Durian is a good professor and extremely smart, don't expect to get through his class without a challenge. He doesn't expect this class to be easy, is very much approachable, personable in his way, and is often available outside of class. You have to attend his office hours, working with others is a huge benefit. If you talk to him he will work with you, he will consider improvements for the final grade. Homework is difficult and takes a while to figure out, pay attention to labs for the final. His class is not for coasters, it is as difficult as a class at a highly regarded university is expected to be.