LOKSHTANOV D

Daniel Lokshtanov

17 reviews
Lots of homework Lecture heavy Amazing lectures Tough grader Respected Graded by few things Skip class? You won't pass. Test heavy EXTRA CREDIT Clear grading criteria Inspirational So many papers Accessible outside class
Past quarters
CMPSC 502
12 / 100 Enrolled
Teaching of Computer Science
Daniel Lokshtanov 3.7
See All
CMPSC 502 Lokshtanov D Spring 2024 Total: 0
CMPSC 190A Lokshtanov D Winter 2024 Total: 97
CMPSC 502 Lokshtanov D Winter 2024 Total: 0
CMPSC 292A Lokshtanov D Fall 2023 Total: 20
See All
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 4 Months Ago

Hardest class I've taken. He had no idea how hard to make the tests, since he's very smart and struggles to think down at our level. I did enjoy lectures, he was passionate and left me at a loss for words every time (I was lost). The few people who understood everything made sure to let everyone know they understood everything. Generous curve.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 5 Months Ago

He's a passionate lecturer that's for sure. But that's really as far of credit as I can give him. Most times I felt I was learning significantly better from just youtube videos. Not the best at making his lectures easy to regurgitate. Doesn't provide much if any resources besides "go read the textbook". Doesn't post any notes. Best to avoid.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 5 Months Ago

Lectures are super thorough and you can tell he really loves teaching algorithms. You have to make sure you're ready to understand and paying 100% attention during lectures though because if you get distracted even for a few minutes, you will be completely lost. Exams are really hard but very good prep for CS internships and interviews.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 5 Months Ago

Prof is super knowledgable about subject, but bad at explaining concepts to those seeing them for the first time. Lecture material not provided outside of class, and exam questions are confusing.

3 helpful 0 unhelpful
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 5 Months Ago

Professor Lokshtanov is disconnected from the course material and doesn't understand its difficulty. While he is a passionate lecturer, he gives exams harder than his lecture materials where the averages are low Ds and Fs. He isn't good at breaking concepts down and teaching at our level. I loved the material just not how he teaches it.

5 helpful 0 unhelpful
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 5 Months Ago

Algorithms classes are hard. However, they are essential for coding interviews, so quality of instruction is really important imo. I also took 130A with Lokshtanov. You can tell from how he teaches that he is both incredibly knowledgable and also invested in helping you understand the material.

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
CS130B . Lokshtanov D 1 Year, 6 Months Ago

Great lectures, he has a deep understanding of the material. But you REALLY need to practice algorithms, he won't be lenient on the exams. I see a lot of people blaming him for the low avg on midterms, but this is probably the most important class in CS, and it's good that he's preparing us for interviews. Algs are not supposed to be easy.

1 helpful 1 unhelpful
CS40 . Lokshtanov D 2 Years Ago

Very difficult HWs, Exams were not too easy either but were graded generously. Be ready for lots of work

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
CMPSC130A . Lokshtanov D 3 Years Ago

Took during covid. there are no exams, only hw and programming assignments. hw is a bit hard but programming assignments are easy and can give you extra credit. He drops lowest assignment. I never went to lecture or section, got a B. his lectures are decent.

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
CMPSC130A . Lokshtanov D 3 Years Ago

Keep in mind this was taken during COVID but here is my experience. The entire grade consisted of 4 HW assignments, which were a bunch of questions often involving proofs, and 3 programming assignments. Programming assignments had option for extra credit and were challenging in a good way. Hw not as fun but not bad and they made me better at proofs

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
CS138 . Lokshtanov D 3 Years Ago

Professor Lokshtanov is one of the best professors I have had. He is often very rigorous and makes you work hard for your grade, but is always happy to answer questions and go back to explain confusing concepts. CS138 is a class with inherently difficult concepts, but I felt that he taught me well and prepared me for future theory classes

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
CS138 . Lokshtanov D 4 Years Ago

put too much of his lecture on deducing things on textbook. not very interested. attending lectures only because he is handsome.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful