Ratings for Computer Science 61A
Average Ratings
Based on 582 ratings for the instructor(s) that have taught this course.
Instructor Ratings
Assignments
Comment: top notch, one of the best intro cs courses in the nation and it shows
Submitted May 3rd, 2016
Assignments
Comment: He is amazing teacher. He organizes the class very well so that I think everyone would enjoy learning computer science. HW and assignments are fun, but the exams are tough.
Submitted Dec. 25th, 2015
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Comment: This is the most well-organized and useful class I've ever taken, and it really demonstrates why Cal is the place to be for CS. The curriculum is rigorous and fast-paced, and really teaches you how to think like a computer scientist. Homework and projects are fantastic and test understanding really well. If you have no prior programming experience (like I did) just be aware there will be times in the semester where you really struggle. Don't worry though, it will all work out in the end. I look back with fond memories, and I'll really miss this class. DeNero gives challenging exams (and they only get harder each semester) but don't worry about them too much - just do your best. He is very lenient in computing your final grade (just about everyone ends up getting one grade level higher than the official cutoffs would otherwise suggest). Bottom line: if you have the chance to take CS61A with DeNero, take it! I can't imagine anyone other than DeNero at the helm of this wonderful class.
Submitted Dec. 24th, 2015
Submitted Dec. 20th, 2015
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Comment: Professor DeNero would sit on the floor with you at OH and help you with HW. He is so nice! Loved watching his videos.
Submitted Dec. 17th, 2015
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Comment: Not much to say - the TA's run the class, so taking 61A with Hilfinger doesn't make much of a difference. That being said, his lectures are really dry and it doesn't help that he has a monotonous voice. Overall, legendary 61B professor, not so much for 61A.
Submitted Nov. 27th, 2015
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Comment: Great guy, very helpful.
Submitted Nov. 7th, 2015
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Comment: He's a really cool professor and genuinely cares, but the class takes a lot of time and is very difficult.
Submitted Oct. 6th, 2015
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Comment: He is a hard professor, but I learned tons from him and did well in his class. You just have to be willing to do the work...ALL THE WORK (don't copy homework and projects)
Submitted Aug. 27th, 2015
Submitted Aug. 11th, 2015