The best aspect of the course was the independent research structure, which prepared students for future research and allowed them to go at their own pace. The worst aspect of the course was the lack of organization, as due dates were changed and assignments were often unclear. Also, the professor rarely taught the class and allowed guest speakers to do the talking. The course would improve if it were more organized. Prospective students should know that this course requires 12 hours of weekly research and it is helpful to begin the senior design project in advance.

Students thought that the course was wel organized and straightforward. They liked the professor and found that the materials were interesting. Students did not like the limited graded materials, and thought that splitting the few homework assignments into more, shorter assignments would be a more effective. They also suggested adding more structure to the lecture itself by focusing on a few topics each class and then really going into detail with the materials. Prospective students should be familiar with geometry and 3D forms, as well as quantum matter. The course is chal enging but interesting, and provides a solid understanding of the structure of materials.

Students praised this course for giving students an opportunity to be actively involved in research. Perceived issues with the course included a belief that lectures could be a bit dry and not entirely relevant to the laboratory work students would be doing. Suggestions for improvement included a belief that the lectures could have been better structured and along those lines, that requiring students to write critiques of the lectures was not that useful. Prospective students should know that students found success in the course required a significant time commitment and they needed to be able to plan ahead and work independently in order to succeed in the class.