Valentine is a very laid back professor. I felt his lectures were very clear and reflected almost exactly what would be on the tests. Plus, he provided a study guide with topics before each exam. Seems like a genuine guy who really loves what he does. Don't buy the book, didn't open it once. Section activities are very easy as well.

Awful at explaining simple concepts. I learned almost everything from my textbook (get an early edition, it's the exact same and costs $4). Made fun of students during lectures. Took a whole lecture showing us unrelated videos of his research. Unclear about what would be on tests. Nice thing is that he grades on a generous curve. Do not recommend!!

I loved this class and I loved Dave. He was super funny and really passionate about his field. He talks a lot about his research (which I found super interesting) and related oceanography to every day life. Creative tests (i.e. not just multiple choice) that were pretty easy if you pay attention. Loved him, would definitely take again. Easy GE.

Everything is based on the lectures, however I was one of the those students who actually bought the textbook and found it really useful for the labs, and study guides he provided us for the exams. His teaching is boring but the material is interesting. Can be an easy A (due to curve), although his exams were a little more tedious than expected.

Class is boring and fell asleep couple of times. Tests are super specific on dates and irrelevant events. Has a huge curve though.

Lectures are useful to attend, because much of what he tests on is from the lectures. Sometimes, he tests on things that seem more trivial. Sections are simple. Attendance at lectures is non-mandatory, but you must at least turn in the weekly section assignment to your TA. 15% sections, 2 midterms each worth 20%, and a cumulative final worth 45%.

Easy class. Don't like the professor. Very confusing, unprepared, late to class, unprofessional. Blah!

His tests are harder than I expected but they were not that difficult. EARTH 4 is not really a hard science class, as much as it is just memorizing facts about science. Valentine gives interesting lectures, and he talks about his research, but he doesn't put questions about it on tests and he doesn't present it as fact.

I loved this class! He was really clear on difficult concepts and although his tests were kind of hard, I didn't think they were terribly hard. Would definitely take another one of his classes! He made me interesting in oceanography and marine biology. Really great class, the textbook was kind of unnecessary, just go to lecture and youll do fine :)

The book was expensive but it was not necessary to buy because tests were based on lecture and when I did try to use it I came to find the page I needed wasn't there due to it being the condensed copy, UCSB exclusive. He tried to be funny and use demonstrations but the classes dragged on. He is attractive so that kept me awake sometimes. Dont take.

Such a great guy. Cracks jokes and gets the material across very well. The labs were always a lot of fun. The tests tend to be a little bit difficult but he grades on a pretty generous curve. Tests are lecture based and a lot of people actually just kinda missed class and did fine so attendance isn't really mandatory. I recommend taking this class.

Great Professor, very interesting, has a lot of interesting stories that relate to the topics. Some parts are dry and boring but there isnt really many ways to make seafloor spreading interesting. Very knowledgeable is a nationwide renowned researcher with NOAA. Loving this class.