John Aronis - University of Pittsburgh

Professor: John Aronis
Department: Computer Science
College: University of Pittsburgh
Rating # 1
Overview:
  • Course: CS1511
  • Grade Received: A+
  • Overall Rating: 3.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
This class wasn't quite what I was expecting - I figured we would be doing a bunch of interesting proofs, but instead we had to write a bunch of essays. The material was still cool and his lectures were decent, but I feel like the writing assignments were not helpful.
Rating # 2
Overview:
  • Course: CS1501
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I had Aronis for Data Structures prior to Algorithms (1501). DS was difficult since he expected people to know a lot prior, however taking 1501 with him as well made it easier because a lot taught in 445 was covered in 1501. If you email him, he will explain what you need and if you follow in lecture projects are straight forward.
Rating # 3
Overview:
  • Course: CS1501
  • 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:
Textbook was barely useful. Only materials to study from were (average) notes he gave in class and the confusing textbook. Exams were basically graded all or nothing with no partial credit, and not even by him. Project descriptions were vague and confusing as well.
Rating # 4
Overview:
  • Course: CS1501
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 2.5
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Horrible class. Very boring teacher who didn't teach anything that had to do with the projects. Tests are basically 8 true/ false questions that you have to elaborate on, but can't get partial credit. Ridiculous
Rating # 5
Overview:
  • Course: CS1501
  • 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:
I would suggest not taking him for 1501. He is pretty boring, and the tests are much harder than the material covered in lecture.
Rating # 6
Overview:
  • Course: CS0401
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Don't buy the book. Tests are easy, projects are difficult, but certainly doable. Very tangential and annoying in person. Extremely fair grading.
Rating # 7
Overview:
  • Course: CS007
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 1.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He's really into math more than programming. He shouldn't be teaching intro level classes, or CS for that matter. He should be teaching math if that's what he wants to do. We're here for CS, not math. So annoying. You will teach yourself CS.
Rating # 8
Overview:
  • Course: CS007
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
You will teach yourself. Horrible!
Rating # 9
Overview:
  • Course: CS1501
  • 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:
Algorithms is a pretty challenging class. The projects are tough, and the test can be just as tough. Aronis will definitely test you in this class. Very helpful in office hours, so make sure you go. Make sure you spend time understanding and practicing the material.
Rating # 10
Overview:
  • Course: CS445
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Can be boring at times, but a good teacher overall. Projects arent too hard, two i believe are really easy. Very helpful in office hours. And tells you everything you need to know for test.
Rating # 11
Overview:
  • Course: COE1501
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Algorithms class. Overall a pretty easy class if you take projects seriously. This, and taking semi-decent notes are all that's really necessary to do well.
Rating # 12
Overview:
  • Course: CS445
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
The class is pretty easy. It consists of 5 projects (only 2 of which were challenging in my opinion) and 3 exams (including the final). All of the exams are easy if you go to lecture. He tells you everything you need to know. Not my favorite professor, but he made it easy to succeed. The book is useless. Don't buy it. Never opened it once.
Rating # 13
Overview:
  • Course: CS445
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Took him for CS 441 and CS 445. Aronis is one of the best Profs I have had at Pitt. He is very understanding about extensions and doesn't sweat the little stuff at all. I love the problem solving aspects of the projects he assigns, they are tough but keep at them, they are very rewarding. Tests are easy if you go to class. Would take again.
Rating # 14
Overview:
  • Course: CS401
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 1.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Also had CS445. He rambles a lot and makes it clear he doesn't like java. He uses the same examples/projects a lot, but the class is easy. Three tests and a handful of projects. Use google instead of the book. Go to class to get a clear understanding of what he wants on the project so you have to do less work.
Rating # 15
Overview:
  • Course: CS445
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 1.5
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I'm a programmer by nature. I took Aronis as he was the only teacher that fit into my schedule. However, his pseudo-code was usually riddled with bugs and would argue their correctness when mentioned. Projects didn't teach much and tests were a breeze. His background isn't CS and it clearly shows. I recommend avoiding him.
Rating # 16
Overview:
  • Course: CS0401
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He makes an admirable effort to introduce students to theory as early as possible. I've read other professors' syllabi, and there is a noticeable difference in that the projects he assigns give a taste of the problem-solving power of programming,rather than focusing on business-app type programming. Google ProjectEuler--if you like that, take him!
Rating # 17
Overview:
  • Course: CS445
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I was half and half on Aronis. He strictly teaches the way he learns (paying attention in lecture and notes) and doesn't seem to approve of other approaches. Projects are overly complicated and don't necessarily teach subjects. Codes on the spot, and tends to make mistakes (and argue their correctness). Easy class if you are a programmer.
Rating # 18
Overview:
  • Course: JAVA4441
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Give him a chance, hes really good. If you write down and study everything that goes on the board (which isnt much at all), that is exactly what appears on exams. I like that he doesnt sweat the technical stuff on exams, just makes sure your logic is right. Great prof. Recommended.
Rating # 19
Overview:
  • Course: CS0401
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Give him a chance. Don't judge too quickly. May come off cold but he wants you to do well. Good lectures even though he doesn't know java particularly well, as far as small details are concerned. Go to class. Learned quite a bit from projects.
Rating # 20
Overview:
  • Course: CS0401
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.0
  • Course Difficulty: 1.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He seems like he doesn't have a clue as to what's going on. He makes a LOT of code mistakes in class, although his homework and exam code is fine. Lectures are boring, but that's probably more the class than Dr. Aronis. That being said, he is a very nice person and is willing to help students if they ask for it. Don't bother buying the book.
Add Your Review Below:
Search Professors:
Welcome:

Before signing up for classes every students should gather as much information as possible to make a decision on which professors as well as which courses to take. This website will help you make this decision easier.

Here, the students can rate, research and cross-reference the overall performances of the professors to select the best ones, and always be informed and up-to-date with what’s important.

Join the fun! Visit all pages and get all the information you need to choose the best class and best professor that you’ll enjoy listening to and learning from.

Our Friendly Sponsor:
Schools:
Our Friendly Sponsor:


Celebrity Net Worth Visa Bulletin