Current instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Prof Xu is passionate and friendly, but he isn't good at teaching this course. This is a tough subject & requires building up to certain concepts, we didn't get this. I had to watch YouTube videos or look online for help; I could not figure out the concepts he was trying to teach. Tests are overly specific & include things mentioned once in lectureRate My Professors ↗
Mineralogy is difficult and while Huifang tries to make it fun and is clearly very interested and knowledgeable in the topic, he is not skilled at teaching the material. It's usually difficult to understand what he's saying and he doesn't explain concepts well. Exams are very difficult, and there are no materials provided for exam preparation.Rate My Professors ↗
Overall, the class was okay as the quizzes were relatively easy but the exams can be a little tricky. Great class if you need to take one credit.Rate My Professors ↗
If you ever need a 1 credit easy A, take geo sci 331! Super easy but also interesting class. Lectures are PDFs, and you have quizzes for your grade. Very easy questions... Definitely would take a class with him again!Rate My Professors ↗
Easy class, easy tests, nice professorRate My Professors ↗
Great lectures. Prof. Xu makes mineralogy really fun even though it is a lot of memorization and facts. His online lectures were a bit confusing because he would write over his own words. Makes an effort to be funny and make class fun. Definitely go to office hours. Textbook is very necessary, but could be a pdf. Exams were very hard.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
GEOSCI 331 explores the formation, collection, properties, and treatment of popular gemstones.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Huifang Xu is described as a nice professor who teaches an easy class with easy tests, leading to high grades. Reviewers found the material interesting and the workload manageable, with one noting that earning less than an A is difficult.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026GEOSCI 691 is a mentored individual research course for students completing a senior thesis.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
GEOSCI 699 is a directed study course allowing students to conduct independent research or study arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleGEOSCI 990 is a research course where students conduct supervised independent study projects.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Principles of Mineralogy covers mineral properties, crystallography, and geologic significance.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Huifang Xu delivers engaging and fun lectures, though students find the content dense with memorization. Reviewers note that tests are tricky and difficult, and online lectures can be confusing due to visual clutter on slides.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025 · limited sample| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | GEOSCI 331 | Gems: the Science Behind the Sparkle |
| Fall 2026 | GEOSCI 691 | Senior Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | GEOSCI 699 | Directed Study |
| Fall 2026 | GEOSCI 990 | Research |
| Fall 2026 | GEOSCI/GLE 360 | Principles of Mineralogy |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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