05:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"The worst. I could write a review for every lecture. Someone asked him to clarify something on the slide, but not only did he refuse to, he belittled them. He talks and explains things as if we already know the material. He talks so condescending and doesn't explain things in a way that is digestable. Take 577 with a different professor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjU4NTUw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-03-02 20:42:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"stubborned","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTE3NTE0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-01-19 00:02:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"Vague examples + other irrelevant content in lecture slides. Homeworks are vastly different from lectures. Horrid professor. 577 is a very proof-intensive course (everything is proofs) made harder when paired with this professor.\n\n AVOID AT ALL COSTS","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzY5NzQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-21 22:03:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lectures are not very useful. Textbook was easier to understand. Everything depends on the final. Study groups, discussion, review sessions all were much better (shoutout Marty). You would probably be better off going to lecture for the bonus points, and ignore him and read the textbook by yourself.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzY1OTAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-21 05:44:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Switched to another professor's algos section the first day after Marc's class and first interaction with him. Could not have made a more GPA saving move than that. I couldn't understand a thing the guy was doing in class. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzY1MDQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-21 03:55:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"This was the worst class I've had. Be ready to self-study a lot because the lectures didn't help me get even a basic understanding. Also, the instructor's tone on Piazza and over email came off really condescending, so don't expect thoughtful or kind replies. I honestly don't understand why someone like this is teaching such an important course.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzQzMTkx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-19 05:17:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marcs lectures were unhelpful, long, boring, and hard to understand. Emailed him about something and he was rude and jumped to conclusions. Get the extra credit points. Study groups are your best friend!!! Pick some good TAs and peer mentors and go to their study group every week and ask any questions you have, a lot of them are super helpful. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzE4MzAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-17 23:14:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"\"Marc Renault\" in HUGE 2025","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMjY0OTQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-15 20:24:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"Genuinely the worst class and professor I have ever taken. He is so mean, and when students ask questions in class he sounds extremely annoyed and short, almost never answering properly. There's a lot of buffer room in this class, but it's hard to succeed with him as your professor. Do not recommend in the slightest. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMTU2OTA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-10 21:36:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"The 577 final is 45% and the person doesn't even give previous year papers. The content is so difficult, all semester all you can do is chase extra credit in hopes it'll save you. Even his TAs hate him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTYyNjIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-11-28 01:28:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"This is more of a self learning class i get it ! but it would've been great if lectures were more detailed, easy to pick up and help students develop an intuition. however the course is designed in a way through extra credit which helps you gain a good grade in the end if you earn all of it ! ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzM2MDAw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-10-20 23:26:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"There is a doc that has discussion recaps in the form of about 1-2 pages of content discussed for topics. These two pages for each topic helps you understand and prepare 20x better than Marc Renault could ever hope to achieve. His lectures have almost 0 correlation to the homework, making you think you're taking two separate classes. DONT TAKE!!!!!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjMyODEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-09-09 23:48:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"How is bro still employed","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDkyNjk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-07-10 02:51:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"I did not enjoy Marc's teaching style","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDg2MTk4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-07-07 17:36:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc has this attitude about him that makes every student want to drop his class, but it is a required course (yay). His lectures are a bunch of storytelling and buzzwords that don't help much with assignments or even basic concepts. It's like you should already know it before he even teaches it. Count on your discussion and friends only.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDg0NDYy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-07-06 20:01:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"whoever gives him 5 stars is probably marc himself in disguise. No clue who in their right mind would give him a good rating. difficult class even more difficult of a professor. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDgzMzEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-07-05 22:53:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc has some sass, but he's a brilliant professor with many years of experience. Makes lectures fun and enjoyable. It's a difficult class, for sure, no matter who teaches it. This class will require lots of time outside of lecture to study on your own","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDY0NzQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-06-26 22:41:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"After your class, student hate algorithms. Why teach?","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDYzNDg0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-06-26 15:46:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Maybe the worst lecturer in CS at Madison. Slides filled with way too much jargon and HW is impossible. Generally condescending as well and obviously does not care to teach the material or care about student's success. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDYxMjQw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-06-25 18:35:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very poorly designed and explained lectures. Extremely tough grading and will not reconsider regardless of the situation. Overall bad professor","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMzc5MzM3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-05-29 06:42:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"I have a bone to pick with Marc. He barely knows how to teach and the only time I saw him smile was when someone raised their hand and got an answer wrong. His homework answers were so bad I think he would have failed himself. He thinks he's wayy smarter than he really is, he couldn't answer a question I asked that my TA answered easily. Dastardly.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMDQ3MzQz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-04-25 18:46:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"Youtube videos with < 1,000 views explained the topics better than him. Worst professor I have had at UW-Madison","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMDQ2Njkw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-04-25 17:53:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"straight up terrible person\n\ndoes NOT care about students\n\ntake algos with LITERALLY anyone else","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwOTA5ODQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-04-10 05:39:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"most boring and useless lectures known to man, so bad i stopped going even though there's tophat for credit. also pay to win class lmao, take the honors section with dieter","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwODc0MTMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-04-04 20:23:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"He doesn't explain algorithms clearly, and his teaching style kills confidence. Really leaves students demotivated and lost. His replies to students' questions just dont seem like \"he really wants to help you\",instead he gives you a feeling that\" oh, it's NOT my fault you don't understand the materials\" with his terrible explanation and disrespect","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNzU5MTQ3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-03-11 20:22:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a great teacher. I'm sure he's a very smart guy, but he should not be teaching a class. He likes to pretend to hold the moral high ground, while not helping students do well in the class. The lectures are poorly dictated with challenging to understand slides. Tons of busywork required to get a good grade.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjkxMjM3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-02-20 15:46:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"A very mean person and very poor explainer. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjkwNjcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-02-20 07:19:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's lecture is just reading PPT, and you need to spend a lot of time to get extra points.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjc1ODg0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-02-16 01:55:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"The department should not allow professors to enjoy humilating students. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjYwMjIy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-02-11 09:20:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"The lectures are overly complex, and the professor doesn't provide much feedback. However, the textbook and resources are helpful if you're proactive. For study prep, tools like unstuck ai and ChatGPT can be useful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjE2Mjcy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-01-29 04:18:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"577 is requried for graduation. First day of class, this instructor told students on the waitlist not to approach him. This instructor's approach is the direct opposite. There are many excellent professors at this school, including Dieter van Melkebeek, Manolis Vlatakis, and Sandeep Silwal, all of whom are highly recommended, but not him. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjE2MjYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-01-29 04:15:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bro just be telling his joke and don't care about his student at all. Where else do you ever see you can pay for a zybook for extra credit? Avoid at all cost.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNTI2OTc1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-01-11 03:57:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"Disrespectful person. The CS department really need to regulate the attitudes instructors bring to students. He always tried to be nice in class, but when he's facing you individually, like on Piazza or in emails? He's mean af! His answers are always within 5 words, no matter how complicated your situation is. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDY2ODQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-01-01 06:21:43 +0000 UTC","comment":"Education videos on Youtube always have comments with things like \"my prof talked for hours and it made no sense but this 5 min video did\". RENAULT IS THAT PROF.\nSomeone posted on Piazza about how they were terrified for the final (WORTH HALF YOUR GRADE) and Renault left a link to UHS, while ANOTHER PROF stepped in responded with a caring comment. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDU4NDcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-30 03:09:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"If Marc's terse unorganized lectures are anything to go on, he genuinely hates teaching. He was surprisingly rude so to students during lecture and refused to answer questions and even openly expressed disdain for students who asked questions that were not up to his expectations.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDMxNDg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-24 18:32:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"Accusses students of cheating if you ask for a regrade. Good luck","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDMxNDIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-24 18:22:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"Seems to despise students who are below the top of his class. Refuses to provide any feedback on quizzes and exams.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDIwOTAw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-23 05:03:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"Horrible lecturer; often uses exquisite terms and goes on tangents during lecture. Seems unwilling to answer students' questions (once told a student to \"ask your mom\" as a \"joke\"). The final exam is worth half your grade, and is being gatekept from students (posted rickroll as the exam pdf, then admits he finds it funny). Avoid him if possible.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5ODE0MTY3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-10-15 04:41:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"I found my experience to be very negative. Prof occasionally went on tangents and there is a lot of work such as participation and quizzes which are required but do not count for much. Made the exam overly difficult with a ridiculous curve system. Extra credit can only be earned by paying for online textbooks that cannot be accessed anywhere else.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5ODExOTI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-10-14 17:33:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"The lecture and the class were alright in general, however as a professor can be very rude and careless when it comes to giving assistance to students. Appears to have a disdain working with students.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NzQ5NzE1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-09-18 15:52:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's lecture is just reading PPT, and you need to pay to get bonus credit. Worse professor I have ever encounter. Took his class because he is the only choice in summer. Avoid him if you could.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NjQ5NDgy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-07-29 20:22:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"The most apathetic professor I have ever encountered. Never gave feedback for the final, and condensed the class unnecessarily. Piazza posts were never answered about when we'd get our grades back, etc. Lectures were extremely rushed, and I honestly believe he didn't care whether or not we learned the content well. Avoid him at all costs.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NjEzNTQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-07-08 01:15:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Feedback was minimal on quizzes. Reached out for additional feedback to improve for the final but emails were ignored. Lectures are overly complex. Concepts poorly introduced. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NjAwOTEy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-06-29 20:53:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"there's just so much content & all of it condensed from a 16w sem to an 8w summer session. said he expects us to put 32 hrs/w into the course. lectures are okay but he reads through slides rather than explaining the logic behind why what happens, which is what hw, quizzes, and exams test. not the best prof but the only one available. VERY rough :(","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NTk3MDcx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-06-27 18:02:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Simply not a good lecturer or teacher.  Was very disappointed, because this is an important class that I was excited for, now I am just jumping through hoops to not fail.  If Renault was asked to explain what an airplane was to someone who didn't know what it was, he would begin by explaining the equation for lift. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NTk2Mjgw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-06-27 04:08:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"Overall I had a great semester with Marc. The lecture slides contain pretty much all the information you need to succeed, but Marc can and will elaborate on them. Try to solve all the homework problems yourself before looking solutions up, and try some problems from the book. The class was hard, but Marc provided the resources necessary to succeed.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NDQyNTY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-06-02 04:03:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a great lecturer but makes time for questions throughout class. He provides a lot of resources and the textbooks have good practice problems, but you won't get much feedback in the class unless you ask for it. The content is hard but if you're proactive you'll be fine.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NDMwODIx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-05-10 16:12:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Horribly structured course. Marc fails to explain many topics well, choosing instead to throw up complex math formulas and terminology that nobody understands. Go to study group if you want to actually learn the material. He is kinda funny though.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MzgzMDYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-05-06 22:20:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is apathy personified in a CS professor. Little to no regard for his students' wellbeing & actively trying to pit students against each other, saying \"his class is like The Hunger Games.\" Overcomplicated lectures & overly technical definitions for students learning the material for the first time. Did not contribute to my learning whatsoever.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MzgwNzEx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-05-06 19:45:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"Just runs through slides hoping that you can keep up, learned most of the content outside of lecture in OH or online. Very vague on large topics, lecture slides are very variable heavy, using more greek and algebraic notation than regular sentences. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5Mjk2MzI4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-04-29 07:19:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"The biggest issue is him counting bonus points as part of curve. Other stuff lecture = read of slides + random story about how x scientist made algorithim during their coffee break + i'm canadian, gives pointless examples throughout the semester without giving you the necessary tools to approach the algorithm/proof problems and actually solve them.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MjY0MDI5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-04-25 15:20:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"This professor is one of the worst I have ever had the displeasure of learning from. He often lets his ego get in the way of teaching and is a stickler for attendance. I have shown up 3min late to a 75min lecture and still was rejected an attendance credit which is graded. I'm sure his teaching style is good for someone, but I can't imagine who.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MTQ2MDQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-04-23 22:22:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"He doesn't teach at all he just reads off slides and half the time I question whether even he knows what he talks about. He explains everything like you should know it already and uses no useful diagrams. Just shows a block of undecipherable code and expects us to understand it. Genuinely the worst prof ever","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTM5MTg1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-04-17 20:20:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Renault was good at teaching concepts in a famously difficult class in a somewhat muddled, but detailed way during the semester. Provided lots of examples and gave ample time to study concepts before small quizzes throughout the semester. Though I would recommend voting for the Midterm + Final for less stress overall.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MTYzMTIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-04-12 16:40:42 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is genuinely the worst professor at UW. His method of teaching consists of reading off slides in which he overcomplicates most topics. It also doesn't help that he draws directly off his device on the slides because the writing is barely legible. He is a bit condescending and even said once \"You should be scared of me I can change your grade\"","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MDQwMDg2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-03-11 03:56:09 +0000 UTC","comment":"His teaching style is mainly comprised of reading off the slides, without properly explaining them which personally wasn't an effective teaching method for me. Exams were ok at best. I wasn't a fan of the timed quizzes.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MDMwNDEx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-03-07 00:07:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's just mean. Doesn't actually want to help the students because his ego is in the way.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4OTY0NjMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-02-09 15:55:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"This man is a fine enough person, but absolutely horrible at lecturing! Complex concepts are obfuscated by a magical click of \"next slide\" instead of being properly explained.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4ODYzMjUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-01-10 19:27:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"I'm sure Marc would be a fine professor in an easier class, but he didn't explain the topics in this high-level Algorithms course very well, leaving us to just pray when it comes to the final exam which is worth 45% of the final grade. Fine course, rough teaching, awful structure.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4MTAxOTE5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-01-02 08:53:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"one of the terrible ones you will meet. Gives same workload for summer sessions. Prove yourself on the 45% exam. Never accept accommodations which was frantic. Also made mistake with wrong due date and he didn't admit his mistake. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Nzk1OTIx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-12-26 20:20:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a bad lecturer, but his class is easily one of the worst-structured ones I've ever taken. Lectures don't help with homework. Study groups are very limited. Essentially requires you to spend $100 on zybooks or significantly fall behind the class on grading. Also super unhelpful on piazza and just says to read the syllabus","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDgxMTgy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-12-01 01:31:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"Nothing is related Marc with a good lecturer. It is true that Marc is around average and you cannot say he is bad. But don't expect you can learn anything valuable from him. His grading cretiria makes you looks okay. But he won't provide you with a high quality teaching as Dieter or CAI will. So. for me, Marc is absolutely bad. NOT WORTH TO TAKE ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Mzg2NDc2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-11-14 05:00:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"The lecture is like a wikipedia page with a lot of complicated math formulas. The only way for me is to watch youtube and learn by myself. I know the algo is difficult  but I hope that the department can have a better lecturer to help students understand the content. Overall, I want to say the lecture IS NOT HELPFUL FOR ME to understand algo.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Mjk4NDY5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-10-23 03:54:14 +0000 UTC","comment":"CS577 is structured poorly but Renault is not a bad teacher. People hating on him honestly I think just hate the structure of the class. 45% final lowkey feels like a coinflip for each question based on whether or not you know the question. Pretty much ZERO feedback recieved from the TAs and Prof until the exam. Good Luck.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4MTIxNzM4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-07-25 15:38:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc was a good guy and decent lecturer put in a tough position with the accelerated summer course. However, I think the problems with this class are in the 45% final, along with only knowing if you got a question right on the severely easy quizzes. The class itself needs restructuring, but Marc taught it well enough.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4MDk5Mjkx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-07-12 11:24:27 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is a nice guy with an odd sense of Canadian dad humor. However, his teaching style leaves you uncertain about your answers, since the class is mostly \"hand waving\" away algos. Moreover, when confronted with his own mistake on Canvas, he stubbornly refused to rectify the due date, even though he had posted the incorrect date just one day prior.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTg1NTc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-24 21:45:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"A difficult class but Marc is a good professor. His expectations are clear, he explains topics well, and the course is very well-structured. Most of the semester is graded off participation, which makes for a less stressful semester but a very stressful final. The final seems to vary a good bit in difficulty every semester, but is curved.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTQ3Nzc5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-17 21:04:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"Honestly give 4 to Marc been a nice person and this semester's final was easy. This is really a hard class. Marc's lecture makes sense but it doesn't help with understanding the content and exam. You'd better practice on your own and try to pull a 30+ on the final. He's trying his best but it is just a hard class. I feel I did not learn much though","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTQ1ODQw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-17 17:53:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is the most uncaring, arrogant, irresponsible professor I've ever had. He never replies to emails. His replies on pizza are always rude and never actually answers the questions. His lectures are unhelpful. He basically gaslights the class into taking one final worth 45% of our grade. I feel like I learned nothing from this class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTM5MjM0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-16 21:47:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is incredibly smart, class is very hard. He's always available for questions after class and never denies questions during lecture. The content of the course is hard and sometimes he finds it a bit surprising that students may not know things that he thinks they should know. He's a funny nerd and always smiling. recommend for sure","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTExOTM0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-12 22:41:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"This is the worst professor I have ever had.  Lectures are the most boring, monotone, wikipedia-level readings with no efficient way of conveying any concepts.  Homeworks and discussions cannot prepare you for the torturous final exam that he gaslights the class into choosing(10 bonus points means nothing in a curved class).  ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3ODg3MzU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-05-10 19:03:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"just read off lecture slides, didn't really teach any course material. its an important class but I didn't feel like i learned anything from it. the final was hard, and he could've done a better job at explaining concepts.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3NDUxMjA0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-02-22 22:18:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"10/10 came to class with COVID attendance required and graded","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3Mzc5NDg2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-01-26 00:29:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc might be funny but his lectures were not good. Final is 45% of your grade and the hardest exam I've ever taken in my entire life. The biggest issue is it's a hard class and Marc isn't a fantastic lecturer. Use Abdul Bari on YouTube to make your life easier!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MzY1ODg1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-01-22 22:47:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's clearly pretty knowledgable and is a useful resource. Some of the TAs are questionable, as always, but if you put effort in, you can succeed in this class. Main negative is the final is 50% and a huge time crunch. I feel like I know the material very well but did poorly because of the format and prep he gave us. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3Mjc0Mjcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2023-01-02 23:53:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"Useless lectures. Learned everything on the PowerPoint, but the final exam taking up 45% of your grade is 10 times harder than what you learn. The median and mean were 17/50 so you know how terrible he teaches and how hard the exam is. On top of that, he curved really harshly and I think ~15% gets an A.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MjYyMTgw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-12-30 02:27:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"Algos with Marc is not bad. HW's are participation, lectures not required (only discussion), Quizzes are graded really easy, final is hard and 45% of your grade, but the curve is great (got a 53% which was a B). Idk about getting an A or AB, but getting a B with Marc is really not that bad (I didn't learn anything until 2 weeks before the final)","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MjM1MTgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-12-23 22:26:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Incompetent and arrogant.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MjE0Njcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-12-21 16:55:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lectures were pretty good, though he just reads directly from slides.  Homeworks graded by participation and quizzes were graded on a generous scale.  Tough class but Marc is a good professor to have for it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2OTg5ODMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-12-06 18:31:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"Avoid at all cost. Couldn't explain difficult concepts clearly. Takes off participation points if you don't show up in lectures, which don't really help you learn. Read the textbook and figure out the concepts on your own. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2ODgzOTYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-11-23 02:31:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc seems like a nice person to interact with, however his lectures are extremely rushed with little to no break points. Watching recorded lectures seem better simply because you can pause and rewind. It's pretty hard to feel like you're learning correctly because units move along so quickly. Definitely should separated into two classes.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2ODgzMjM4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-11-22 23:56:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc is humorous and probably nice, but he is not good at explaining complicated algorithms or proofs to students. Lectures are hard to follow. Once distracted, it would be hard to understand what he is saying. \n\nThe final exam is weighted 45% and I heard it will be super hard. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2Mzc4NzQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-05-20 00:23:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"This was a beneficial class, I learned plenty from Marc. Marc is helpful and accommodating to students by uploading lectures online. The syllabus can be quite intimidating (45%-50% final) but it is graded very generously. Make sure to get all the participation points and don't miss quizzes! 4 instead of a 5 because grading is slow at times. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2Mzc1Mjk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-05-19 16:29:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Tough exams and vague lectures","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2MzE4MDg1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-05-12 04:12:30 +0000 UTC","comment":":) no words after taking the \"OPEN BOOK\" final","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2Mjg2MjQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2022-05-09 16:57:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Honestly this is probably the toughest CS course I've had so far at UW. Marc's lectures are fun, but I wish he'd give more examples. When he introduces a new topic, we get a VERY basic example, and the homework questions are TOUGH. The easy quizzes IMO don't prepare you well for the final, which was 45% of our final grade. Good prof, but good luck.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1Njc0OTA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-30 00:43:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"Started the semester with Bach, but was luckily able to switch into Marc's section after a few lectures. Marc's lecture was significantly more organized and easier to understand. The class is definitely difficult, but Marc has been one of the better professors I have had in the CS department in my opinion.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1Njc0NDA1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-29 22:58:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"Unfortunately, algorithms was the most frigging difficult course and Marc was not the best lecturer for this (so as his TAs). However, I am giving 4 / 5 because the other option was Eric Bach and you should definitely choose Marc over Bach...","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjQ3ODIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-24 05:52:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor wouldn't let me make up a quiz when I had covid - it was the first quiz of the year and the average was like an 80. Not taking it dropped my final letter grade from a B to a BC. Very unaccommodating, did not care about the students whatsoever. Would stand in lecture silent for 5 minutes because he didn't understand what was on his slides","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NDE5Mzcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-12-08 18:13:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Bad class. Just not good. didn't learn anything. Don't take it","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0ODUzODg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-05-25 08:56:26 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marc brings a great sense of humor to a class that has traditionally been intimidating. The algorithms in the course were difficult and involved lots of work, but you got the majority of points for submitting something that was heading in the right direction, and TAs helped students on one homework problem each week.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NzkzMDY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-05-14 16:11:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"The Dark Souls of Computer Science at UW. Prepare to Delight in the gentle guidance, light-hearted humor, and wheeze-laughs of Prof. Marc Renault, then despair for dozens of hours each week to properly complete homework. Pick your deity of choice and hope for divine inspiration - youll need it. Read the book and attend study sessions - saves time!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0Nzg5OTA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-05-14 02:11:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"I had him for CS577. Marc and Christos were the 2 profs. I watched both their lectures and liked Christos' better and often got confused during Marc's (personal preference). However, Marc is a really nice guy with a sense of humor and my semester had one of the most generous curves I've ever seen (50% of class got A).","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:21:19.997838+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NTgwMTk5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2316450","instructor_name":"Marc Renault","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-04-20 07:21:22 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is a really nice person, very reachable and kind, personally, I would take this course again just because of him. However, the class itself is hard, maybe I am not an algorithm person but everything seems difficult to understand, especially when the lecture come to randomization. Extra time needed outside class!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2316450","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:11:56.254690+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MzAxNTM3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2612724","instructor_name":"Peyman Morteza","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2021-01-21 04:32:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"Easy to understand. A clear and detailed explanation of complicated concepts.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2612724","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzQzNDAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-12-19 05:30:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sandeep is a good lecturer and good person. His class is quite test heavy but he is a very helpful and caring guy. I would take him over Marc.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTE3Mjcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-11-20 19:40:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"This professor practices poor time management-several lectures don't include material relevant to exams or homework. Little time is spent going over relevant concepts. The professor should move these unrelated concepts to office hours. The course grade is also very exam heavy because they assume the worst of their students, assuming AI is used.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjgzMzQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-10-02 20:09:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"Avoid at all costs","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNTc2MDE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-08-15 16:54:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"His lectures are a bit of hand waving and confusing at times, but he would always answer questions when approached. Very proof-heavy lecture style, but the homework was fair and TAs were also very helpful. Exams not designed for you to fail, unlike other sections, and are based off the homework.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMzI5NDUw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-05-20 13:55:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Silwal explains things on the board and walks through core concepts. His lectures are really engaging and you can tell he has a passion for it. He meets students and answers questions online. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwODk3Njk1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-04-08 22:56:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"My favorite CS prof so far! Definitely a hard class but his lectures are AMAZING. He breaks down concepts really well (even really hard ones). He really explains things well on the chalk board rather than just reading off slides. Homeworks are hard but give a really good intuition of the topics. I would recommend taking him over Renault's lecture.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNTI3NTY0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-01-11 06:22:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"Course materials were not explained in a comprehensible way. Wouldn't recommend students with weak  fundamentals to take 577 with him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjgyODUy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-15 00:05:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"not the best","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:31.768674+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMjgzMjAw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3060917","instructor_name":"Sandeep  Silwal","course_label":"COMPSCI577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-12-13 22:05:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"The professor is extremely rude and does not value his students' opinion. He does not bother to upload grades, resources or even reminders to submit homework on canvas. If you try him prove why your answer is correct or even why you think you are correct, he will not let you speak. Learnt more from the TA than the instructor himself.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3060917","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:45.212143+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzMzE0OTYy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2423043","instructor_name":"Shivaram Venkataraman","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2020-05-17 02:15:28 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shivaram is a phenomenal professor. Take any class with him. First day, I thought he looked like an undergraduate student and by the end of the semester, I thought he was the best CS professor I've had. Operating Systems and their projects are hard, but he does his best and puts in a lot of time. Also adjusted very well with the pandemic.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2423043","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzMzAyNTQ5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2020-05-15 06:01:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shuchi's lectures are pretty detailed, so don't zone out in class! The exams were hard, but the course curve saved me (it was very generous). Be prepared to think outside of the box, but oftentimes, the algorithms are shorter than I thought. A good group is key to surviving this class! Also, go to drop-in discussions whenever you can!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxMzMyMzI1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2019-02-04 01:08:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Suchi gives you all the resources to do well. Understand all of the discussion problems. Go to the optional peer mentor discussions at least weekly. Those problems are most similar to exams. I only started doing well after I watched the lectures at home instead of in class because if you ever zone out, the rest of the lecture won't make sense.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxMTcxNjk5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-12-29 03:54:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"Pros: Learnt numerous algorithms concepts which I probably would never have dared to try had it not been for Shuchi. Intellectually stimulating HWs. She listens to feedback. Video lectures available Cons: Very, very, very tough exams. Tough HWs. Verdict: Take it, your grades might drop a bit but the education you will have received makes up for it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwOTYxNDQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-12-11 10:36:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"The material is great and some of the best homework I've done during my time at college. The problem is that she doesn't know how to teach. The tests are poorly written and she can move through her material faster than notes can be taken.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwNTk3ODgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-10-22 21:11:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Algorithms is one of the most important classes you'll take. It's a difficult class, but you have to take it and I can not stress this enough, TAKE THIS CLASS WITH SUCHI. She is very good at clearly explaining complex topics and there is no other professor who teaches the class at UW even close to her (I transferred out of another lecture)","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwNTc3OTQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-10-17 02:59:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shes good, but her exams are kinda hard and the homeworks take forever to complete. But she is the best for algorithms at UW.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwNTUzMTg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-10-09 04:24:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shuchi is a extremely good and smart. Take the class with her!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwMjc5MDIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-06-19 21:14:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"I think Shuchi is an underrated professor. She made concept clear and gave an excellent lecture with good examples. Take her class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwMTE2MDIy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-05-15 18:07:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"One pointone percent, that's how mediocre algorithms gets with Shuchi. She's not bad at teaching the material, it's just impossible to study for the exams since the effort you put in basically gets no credit when it gets graded. Homeworks are just agonizing, exams make you want to cry, this class is quite an experience.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5OTk1Mjkx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-05-05 13:25:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"This is a really difficult class, but it needs to be because it's a difficult topic. This could probably be an easier class with a different professor, but there is no way you will learn as well as if you took it with Shuchi. Her lectures are perfectly clear and easy to understand, but her homeworks will probably make you bleed.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5ODUyNzUy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-04-20 14:38:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"After hearing how difficult Algos can be, I was worried coming in. Overall, I think Shuchi is a pretty good professor and would recommend for this class. Homeworks are really challenging and the TAs do not provide any help. However, the lectures are pretty useful and Shuchi always does a good job to answer questions.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5NzgyOTE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-04-11 12:25:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shuchi is obviously extremely good at what she does. The class is very difficult, but you are provided with the resources needed to succeed if you put in the work to do so. She earns her reputation-- both for difficulty and quality.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5NjU4MDMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2018-03-15 19:22:54 +0000 UTC","comment":"learnt so much while at the same time pursuing my hobbies! thank you Prof. Shuchi!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MzM5MDYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-05-18 04:07:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Best professor I ever had at UW Madison. Shuchi puts in a lot of effort to make this class works. In addition to 5 TAs, she hired 3 peer mentors so that students can seek help at any time. Professor Shuchi is extremely smart and beautiful too. Attend her lecture. They are amazing. Homework and exam can be a little bit difficult but are really fun.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MTMzMDIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-04-26 15:12:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"I understand everything she says in lecture. But when I approach her with other ideas or thoughts besides what she taught, she often doesn't even listen and says thats not possible because of some weird reason. I have even found one of the things she told me on such an occasion to be wrong. Overall, she gives very bad feedback.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MDMyNDE1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-04-11 17:26:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"I feel like she's a very underrated professor.  She is an incredible professor.  That being said, this course is by far the hardest class I have ever taken here.  Course material isn't too tough to have a general understanding, but when applying it to problems you may have troubles.  She is very helpful when you ask questions in and outside class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3OTIzOTM1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-03-20 15:08:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"Algorithms is one of the hardest undergrad CS classes at Madison, and of the people who teach it here, I'd say Shuchi's a solid choice. Lectures can be hard to follow sometimes, but there's not much to be done about that, this is algorithms after all. Expect to invest at least 10 hours a week on homework, if not 15 or 20. Overall a great professor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3ODQzMDMz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2017-02-20 19:30:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"She doesn't put in the time to make expectations clear. One homework, which was due on a Friday, asked for a proof of correctness. On Wednesday she posted on Piazza that a proof by induction was required. Thursday night she posted again on Piazza saying no proof was required, just an informal explanation. But of course I'd already written the proof","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0MDg5Mzky","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-12-15 17:43:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"Algorithms is an extremely tough course. If all you care about is looking good on paper with an empty head in reality, take this class with Deb Joe. If you actually care about learning one of the most usefulpowerful skill sets in all of CS, take this course with Chawla. She gets the job done, and she's a vastly better teacher than Eric Bach.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0MDcwNzc5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2014-12-14 01:27:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sucks that a required course is so dumpy. probably great if you are an aspiring grad student. But for myself, I have no interest in g-school and likely will never write a proof in my life. I'm an applications guy, let me implent the algorithms and learn how to improve them that way.. don't make me b.s. proofs to try and pass the class","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIwOTY4NDk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2012-12-06 10:49:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"The material for this course is extremely challenging. In our lecture, her exams and homework were designed so the average score was between 50% and 70%. I received a 7 out of 35 on our final exam (worth 30%) and got a B in the course. It will occupy a lot of your time, but she's not a bad professor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIwODE3Njgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2012-11-12 13:54:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"I had Shuchi for CS577. I had no problems understanding her, and even when I or others had questions, she was very willing to respond to them. That goes for exam grades, too. And I have a decent mathematical background, and I know I had to use that style of thinking often throughout the course, but it's what I expected on a course about algorithms.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:05:40.682906+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5MDY0MjYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1618280","instructor_name":"Shuchi Chawla","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2011-10-12 11:21:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"The average grade for her class was in the &lt;50% range. The grading and questions in her class was just ridiculous. I compared some of the exams with another prof's exams and it was comparably more difficult. My friend got an A in the same class w/ diff. prof had no idea how to answer hw or exam questions. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HER!!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1618280","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:57:31.649346+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTM3OTE5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2510986","instructor_name":"Young Wu","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2026-01-22 21:52:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"If they let this guy teach any more classes Madison is gonna drop 20 spots on the CS ranking","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2510986","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:57:31.649346+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTg3NTIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2510986","instructor_name":"Young Wu","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2025-05-07 01:31:14 +0000 UTC","comment":"He responds to emails relatively fast and works with you. Submitted a project late and he didn't deduct the points because I talked to him, turning my grade from a B to an AB. Nice guy, but lectures can be a bit confusing. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2510986","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 15:57:31.649346+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NjQzOTQz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2510986","instructor_name":"Young Wu","course_label":"CS577","course_id":"COMPSCI 577","course_uid":"course_de12e29109d0c90ee086fcec","review_date":"2024-07-26 03:57:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Recommend choosing another professor's class that would be better than him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2510986","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0}]