Current instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Easy teacher and grader, but doesn't stick to deadlines, and often had to figure out myself when things would be due. Most stuff talked about in lecture isn't needed for the essay assignments. The assignments are pretty straightforward, and getting an A isn't hard, as long as you turn in something decent.Rate My Professors ↗
Very fun and interesting class. He had me wanting to take strong and detailed notes, despite the class not having midterms. Great speaker and decently fun writing assignments. Show up to class because there are short writing prompts every time, but they are quite easy. If you are interested in astronomy, you will enjoy this class and instructor.Rate My Professors ↗
Great professor, and I genuinely enjoyed his lectures. 5 writing assignments, but they are super easy, and the only reason I didn't get an A in this class was because I got a late penalty on an essay. There are in-class short writing assignments, so attend lectures. NO midterms and NO final. He is very engaging and explains things really well.Rate My Professors ↗
Imagine a professor who avoids grading his assignments until the last day of given instruction, does not respond to emails, and gives false information when talking about assignments directly. I think Dr. Heinz should keeping doing research, I don't doubt his skills, but he should certainly not be teaching. His performance his disappointing.Rate My Professors ↗
This class is pretty interesting and Professor Heinz is a good lecturer. You really have to go to class because he posts half of his lecture slides and the other half aren't on canvas. Also he shows a lot of videos and animations that are really helpful in class that aren't accessible outside. I recommend him, he's great.Rate My Professors ↗
He is interesting and enthused but his lectures do not prepare student well for the exams.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
A multidisciplinary study of the cosmic history of matter, tracing elemental distribution from the Big Bang to Earth.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.30 GPA, 57.1% A/AB (n=42 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.54 GPA, 75.0% A/AB (n=52 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.76 GPA, 85.2% A/AB (n=61 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2023–Fall 2025ASTRON 681 is an individual study course for seniors to complete honors theses in the Astronomy major under faculty supervision.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
ASTRON 691 is an individual study course for seniors completing their theses, arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
ASTRON 699 is a directed study course for junior and senior students to conduct independent projects arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleBasic Astrophysics I covers thermodynamics, spectra, radiative transfer, and energy transport in astrophysical contexts.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2019: 3.67 GPA, 66.7% A/AB (n=6 letter grades); Fall 2020: 3.64 GPA, 85.7% A/AB (n=7 letter grades); Fall 2022: 3.71 GPA, 85.7% A/AB (n=7 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2024 · limited sampleASTRON 990 is a research and thesis course providing advanced mentored reading and research opportunities for graduate students.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
PHYSICS 990 is a research course where students conduct supervised research projects with individual faculty members.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | ASTRON 236 | The History of Matter in the Universe |
| Fall 2026 | ASTRON 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | ASTRON 691 | Senior Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | ASTRON 699 | Directed Study |
| Fall 2026 | ASTRON 700 | Basic Astrophysics I |
| Fall 2026 | ASTRON 990 | Research and Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | PHYSICS 990 | Research |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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