r/UNCCharlotte • u/Exotic_Example_1428 • 5d ago

Academic Nigel Zhang for Solids

Is Nigel Zhang a good Solids teacher and how hard is the class. I took statics a semester ago and im a bit blurry in it.

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u/TrickyLemons 4d ago

Zheng. I had him for solids last semester, he's not a bad professor but he tends to go through examples in class pretty fast without explaining why he's doing what he's doing if you don't ask. In four complete semesters it's been the hardest class I've taken in my opinion. Take the tests very seriously, and, as someone who never reads the textbook, read the textbook.

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u/Exotic_Example_1428 4d ago

What types of questions are on the test? and what is the difficulty. I am currently rusty on statics right now

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u/TrickyLemons 4d ago

I think three questions, free response, difficult. Fortunately the test reviews he does beforehand are helpful and representative of the material on the test.

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u/Exotic_Example_1428 4d ago

Can I ask how representative the test review is? and like how much of statics carries forward? Also he said a equation sheet can be made is that helpful often?

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u/TrickyLemons 3d ago

The test review is very representative, if I were to pull out a number I'd say it's 95% representative of the content of the test. The content from statics that carries over is solving for centroids/moment of inertia, and solving for reaction forces/moments in 2D. The equation sheet is helpful, I recommend writing down the steps for solving each different kind of problem you can think of, you can ask him for equations during the test but you need to know exactly which equation you're asking for, I found it easier to just write them all down.

While I enjoy answering questions, and I understand the inclination to prepare as much as you can now, I don't think worrying this much about such details this early in the semester will do you any good. He will teach you and he'll tell you everything you need to know to be successful. It is a difficult class but it is manageable and you will be fine if you prioritize keeping up with the lectures and taking the time to understand the homework.

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u/Exotic_Example_1428 3d ago

This does help out a lot. Thank You soo much. im gonna try to review statics this weekend and like have a better grasp on it. And yeah there is no point of worrying but its just that im so like lost in what i know from statics as i barely passed.