I don't think Prof Lea has an ego like some of these reviews mention, but there's certainly an air to him that's a little unconventional. He keeps the course updated as climate science advances year to year, which is pretty cool. He does attendance iclickers and very short+easy weekly quizzes. Exams curved.

He is such a kind person and a great lecturer! Always makes it easy to ask questions and explains everything so well. Readings not necessary if you take good notes in class. Weekly quizzes, midterm, final (all online) and section work weekly. Has some math in the beginning but totally manageable. Makes material accessible to non-STEM majors too!

this class actually has a good amount of math despite what he says at the beginning of the class. If you're not paying attention all the time in class, it'll be very hard to do the assignments. He's not very clear on most things as far as the structure of the class.

He is very conceited/vein but he's cool. Also, he has the same tests throughout the years so just ask someone who took it before for help with studying for the midterm (the midterm is 50% of your total grade)

As a non-STEM major, this class was still one of the most engaging and interesting classes Ive ever taken. Lea genuinely wants you to learn the materials big concepts and he doesnt make you memorize tiny details. He gave extra credit to everyone on the midterm and the TAs are not harsh graders as long as you make an effort. Hes also hilarious!

David Lea is the best professor I've had at UCSB. Super easy to do well only the midterm is a blue book test, the rest of your grade is assignments/projects/quizzes/clicker. Attend class its necessary to do well and worth it! He's an amazing lecturer, and cracks some good jokes! He doesn't make you memorize just wants to see you understand concepts

heads up he does not round, even if you're 0.01 percent away from a B+ to an A-.

One of my favorite professors I've had at UCSB. Very passionate and knowledgable about the subject. I'm not a STEM or an earth science major and he did a really good job explaining things clearly. Would definitely recommend this class and teacher!

His lectures are clear. There is 1 midterm worth 13 of your grade, which consists of computations, short answers, and short essays. There are iclicker questions, online quizzes, and problem sets which are worth 13 of your grade; they prepare you for his midterm. There is a final project which is worth 13 of your grade.

Only one test (a midterm) and then a final. There's several assignments and you can work with a group if you choose or by yourself. Great professor, he really takes time to make sure that you understand the material... he doesn't just breeze through stuff to stick to the syllabus schedule. Definitely one of the best professors in this department!

Midterm is hard!!!!! FML!

This class was super easy. Lea is a really nice guy and makes sure everyone understands the material. He makes a lot of jokes, which are funny because they are not that funny. But take this class - easy A.

EASY class. Average teacher.

Very knowledgeable and has done some excellent research. Do your problem sets carefully; they're worth a lot of points. He's not really as nice as he seems, in my opinion, but tries to be open and sensitive.

He was such a nice professor. His class was very interesting and easy to understand. Just go to lecture and do the homeworks which weren't too bad. highly recommend this class. The midterm was everything from lecture. i would take another one of his class.

Such a nice professor. Really engages with the students and encourages questions. Has some funny anecdotes and is very interesting and easy to understand... Grades extremely fairly and tests are pretty easy if you do the homework and go to lecture. Definately went to more of his lectures spring quarter than any other class =)

Very passionate with a bit of ego, though. Pretty interesting lectures so if you pay attention to some extent it's a pretty easy and straightforward class. Tests are medium difficulty.

He's passionate about his job. Although it was at 8 in the morning, I enjoyed it because of his energy and how informative it was. Not an Earth Science major but it was a fairly easy class if you understand the material and do the homework assignments and quizzes. Great, friendly professor who cares about what he does!!! Highly recommend!

Uses iClicker, so attendance is mandatory. Really helpful, although the material wasn't really interesting to me, personally.

He is very clear with explaining information during lecture. His tests are very fair and he lets you know what to expect on them. iClicker required. Very nice professor too.

He is so adorably nerdy and you can tell he LOVES this subject matter. Overall the class was super easy. The in-class clicker questions are word for word the midterm and exam questions. Don't bother reading the book, he stresses all necessary information during the lectures. The labs are basically useless but they count for points so you have to go

Professor Lea was great and very helpful. HE LOVES OCEANOGRAPHY. If you need to fill your Area C, TAKE EARTH 4! His experience in the field actually makes it interesting. Yes there is an iclicker, but attendance is a small price to pay for basically all the Q's on the midterm and final! Plus, all lecture slides are put online & Labs are SUPER easy.

Favorite class and professor BY FAR. Classes are fun, easy, interactive, and interesting. Lea WANTS you to succeed and will go above and beyond to get you an A. The midterm took 25 minutes and was a piece of cake. Honors students--take the honors trip.

Really easy class if you go to lecture. Didn't use textbook. Only tested on lecture material which he repeated often and stressed the importance of. Fair and very straight-forward exams. Does in-class review. Puts slides up online. Honestly just pay attention in class and you can easily get a good grade.