Bases all grades on very few homework assignments (which are extremely tedious) and exams. Extremely disrespectful in lectures and plays favorites with those who do the best in the course. Fixed curves with no compassion for those doing poorly in the class. If you start off the class poorly, drop it.

Honestly he's a great professor and great guy, but the final was worth 40% of the grade with normal grade cutoffs (92+ for an A, 89 for an AB, 82 for a B, etc), and his homework required a lot of thinking and work, making it a lot each week just for it to be worth only 20% of the grade. If you're fine with a lower grade, definitely take him.

Prof Mathieu is an awful professor. Final was 40% of our grade. Hw's took more time than all my other classes combined. Didn't post notes or practice tests. Used standard grade cutoffs (93 for A, 89 for AB...). Not caring or understanding of personal circumstance. His attitude is pompous, arrogant, and always belittled students in lec as a "joke"

Bob is the best. He is helpful if you attend office hours. Clearly super passionate about astronomy and he is so engaging that it is easy to pay attention in class. He has homework every 2 weeks-ish but it gets lighter toward the end of the semester. He has 2 midterms, no final, but a final project. He has textbook readings but they're optional.

Such a kind and helpful professor, obviously very passionate about astronomy and always doing the most to answer any questions, Including taking time outside of class to search for articles and send them to us if they are related. Makes preparing for tests easy and grades generously with opportunities for extra credit as well.

He is the best professor that I can ever met

He's passionate about his research and he is a gifted professor. Any student should be able to learn a ton by listening to him. He explains everything you'd ever want to know and more, clearly. Lab activities were fun and interesting. Learned tons without a lot of effort. Tests are fair. After 8 semesters at UW, Bob is at the top of my list.

Professor Mathieu was really something special. He is definitely one of the best professors I've had here in my time at Madison. You can tell that he is really passionate about what he teaches and he really wants to instill that passion in all of his students. Beyond that, he's a great guy and he teaches the material very well.

Best professor I've had here. Teaches the material very well, answers any and all Qs during lecture. Cares about all of his students and makes sure they all feel like they're contributing. Lab is very interesting. Exams are great--encourages students to answer w/ pictures/words. Emphasizes understanding of material. Class is not curved.