Fall 2026

General Chemistry I

General Chemistry I covers stoichiometry, states of matter, thermochemistry, atomic structure, and bonding.

offering recorded4 credits

Summary

1 / 7

The course demands substantial homework and pre-class preparation, with exams described as tough and content-heavy, requiring consistent study habits to succeed.

Grade history

average GPA
letter grades
A
AB
B
BC
C
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F

All recorded terms · compare terms & instructors

Prerequisites

Course map

MATH 112, 114, 171, 221, or placement into MATH 211 or 221. Not open to students with credit forCHEM 109 or 115

CHEM 103 used by

“Used by” includes alternatives; linked courses may have other requirements. This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.

Prerequisite text tree

Professors

Fall 2026
/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 4.85/5 from 107 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

For this course: 4.8/5 raw quality · 3.2/5 difficulty · 69 reviews

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

Paul Hooker is praised for clear explanations, humor, and flexibility, though one reviewer found his lectures boring and annoying. Exams are difficult but curved. Some students note he occasionally goes off-topic.

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 2.90 GPA, 38.3% A/AB (n=506 letter grades); Fall 2024: 2.99 GPA, 40.5% A/AB (n=615 letter grades); Fall 2025: 2.95 GPA, 38.6% A/AB (n=630 letter grades).

/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 4.62/5 from 202 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

For this course: 4.6/5 raw quality · 3.4/5 difficulty · 187 reviews

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

Thomas Brunold is described as caring and humorous, with reviewers noting his thorough lectures and helpful office hours. Some students find his exams difficult but appreciate his generous grading curves and the provision of practice materials to aid preparation.

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 2.98 GPA, 42.7% A/AB (n=241 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.10 GPA, 46.4% A/AB (n=617 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.03 GPA, 42.2% A/AB (n=623 letter grades). Includes jointly taught sections.

/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 4.43/5 from 67 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

For this course: 4.5/5 raw quality · 3.6/5 difficulty · 31 reviews

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

Lea Gustin is described as caring, patient, and accessible, with engaging lectures that students find fun and helpful. Reviewers emphasize that her support, particularly through office hours, is valuable for navigating the course's difficult exams and substantial workload. One review expresses dissatisfaction, contrasting with the generally positive sentiment regarding her teaching style and empathy.

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2022: 3.05 GPA, 42.5% A/AB (n=313 letter grades); Fall 2023: 3.03 GPA, 44.8% A/AB (n=268 letter grades); Fall 2024: 2.97 GPA, 43.9% A/AB (n=289 letter grades).

/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 3.13/5 from 133 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

For this course: 3.2/5 raw quality · 3.7/5 difficulty · 108 reviews

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

Liana Lamont is described as approachable, caring, and helpful, with students noting her willingness to accommodate personal situations and provide annotated slides. Reviewers highlight her organized, interactive lectures and fair exams, suggesting that consistent work leads to success.

Some students criticize Lamont for moving too fast, providing insufficient explanations, and reading directly from slides. These reviewers found her condescending, noted that quizzes were disconnected from lecture content, and advised self-study or choosing other instructors.

Recent recorded grades — Spring 2022: 2.96 GPA, 38.0% A/AB (n=502 letter grades); Spring 2024: 2.98 GPA, 42.5% A/AB (n=325 letter grades); Spring 2026: 2.95 GPA, 38.6% A/AB (n=306 letter grades). Includes jointly taught sections.

/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 2.60/5 from 390 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

For this course: 2.7/5 raw quality · 3.9/5 difficulty · 167 reviews

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

Linda Zelewski’s lectures are often criticized as difficult to follow and unhelpful, with students forced to self-teach. Reviewers report that exams are very hard and misaligned with lecture content. She is also described as unsympathetic regarding accommodations and grading.

One reviewer found Dr. Zelewski to be a favorite, noting that lectures and worksheets reflected the tests. This student recommended the course despite occasional issues with classroom demonstrations, which they felt were not critical for learning chemistry.

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 2.93 GPA, 37.6% A/AB (n=516 letter grades); Fall 2024: 2.95 GPA, 38.5% A/AB (n=628 letter grades); Fall 2025: 2.99 GPA, 39.7% A/AB (n=648 letter grades).

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Historical instructors & teaching patterns

Historical reviews of Gilbert Nathanson, Kimberly DeGlopper: Gilbert Nathanson brings energy to lectures but the course requires significant work. Kimberly DeGlopper explains material well, encourages questions, and offers helpful office hours, with exams that are manageable if the material is known.

BASSAM SHAKHASHIRI is recorded teaching in Fall 2007, Fall 2009. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

GILBERT NATHANSON is recorded teaching in Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2022, Fall 2024, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

JAMES HUTCHISON is recorded teaching in Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

JEREMY WEAVER is recorded teaching in Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2023. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

JORDAN SCHMIDT is recorded teaching in Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2017, Spring 2020. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

KIMBERLY DEGLOPPER is recorded teaching in Spring 2025, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

LEA GUSTIN is recorded teaching in Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

LIANA LAMONT is recorded teaching in Spring 2008, Fall 2008, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2024, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

LINDA ZELEWSKI is recorded teaching in Fall 2009, Fall 2014, Fall 2016, Fall 2018, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

MARTIN ZANNI is recorded teaching in Fall 2015, Fall 2018, Fall 2019. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

PAUL HOOKER is recorded teaching in Fall 2014, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

QIANG CUI is recorded teaching in Fall 2008. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

THOMAS BRUNOLD is recorded teaching in Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.

Calendar & sections

Fall 2026

Schedule loads here as you scroll.

SectionModeEnrolled / capacityWaitlist
LEC 001Classroom Instruction428 / 44411
LEC 002Classroom Instruction360 / 3606
LEC 003Classroom Instruction385 / 39012
LEC 004Classroom Instruction359 / 3603
LEC 005Classroom Instruction352 / 3604
DIS 301Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 302Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 303Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 304Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 305Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 306Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 309Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 310Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 311Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 312Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 313Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 314Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 315Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 316Classroom Instruction21 / 231
DIS 321Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 322Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 323Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 324Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 327Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 328Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 329Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 330Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 331Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 332Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 334Classroom Instruction22 / 232
DIS 336Classroom Instruction21 / 230
DIS 341Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 342Classroom Instruction23 / 232
DIS 343Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 344Classroom Instruction23 / 232
DIS 345Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 346Classroom Instruction22 / 232
DIS 347Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 348Classroom Instruction23 / 232
DIS 349Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 350Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 351Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 352Classroom Instruction21 / 230
DIS 383Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 384Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 385Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 386Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 389Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 391Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 392Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 601Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 602Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 603Classroom Instruction22 / 221
LAB 604Classroom Instruction22 / 231
LAB 605Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 606Classroom Instruction23 / 221
LAB 609Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 610Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 611Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 612Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 613Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 614Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 615Classroom Instruction22 / 231
LAB 616Classroom Instruction21 / 221
LAB 621Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 622Classroom Instruction22 / 221
LAB 623Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 624Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 627Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 628Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 629Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 630Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 631Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 632Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 634Classroom Instruction22 / 222
LAB 636Classroom Instruction21 / 220
LAB 641Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 642Classroom Instruction23 / 232
LAB 643Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 644Classroom Instruction23 / 232
LAB 645Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 646Classroom Instruction22 / 222
LAB 647Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 648Classroom Instruction23 / 222
LAB 649Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 650Classroom Instruction22 / 221
LAB 651Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 652Classroom Instruction21 / 220
LAB 683Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 684Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 685Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 686Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 689Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 691Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 692Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 353Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 354Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 653Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 654Classroom Instruction23 / 221
DIS 333Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 335Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 633Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 635Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 373Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 374Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 376Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 673Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 674Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 676Classroom Instruction23 / 220
DIS 393Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 394Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 693Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 694Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 365Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 366Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 367Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 368Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 665Classroom Instruction23 / 221
LAB 666Classroom Instruction22 / 221
LAB 667Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 668Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 361Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 362Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 363Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 364Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 661Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 662Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 663Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 664Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LEC 007Classroom Instruction356 / 3600
DIS 461Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 762Classroom Instruction21 / 210
DIS 462Classroom Instruction21 / 230
LAB 763Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 761Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 764Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 765Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 766Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 769Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 770Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 771Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 772Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 773Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 774Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 775Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 776Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 463Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 464Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 465Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 466Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 469Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 470Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 471Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 472Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 473Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 474Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 475Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 476Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LEC 008Classroom Instruction353 / 3607
LAB 781Classroom Instruction22 / 221
LAB 782Classroom Instruction23 / 221
LAB 783Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 784Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 789Classroom Instruction23 / 220
LAB 790Classroom Instruction22 / 222
LAB 793Classroom Instruction21 / 220
LAB 794Classroom Instruction22 / 222
LAB 795Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 796Classroom Instruction21 / 220
DIS 481Classroom Instruction22 / 231
DIS 482Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 483Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 484Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 489Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 490Classroom Instruction22 / 232
DIS 493Classroom Instruction21 / 230
DIS 494Classroom Instruction22 / 232
DIS 495Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 496Classroom Instruction21 / 230
DIS 375Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 675Classroom Instruction23 / 221
DIS 395Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 695Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 696Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 396Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 487Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 787Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 488Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 788Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 307Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 607Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 308Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 608Classroom Instruction23 / 221
DIS 355Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 655Classroom Instruction23 / 231
DIS 356Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 656Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 369Classroom Instruction21 / 230
LAB 669Classroom Instruction21 / 210
LAB 687Classroom Instruction21 / 221
DIS 387Classroom Instruction21 / 231
DIS 388Classroom Instruction22 / 231
LAB 688Classroom Instruction22 / 221
DIS 467Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 767Classroom Instruction23 / 220
DIS 468Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 768Classroom Instruction23 / 220
DIS 491Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 791Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 492Classroom Instruction22 / 231
LAB 792Classroom Instruction22 / 221
DIS 325Classroom Instruction24 / 230
LAB 625Classroom Instruction24 / 230
DIS 326Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 626Classroom Instruction23 / 221
DIS 372Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 672Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 381Classroom Instruction23 / 231
LAB 681Classroom Instruction23 / 221
DIS 382Classroom Instruction22 / 231
LAB 682Classroom Instruction22 / 221
DIS 485Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 785Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 370Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 670Classroom Instruction23 / 220
DIS 371Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 671Classroom Instruction23 / 220
DIS 390Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 690Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 486Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 786Classroom Instruction22 / 220
DIS 357Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 657Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 317Classroom Instruction23 / 230
LAB 617Classroom Instruction23 / 230
DIS 318Classroom Instruction22 / 230
DIS 319Classroom Instruction22 / 230
LAB 618Classroom Instruction22 / 220
LAB 619Classroom Instruction22 / 220

Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.

Meeting source records

Student experience

the class

Current students describe CHEM 103 as a heavy, difficult course that requires significant daily work, though instructors like Lea Gustin and Paul Hooker make the experience engaging and supportive.

Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 2.98 GPA, 38.1% A/AB (n=750 letter grades); Fall 2025: 2.99 GPA, 40.3% A/AB (n=2204 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.01 GPA, 43.4% A/AB (n=761 letter grades).

difficulty & workload

The course demands substantial homework and pre-class preparation, with exams described as tough and content-heavy, requiring consistent study habits to succeed.

Students value accessible office hours and clear lecture annotations, noting that utilizing instructor support and Canvas materials is crucial for understanding the material.

Topics

  • Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids.
  • Thermochemistry.
  • Descriptive chemistry of selected elements and compounds.
  • Intermolecular forces.

Skills

  • Chemistry laboratory skills.
  • Stoichiometry and the mole concept.
  • Electronic structure and chemical bonding.

Grades

Historical instructor

Fall 2026 · Projected

Before grades are released

average GPA

Approximate 80% prediction interval

About this estimate

The course’s semester-average GPA, not an individual student’s grade. The center uses 5 same-season terms, weighted toward recent results.

The range uses the finite-sample 80th-percentile rank of absolute errors from earlier same-season forecasts. Each forecast uses only records from earlier terms. At least four forecasts are required; bounds are rounded outward and limited to 0–4. This is an empirical estimate: changing instructors or grading policies can reduce its coverage.

8 earlier forecasts · 0.03 GPA average error.

Grades over time

Through Fall 2026

More grade details Grade mix, volume & source data

Where this course fits relative to

Latest available grades · Spring 2026 · all course levels

GPA

Higher than % of other courses in this group.

Course GPAs · red marks this course’s range

letter grades

More recorded grades than % of other courses in this group.

Typical course in this group: letter grades.

About this comparison

1283 courses over the same term, each with at least 30 recorded letter grades. Cross-listed courses count once. GPA is not a measure of difficulty or teaching quality. The typical course is the median by recorded grade count; tied values are not counted as lower. Grade counts describe course scale, not unique students or typical section size.

Descriptions compare GPA with this group’s average: at least 0.20 higher or lower; otherwise close to average. Section size uses median recorded enrollment: small up to 30, mid-sized 31–99, large 100+. Lectures and discussion/lab sections are described separately.

Sources & history

UW–Madison

Catalog & offerings

Descriptions, prerequisites, and recorded course offerings.

Catalog observation history

Observations at scan time; dates do not imply when a catalog change took effect.

Selected offering source records
CHEM 103 · Fall 2026

General Chemistry I

Recorded 2026-09-07
Raw records
[
  {
    "run_id": "20260907T155543-ce3781c4",
    "semester": "1272",
    "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00",
    "offering_id": "1272:224:002749",
    "course_id": "CHEM 103",
    "course_uid": "course_c6c64d7584708e58ca90e23d",
    "term_id": "1272",
    "source_course_id": "002749",
    "source_subject_id": "224",
    "title": "General Chemistry I",
    "credits_min": 4,
    "credits_max": 4,
    "typically_offered": "Fall, Spring, Summer"
  }
]
Rate My Professors

Student reviews

Original comments behind the course and instructor summaries.

Read original reviews
Madgrades

Grade history

Recorded grade distributions by term, section, and instructor.

Explore recorded grades
Model outputs & technical records
nvidia/Qwen3.6-35B-A3B-NVFP4
LLM outputs across runs
Full model traces
Model & dataset provenance
{
  "model": "nvidia/Qwen3.6-35B-A3B-NVFP4",
  "model_revision": "1355db6a052410cfd62085d94b58866fd0f2c3c5",
  "task_version": "14",
  "output_id": "ca417815e58910adac4a0a38da1a5b6db35774b2a568d198ba53008295751b7d",
  "requirements_status": "valid",
  "dataset_revision": "e243353dcb7d79b7247ced91d69443ef4c2a6349",
  "observed_at": "2026-09-07 15:55:43.033547+00:00"
}