Professor
Luca Bertello
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Most Helpful Review
Let me start off by saying that Bertello is really not that great of a lecturer. I did't understand a lot of what he was talking about in class and it seemed like no one else did either. That being said, his homework assignments don't take much time (about 10 problems on Mastering Physics each week). He gives a decent overview of what is going to be on the midterm and final before he gives it so there aren't any surprises. It's not too hard to know what study for the test, as long as you give yourself enough time to teach it to yourself, because you won't learn much in lecture. A lot of the problems on the exams are similar to the homework problems or the other examples in the book. Also, he is a pretty nice grader and gives you a slightly better grade than other professors might.
Let me start off by saying that Bertello is really not that great of a lecturer. I did't understand a lot of what he was talking about in class and it seemed like no one else did either. That being said, his homework assignments don't take much time (about 10 problems on Mastering Physics each week). He gives a decent overview of what is going to be on the midterm and final before he gives it so there aren't any surprises. It's not too hard to know what study for the test, as long as you give yourself enough time to teach it to yourself, because you won't learn much in lecture. A lot of the problems on the exams are similar to the homework problems or the other examples in the book. Also, he is a pretty nice grader and gives you a slightly better grade than other professors might.
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Most Helpful Review
Bertello is a very nice guy, very approachable, patient, and friendly. His class is also very easy because he lets you know what will be on the exam. That is to say, his practice exam is almost like the actual exam, except he asks for a different element (for instance, he asks for 'final velocity' on the practice exam. He will ask for 'time' or something else on the actual). The problem-- what makes it difficult-- is that everyone does well, which makes the curve ridiculously skewed to the right. Class average is SO high, it is in the 90's. What chance have you if for any reason you don't do well on one exam? Everyone is already clambering to get over 90. About (over) half the class has a pre-final 'A.' He covers only a few types of problems in class, but not because he can't do difficult problems. He's intelligent and knowledgeable in the subject, and he'll help you with a miscellany of problems if you go to his office (he's always there when he's not teaching a class). It's just that he believes those kinds of problems are most important. But I'm not convinced that's a great idea if you don't have him again as your professor for the next class in the series.
Bertello is a very nice guy, very approachable, patient, and friendly. His class is also very easy because he lets you know what will be on the exam. That is to say, his practice exam is almost like the actual exam, except he asks for a different element (for instance, he asks for 'final velocity' on the practice exam. He will ask for 'time' or something else on the actual). The problem-- what makes it difficult-- is that everyone does well, which makes the curve ridiculously skewed to the right. Class average is SO high, it is in the 90's. What chance have you if for any reason you don't do well on one exam? Everyone is already clambering to get over 90. About (over) half the class has a pre-final 'A.' He covers only a few types of problems in class, but not because he can't do difficult problems. He's intelligent and knowledgeable in the subject, and he'll help you with a miscellany of problems if you go to his office (he's always there when he's not teaching a class). It's just that he believes those kinds of problems are most important. But I'm not convinced that's a great idea if you don't have him again as your professor for the next class in the series.
Most Helpful Review
The man is a miracle. Keeps it simple. Tells you exactly what you need to know. Very approachable outside of class. Speaks ten languages but is very clear in lecture. Tests are straightforward. No alarms and no surprises. Only thing to watch out for is the pants. He is European so he wears tight pants. Not for the faint of heart. But the man's a saint. If you can get him- take him.
The man is a miracle. Keeps it simple. Tells you exactly what you need to know. Very approachable outside of class. Speaks ten languages but is very clear in lecture. Tests are straightforward. No alarms and no surprises. Only thing to watch out for is the pants. He is European so he wears tight pants. Not for the faint of heart. But the man's a saint. If you can get him- take him.
Most Helpful Review
I am a Bio major, and not so great in Physics. But I heard Bertello is nice and easy, so took his section. He is nice and very approachable, but likes to even out his class curve. This means for the final even if you have an A going into the final, it's very possible to get a C for your final grade. Well, I didn't have an A going in, but I did have a solid A-/B+. I had perfect homework and lab scores, and did okay on the midterms. I have NEVER received a C before in any class. So glad I'm done with Physics. Btw, Lea is the BEST TA. She explains concepts better than any professor. I never skipped discussion.
I am a Bio major, and not so great in Physics. But I heard Bertello is nice and easy, so took his section. He is nice and very approachable, but likes to even out his class curve. This means for the final even if you have an A going into the final, it's very possible to get a C for your final grade. Well, I didn't have an A going in, but I did have a solid A-/B+. I had perfect homework and lab scores, and did okay on the midterms. I have NEVER received a C before in any class. So glad I'm done with Physics. Btw, Lea is the BEST TA. She explains concepts better than any professor. I never skipped discussion.
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