Reviews of professor Phillip Buffum

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Straightforward and easy class. Lectures are dry but he teaches 4 sections yet knew everybody's names. Participation/attendence doesn't affect class grade. TAs are extremely helpful

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
I took this class never having coded to avoid the math credit & ended up loving it! Dry lectures, but the slides provided are very helpful. 5 projects (no midterm/final) & weekly hw assignments (drops the lowest grade). The projects felt purposeful and had clear and easy guidelines. He's a very kind guy and learns everyone's name. Would recommend!

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Python is being revamped; therefore, you will learn things classes in the past have not learned. He explains things very well in office hours, and does examples of codes during lectures. I highly encourage you to read anything he assigns (it's helpful). The class is set up so that you can finish with a 110% (extra credit obviously).

Rating: 2.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
This class is a mess, but you wouldnt be taking it if you didnt have to so buckle up. Buffums lectures are a mess and no one (including the TAs) know whats going on in the HW. He curves the exams so an A is doable. He cares more about showing your thinking than correct answers, so writing a LOT on the exams and HW is the best way to get an A.

Rating: 3.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
I think given the subject matter professor Buffum is a solid choice. One might be inclined to think his lectures were a bit boring, and they largely were, but given the topics, I think he did quite well. The class is super easy if you figure out how to do stuff efficiently.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Professor Buffum is a solid choice for a DS/A class. His projects are very time-consuming so make sure you start early. He gives one midterm exam which is very difficult, but it can be curved. You will have to implement algorithms on your own, since he only gives you the theory in lectures.

Rating: 3.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Very consistent in graded assignments- grade consists of doing labs, projects, and exams. He is kind of a boring lecturer and likes you to figure things out without telling you exactly how to do it first. That said, he is very willing to work with you outside of class and is overall a nice guy.