Scott Carlson is a Physics professor at Northeastern University rated 3.4/5 by 14 students, with 3.4/5 difficulty and 44.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Scott Carlson professor reviews and ratings: 3.4/5 from 14 student reviews at Northeastern (44.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
He is the best! He makes learning physics fun, and his grading is pretty straightforward. He also gives points for correct work and units, even if the answer is wrong. The material really isn't that difficult. My only complaint is that I wish there were more study guides that reflected the exams. But overall, a really great teacher.PHY1200 2025-12-10 18:54:05 +0000 UTC
Carlson's very humorous and makes the class more attentive due to his interesting way of talking. He is rather slow on getting through the material, but that does give room for you to relax during class or catch up on some work. If you are good with self studying, this class would be very easy, its better than having a strict teacher.PHYS1 2024-09-26 21:21:38 +0000 UTC
Great presenter of topics but you learn nothing! All he does is yap and yap about teaching high school physics and playing the guitar. Alot of the material he put on the were not coverend in class and his grading system makes no sense. I suggest taking the class online or with someone else. By the way if he likes you, you'll get a better grade.PHYS201 2010-03-02 19:20:45 +0000 UTC
Yapps more than he teaches. Doesn't do problems in class unless you ask. Yapps on and on about his kids and how he lived in germany. talks more about the history of physics instead of teaching the problems.You will have to teach yourself if you chose this egotistical chatterbox as your prof.PHYS2 2009-12-26 01:37:14 +0000 UTC
GREAT TEACHER!! He's a high school teacher during the day so he knows how to make Physics palatable. He uses every day examples and the tests are straight forward. Funny guy and easy to talk to if you have questions. Has the patience to explain it until you get it. HIGHLY recommend taking his class if you're going the Physics route.COLLPHYSICS2 2006-04-18 00:52:26 +0000 UTC
Professor Carlson is a very good and clear lecturer. he teaches the concepts well by using a lot of examples (he even brought his guitar to demonstrate sound properties) and is very understanding when issues come up. His grading is straightforward and gives you resources to prep for exams. I had a good timePHY1200 2024-12-12 15:44:58 +0000 UTC
High schooler here. Carlson is a quirky/funny guy but doesn't teach that well, goes on tangents about history/ Germany/Sweden/college/whatever instead of actual physics. Pace could be extremely slow at times, though he's very patient when answering questions and makes grading policies pretty clear. Also seems to genuinely care about students.PHYS1 2023-12-04 23:06:48 +0000 UTC
No office hours and not accessible after class hours. Very difficult to get extra help if you need it.PHY1200 2024-04-13 00:06:31 +0000 UTC
There are a bunch of quizzes and exams. He literally always talks about teaching high school and I feel like his quizzes and exams are much harder than the material he teaches. Lots of homework and he grades for accuracy. Would not take again.PHYS1 2018-04-21 22:23:47 +0000 UTC
nopePHY1200 2023-08-14 18:18:57 +0000 UTC
Fun and clear teacher, but lots of homewrok. He only explains stuff if you ask him so how much help you want and how much you want to learn is up to you.PHYS1 2015-12-23 10:02:27 +0000 UTC
No complaintsPHY1200 2022-05-11 19:12:04 +0000 UTC
He was a great teacher being enthusiastic and clear. But he did have a LOT of work and quizzes - making the class harder than it appears! But if you keep up, you will do well.PHYS1 2011-06-28 09:19:35 +0000 UTC
How anyone did not enjoy this class? Scott is funny and presents the material well and clearly. I found his quizzes, tests, and HW very fair. He does not trick you. Plenty of online youtube videos that explain the HW. I felt like he was trying to help me succeed in the class. Only - is he doesn't have much time out of class, 2 jobs.PHY1200 2021-11-04 03:17:04 +0000 UTC
Scott Carlson has an average rating of 3.4/5 from 14 student reviews. 44.0% of students said they would take them again.
Scott Carlson's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.4/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.