Really interesting class, good for a broad overview of energy and climate and the math/physics is pretty easy to pick up. He keeps it engaging with demos and relating content to the real world, easy to get feedback from too.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
John Sarff
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Prof. Sarff taught the material (although somewhat easy) in way so that everyone was interested and understanding. If you're looking to learn in depth, perhaps you should consider a harder class, but for people who want a general, more broad knowledge, this is an excellent option. It is relaxed yet useful.Rate My Professors ↗
Super great teacher, material was a bit heavy towards end but super nice guy, willing to work with you!Rate My Professors ↗
I took this class for the science credit, and it turned out that the class was very maths heavy. The class covered a variety of topics but were not deeply discussed. Professor Sarff did a good job in explaining terms and concepts, and also provided a lot of interesting physical facts. Not hard if you do the homework and go to the discussion.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with John Sarff
Energy and Climate
3 creditsIntroduction to energy sources and environmental impacts, applying mechanics, heat, electricity, and nuclear physics to fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear energy.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
Past student reviews · John Sarff
Professor John Sarff taught Physics 115 with a broad, engaging focus on energy and climate, using demos and real-world connections. Students found the math manageable and the atmosphere relaxed, noting that topics were covered extensively but not deeply. He was described as willing to help and effective at explaining concepts.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Spring 2026Directed Study
1–3 creditsAdvanced-level mentored research project in physics.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Honors Thesis
3 creditsMentored individual research and study for students completing Physics Honors in the Major, leading to a senior honors thesis.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Honors Thesis
3 creditsSenior Honors Thesis course providing mentored individual research and study for students completing Physics Honors in the Major.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Thesis
2–3 creditsMentored individual research and study for students completing a thesis.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Thesis
2–3 creditsSenior Thesis in Physics involves mentored individual research and study for students completing a thesis.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Research
1–12 creditsResearch supervised by individual faculty members. Students formulate and plan original research, creating work that contributes to the field of physics.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Distinct courses recorded per term
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 115 | Energy and Climate |
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 499 | Directed Study |
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 682 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 691 | Senior Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 692 | Senior Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | PHYSICS 990 | Research |
| Fall 2026 | PHYSICS 321 | Electric Circuits and Electronics |
| Fall 2026 | PHYSICS 990 | Research |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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