Dave Fastovsky - University of Rhode Island

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Dave Fastovsky - University of Rhode Island

Professor: Dave Fastovsky

Department: Geology

College: University of Rhode Island

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: Not sure yet
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Fastovsky is a funny guy and his lectures can be pretty enjoyable because of it. His material can be pretty heavy and difficult to understand sometimes, but he's more than willing to answer questions and revise material to make it easier to grasp. His exams are all short answer and he can be vague about what to expect on the exams.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: GEO271H
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Blended class because of COVID. Most of the grade is group discussions, but what he looks for is unclear. Exams were open note/book but it still was the hardest thing I have ever done as it's all writing. He wrote the textbook so he has high standards. Very confusing with where the in-person classes end and continues online. Take detailed notes!!!

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He's such a good professor and really interesting, one of the best professor's I've ever had. He's also really understanding and wants you to do well. I was a really lazy student at the time and didn't do as well as I could have!!! My grade is definitely indicative of the effort I put in. Do the work, go to class and you'll be fine.

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: GEO450
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Amazing

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Admittedly, I didn't like him at first; he didn't seem to like the material at the beginning of the class. Once we got to the fossil record, though, he got into his element. Extremely engaging lecturer; not boring whatsoever. Loves dinosaurs. Makes study guides for exams. Great guy, glad I stuck with it. I'm a better biologist because of it. Rcmnd

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: GEO204
Grade Received: Not sure yet
Overall Rating: 2.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He seems more concerned about doing his research than anything. ALL assignments, other than the tests and book reports, were group writing papers; this class is more like a writing class. Sadly had to be taken for major...

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: GEO450272204
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Do: Read ahead, ask questions, go to office hours, REALLY understand each topic and pay attention to details in both concepts and your writing. Don't: Expect knowledge to be handed to you, ask dumb questions like "will this be curved", not read the chapters and expect to do well, wait to seek help. Door is Open You get out what you put in.

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: GEO102H
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Absolutely fantastic guy. Terrifically smart and helpful, and expects a lot out you.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He will hold you accountable for your learning, and more importantly, your development as a scientist, and he has high standards for each student. Most people would complain that he's a harsh grader but I thought that his feedback on written work were constructive criticism which helped me improve in the class throughout the semester.

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Fastovsky is the best professor I've had at URI. He is passionate about the material, incredibly smart, and pushes all students to do their best. Yes, his class requires a lot of work. However, if you study hard and really engage in class, you will do well. He is an inspiring man and wonderful teacher.

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Super egotistic. Very tough grader, on exams and papers. He will critique every sentence you write. Be prepared to be constantly insulted, in and out of class. Nonetheless, the most interesting class I have taken thus far as an undergrad. Might have not done well, but still enjoyed the material.

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: GEO204
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Great class, really prepares you for career writing. All group papers, but he gives great feedback and can definitely back up what he says. Two weekend field trips which are fun, everyone bonds and the class ends up being like a little family.

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Definitely go to class. When studying, go over experiments. He is very clear about his expectations. Participation in class is appreciated as it makes things go much faster when he knows if you understand the info or don't . Take good notes. He gives great study guides before exams - know them. Books not necessary.

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: GEO204
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class is very difficult BUT if you put in the effort, he will help you. One of my favorite professors, absolutely brilliant.

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: GEO450
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Fabulous professor. If you put in the effort you can get a good grade. He doesn't make it easy to just do the bare minimum, he holds you accountable for your own learning. You can't just memorize the material you have to know and understand it. Great class. Great guy.

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: GEO102
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 1.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dinosaurs class!! awesome guy. awesome class. knows everything you would need to know about dinosaurs. Very helpful if you actually care enough to try. Fill in the blank tests could be difficult. But he goes over everything you need to know. Nothing tricky either

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: GEO450
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 2.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

His first time teaching it in a long time and it was obvious. In a class where pictures are critical, you think he would give printouts, but everything was drawn on the board in marker. He expects so much out of you but gives you so little to work with. I don't think he has any empathy and never has a positive thing to say about anybody.

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He really loves his subject and wants you to understand it as well as he does. He can come off as cocky or demeaning, but that is just his personality, he is actually VERY helpful and understanding. There isn't a whole lot of homework, and the lectures are usually pretty interesting.

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: BIO272
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 2.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Terribly ineffective teacher because he is constantly jumbling up what is truly pertinent and what he feels is of interest. Lots of filler that never shows up on exams. Needlessly difficult. Ego inhibits him from giving anyone an A on papers as he loves to write sarcastic comments, insulting your intelligence. Read Coyne, skip the class.

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: GEO102
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Don't expect to watch Jurassic Park in this class, it's a very in depth analysis of dinosaurs. We studied their bone structure, eating habits, living conditions, etc. If you're expecting an easy gen ed, you're in for a surprise! D. Fastovsky keeps it interesting and fun though!

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