Wes is an awesome professor! He is a great lecturer and truly cares about student learning. He also makes class interactive with demos and Q&As. In regards to exams, there was one midterm (30%) and the final (40%). The exams were difficult but do-able. He generously curved them as well. If you're taking physics 17, I highly recommend taking it with Campbell.

The instructor for this course is exceptional in many ways, providing an enriching and engaging learning environment. While the required textbook is primarily useful for select homework questions, its utility is limited beyond that scope. However, the lecture notes are a standout resource, diverging from the textbook yet offering comprehensive and clear insights that can significantly aid in excelling in the course. These notes are highly praised and can be a primary study material for students.

Physics 17 occupies a peculiar niche within the physics department, ostensibly serving as a foundational course for advanced studies in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Despite its label as "modern physics," the content can feel somewhat dated, with certain early concepts not being extensively applied in subsequent courses. This redundancy raises questions about the course's necessity, as subsequent upper-division courses do not strictly require it as a prerequisite, allowing students to bypass it without detriment to their academic progression. This situation has led to a lack of uniformity in how the course is taught, with instructors often cherry-picking content from advanced courses, leading to disorganization and confusion.

However, Professor Campbell stands out in his approach to teaching this course. Having previously dropped this course due to a challenging experience with another instructor, my return under Professor Campbell's guidance was transformative. His methodical and step-by-step explanations make complex concepts accessible and engaging. His humor and approachability contribute to a positive and interactive classroom atmosphere, encouraging questions and fostering a deep understanding of the material. Notably, Professor Campbell designs unique and thought-provoking homework questions that enhance the learning experience.

Beyond his teaching style, Professor Campbell is exceptionally supportive, readily available outside of office hours, and quick to respond to emails. The course's pace is well-judged, ensuring that students can follow along comfortably. His approach not only prepares students well for advanced topics in physics but also instills confidence and enthusiasm for the subject.

The examinations in this course are challenging yet fair, designed as learning experiences that encourage deep understanding rather than rote memorization. Despite my initial reservations about the necessity of Physics 17 for advanced studies, Professor Campbell's instruction has been invaluable, leaving me with a strong foundation and a heightened interest in physics.

While there may be structural questions regarding the necessity of Physics 17 within the curriculum, Professor Campbell's exceptional teaching abilities and dedication to student success make a compelling case for the value he brings to the department. If given administrative authority, I would advocate for a reevaluation of the course's role within the curriculum while ensuring that instructors of Professor Campbell's caliber are recognized and rewarded for their significant contributions to student learning and engagement.

This instructor was an excellent teacher. Campbell clearly cares a lot about students not just mastering the math, but the intuition that underlies it and all the physical principles we learn. He contextualizes and explains the mindset behind the discoveries of turn-of-the-century physicists in a way that I haven't experienced from other physics professors, and I think more physics classes should be taught this way. Excellent course experience. Homework and exams are about the same as other physics courses, which the exception that the homeworks are often extrapolations of our class discussions.