The course demands substantial homework and pre-class preparation, with exams described as tough and content-heavy, requiring consistent study habits to succeed.
“Used by” includes alternatives; linked courses may have other requirements. This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
Section
Mode
Enrolled / capacity
Waitlist
LEC 001
Classroom Instruction
428 / 444
11
LEC 002
Classroom Instruction
360 / 360
6
LEC 003
Classroom Instruction
385 / 390
12
LEC 004
Classroom Instruction
359 / 360
3
LEC 005
Classroom Instruction
352 / 360
4
DIS 301
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 302
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 303
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 304
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 305
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 306
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 309
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 310
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 311
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 312
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 313
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 314
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 315
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 316
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
1
DIS 321
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 322
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 323
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 324
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 327
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 328
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 329
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 330
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 331
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 332
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 334
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
2
DIS 336
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
0
DIS 341
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 342
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
2
DIS 343
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 344
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
2
DIS 345
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 346
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
2
DIS 347
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 348
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
2
DIS 349
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 350
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 351
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 352
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
0
DIS 383
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 384
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 385
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 386
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 389
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 391
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 392
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 601
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 602
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 603
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
LAB 604
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
LAB 605
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 606
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
LAB 609
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 610
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 611
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 612
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 613
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 614
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 615
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
LAB 616
Classroom Instruction
21 / 22
1
LAB 621
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 622
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
LAB 623
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 624
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 627
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 628
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 629
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 630
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 631
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 632
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 634
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
2
LAB 636
Classroom Instruction
21 / 22
0
LAB 641
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 642
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
2
LAB 643
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 644
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
2
LAB 645
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 646
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
2
LAB 647
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 648
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
2
LAB 649
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 650
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
LAB 651
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 652
Classroom Instruction
21 / 22
0
LAB 683
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 684
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 685
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 686
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 689
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 691
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 692
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 353
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 354
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 653
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 654
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
DIS 333
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 335
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 633
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 635
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 373
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 374
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 376
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 673
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 674
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 676
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
DIS 393
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 394
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 693
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 694
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 365
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 366
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 367
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 368
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 665
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
LAB 666
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
LAB 667
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 668
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 361
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 362
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 363
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 364
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 661
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 662
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 663
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 664
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LEC 007
Classroom Instruction
356 / 360
0
DIS 461
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 762
Classroom Instruction
21 / 21
0
DIS 462
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
0
LAB 763
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 761
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 764
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 765
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 766
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 769
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 770
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 771
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 772
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 773
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 774
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 775
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 776
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 463
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 464
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 465
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 466
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 469
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 470
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 471
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 472
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 473
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 474
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 475
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 476
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LEC 008
Classroom Instruction
353 / 360
7
LAB 781
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
LAB 782
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
LAB 783
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 784
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 789
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
LAB 790
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
2
LAB 793
Classroom Instruction
21 / 22
0
LAB 794
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
2
LAB 795
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 796
Classroom Instruction
21 / 22
0
DIS 481
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
DIS 482
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 483
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 484
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 489
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 490
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
2
DIS 493
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
0
DIS 494
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
2
DIS 495
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 496
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
0
DIS 375
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 675
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
DIS 395
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 695
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 696
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 396
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 487
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 787
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 488
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 788
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 307
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 607
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 308
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 608
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
DIS 355
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 655
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
DIS 356
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 656
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 369
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
0
LAB 669
Classroom Instruction
21 / 21
0
LAB 687
Classroom Instruction
21 / 22
1
DIS 387
Classroom Instruction
21 / 23
1
DIS 388
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
LAB 688
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
DIS 467
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 767
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
DIS 468
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 768
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
DIS 491
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 791
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 492
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
LAB 792
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
DIS 325
Classroom Instruction
24 / 23
0
LAB 625
Classroom Instruction
24 / 23
0
DIS 326
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 626
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
DIS 372
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 672
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 381
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
1
LAB 681
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
1
DIS 382
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
1
LAB 682
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
1
DIS 485
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 785
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 370
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 670
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
DIS 371
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 671
Classroom Instruction
23 / 22
0
DIS 390
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 690
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 486
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 786
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
DIS 357
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 657
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 317
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
LAB 617
Classroom Instruction
23 / 23
0
DIS 318
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
DIS 319
Classroom Instruction
22 / 23
0
LAB 618
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
LAB 619
Classroom Instruction
22 / 22
0
Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.
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
2.922.92–3.043.04average GPA
Approximate 80% prediction interval
0.04.0
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
3.013.01GPA
Higher than 55% of other courses
in this group.
Course GPAs · red marks this course’s range
761761letter grades
More recorded grades than 9999% of other courses in this group.
Typical course in this group: 66.066.0 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.