The course requires significant effort, with students advised to complete all problem sets and practice exams to succeed. Exams are described as challenging but fair, closely mirroring the provided practice materials, though some students found the workload heavy for the credit value.
“Used by” includes alternatives; linked courses may have other requirements. This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.
Raw average: 4.26/5 from 162 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: 4.3/5 raw quality · 4.1/5 difficulty · 79
reviews
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Brian Esselman is praised for his passion, humor, and ability to make organic chemistry accessible. Reviewers highlight his clear explanations and personable nature, noting his lectures are interesting and well-organized. He is frequently recommended as a top instructor for the course.
Esselman’s exams are challenging, requiring significant effort to master problem sets and practice exams. Some students found his lectures long or difficult to follow without TA support, and one reviewer noted frustration with unclear answer keys for practice materials.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.00 GPA, 44.8% A/AB (n=210 letter grades); Fall 2024: 2.98 GPA, 36.1% A/AB (n=202 letter grades); Fall 2025: 2.99 GPA, 41.4% A/AB (n=220 letter grades).
Raw average: 4.41/5 from 44 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.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2024: 2.89 GPA, 40.3% A/AB (n=196 letter grades); Spring 2025: 2.89 GPA, 38.1% A/AB (n=194 letter grades); Spring 2026: 2.95 GPA, 40.3% A/AB (n=258 letter grades).
Raw average: 4.09/5 from 11 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: 4.7/5 raw quality · 3.7/5 difficulty · 3
reviews
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Tina Wang delivers clear, informative lectures that help students understand core concepts and exam expectations. Reviewers appreciate her structured approach and clear visual presentations. However, one student noted she provides fewer practice problems and exams than other instructors.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.39 GPA, 61.4% A/AB (n=57 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.52 GPA, 73.8% A/AB (n=42 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.49 GPA, 69.6% A/AB (n=46 letter grades).
Raw average: 3.40/5 from 25 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: 3.6/5 raw quality · 3.2/5 difficulty · 5
reviews
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Shannon Stahl is described as a nice, well-prepared professor who explains material clearly and relates it to applications. Reviewers note he is usually interesting and willing to help outside of lecture, making him a good professor for the course.
Some students report that Stahl showed no interest in their questions and was not a clear lecturer. These reviewers found the course to be a poor preparation for CHEM 345, contrasting with positive experiences regarding his clarity and helpfulness.
Historical reviews of Matt Bowman, Philip Lampkin: Philip Lampkin and Matt Bowman are the most recently reviewed instructors. Lampkin explained subjects well and was available for questions, while Bowman offered extensive office hours and helpful practice exams.
AARON MCCOY is recorded teaching in Fall 2015. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
ALLEN D CLAUSS is recorded teaching in Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
BARBARA WHITLOCK is recorded teaching in Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Fall 2009. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
BRIAN JOHN ESSELMAN is recorded teaching in Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, 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.
JIA ZHOU is recorded teaching in Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
KELSEY MILES is recorded teaching in Fall 2022. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
KIMBERLY DEGLOPPER is recorded teaching in Spring 2023, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
MATTHEW BOWMAN is recorded teaching in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
PHILIP LAMPKIN is recorded teaching in Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
SAMUEL GELLMAN is recorded teaching in Fall 2006, Fall 2008, Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2023. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
TINA WANG is recorded teaching in Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, 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 002
Classroom Instruction
254 / 254
9
LEC 003
Classroom Instruction
250 / 250
4
LEC 004
Classroom Instruction
42 / 60
0
LEC 005
Classroom Instruction
249 / 250
1
DIS 361
Classroom Instruction
24 / 25
0
DIS 301
Classroom Instruction
36 / 35
2
DIS 302
Classroom Instruction
35 / 35
1
DIS 303
Classroom Instruction
36 / 35
0
DIS 304
Classroom Instruction
35 / 35
1
DIS 305
Classroom Instruction
35 / 35
0
DIS 306
Classroom Instruction
35 / 35
1
DIS 307
Classroom Instruction
35 / 35
2
DIS 308
Classroom Instruction
35 / 35
1
DIS 321
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
2
DIS 322
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 323
Classroom Instruction
33 / 32
2
DIS 324
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
2
DIS 325
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 326
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
DIS 327
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 328
Classroom Instruction
31 / 31
0
DIS 341
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
DIS 342
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
DIS 343
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 344
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
0
DIS 345
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
0
DIS 346
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
2
DIS 347
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 348
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
DIS 381
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
0
DIS 382
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
0
DIS 383
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
DIS 384
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
0
DIS 385
Classroom Instruction
31 / 31
0
DIS 386
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 387
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
DIS 388
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
0
LEC 006
Classroom Instruction
249 / 250
11
DIS 401
Classroom Instruction
31 / 31
2
DIS 402
Classroom Instruction
31 / 31
2
DIS 403
Classroom Instruction
31 / 31
2
DIS 404
Classroom Instruction
31 / 32
1
DIS 405
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
1
DIS 406
Classroom Instruction
30 / 30
1
DIS 407
Classroom Instruction
31 / 31
2
DIS 408
Classroom Instruction
32 / 32
0
DIS 363
Classroom Instruction
18 / 25
0
LEC 001
Classroom Instruction
282 / 293
8
DIS 364
Classroom Instruction
0 / 0
0
DIS 362
Classroom Instruction
0 / 0
0
Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.
Brian Esselman is described by some reviewers as a fantastic and personable instructor who makes difficult organic chemistry content easy to understand. These students highlight his passion, clear explanations, and engaging lectures, with one recommending him as the best choice for the course.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 2.89 GPA, 37.4% A/AB (n=795 letter grades); Fall 2025: 2.93 GPA, 38.3% A/AB (n=1088 letter grades); Spring 2026: 2.90 GPA, 38.5% A/AB (n=832 letter grades).
difficulty & workload
The course requires significant effort, with students advised to complete all problem sets and practice exams to succeed. Exams are described as challenging but fair, closely mirroring the provided practice materials, though some students found the workload heavy for the credit value.
Some students report frustration with unclear or missing answer keys for problem sets and practice exams. Others note that lectures can be long and difficult to follow without active engagement, emphasizing the importance of attending office hours to grasp concepts.
Topics
Molecular structure and bonding
Reactivity of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and thiols
Stereochemical and regiochemical outcomes
Skills
Predict and explain chemical reactivity based on molecular structure.
Rationalize stereochemical and regiochemical outcomes.
Grades
Historical instructor
Fall 2026 · Projected
Before grades are released
2.682.68–3.173.17average 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 · 0.06 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
2.902.90GPA
Higher than 33% of other courses
in this group.
Course GPAs · red marks this course’s range
832832letter 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.