Omer Blaes is a great professor who gives fantastic lectures. We used a book not suited for undergrads (because the author is a professor at UCSB); so Blaes also gave us his own rigorous lecture notes. This all being said, expect exams to be super difficult and no curve. Best way to prepare? Do the homework and FOCUS IN CLASS.

Without a doubt the most fantastic and engaging physics professor I've ever had. I took GR with him, and despite the fact that lecture was at 8 am, I always made sure to be there and be on time, and every time left with my mind blown. He loves explaining things and does it well. He is just buzzing with his energy and passion for the subject.

Prof. Blaes is the best professor you will have at UCSB. I took 4 classes with him and he is an amazing professor and person. Go to his office hours he is very helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. He has a really good grading scheme which always helps the students.

Among the best lectures I have taken

Great professor, his lectures are clear, and he loves answering questions. Detailed lecture notes are helpful, and exams are fair. The only problem might be that he sometimes spends so much time answering questions that he has to skip some of the material and go through others a bit too fast...

This guy is the best. He's humble and excited and really there to help you understand the material. He takes almost every single question in lecture, and drives home the main points. Homework takes a while but you learn a lot through it. Just a great guy who runs pleasant lectures.