[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:54:08.682821+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1ODEyMjQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1864423","instructor_name":"Arun Yethiraj","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2015-12-23 14:26:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Yethiraj is a smart guy who's willing to help a lot in office hours; that being said, he gives zero idea for test content.  There's little cohesion between lectures,  homework, and tests.  Don't take it unless you are STRONGLY interested in chemistry and confident in math.  Good things were the easy curve and sense of class community.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1864423","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:54:08.682821+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1ODAyODkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1864423","instructor_name":"Arun Yethiraj","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2015-12-22 14:41:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Yethiraj is brilliant and was kind to me personally. However, he doesn't provide any kind of warning about what exams will test for. Homework has nothing to do with tests, neither do textbook readings, and lectures are too ambitious. Other reviews are spot-on.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1864423","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:54:08.682821+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1NzQxNTQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1864423","instructor_name":"Arun Yethiraj","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2015-12-17 11:28:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"THIS IS PHYSICAL CHEM. There's lots of math involved - you need *at least* two semesters of calculus. Professor Yethiraj goes through a lot of complex derivations we don't really need. He definitely knows what he's talking about, but he presents an excessive amount of information and doesn't specify what to focus on for the exams. Good luck!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1864423","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:54:08.682821+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1NzEzNDk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1864423","instructor_name":"Arun Yethiraj","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2015-12-15 21:18:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Hello,  I'd recommend Chem 109 (or 109 honors if you want the honors) over this class. You learn a lot of the chemistry you need in that class. 115 is a challenging waste of your time. That said, Prof Yethiraj is very smart but he considers all material important and doesn't tell you what to focus on. Choosing what to study is a judgement call.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1864423","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:54:08.682821+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNjMxMzc0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1864423","instructor_name":"Arun Yethiraj","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2013-12-20 22:58:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"The exam is much easier than the materials talked in the class but overall it is challenging.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1864423","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:54:08.682821+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNjAyMzMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1864423","instructor_name":"Arun Yethiraj","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2013-12-18 14:17:28 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class will make you question your academic abilities. Goes thru many long derivations; explanations are sometimes unclear. He does not provide any prep materials for exams, so you'll have to decide what's most important to study. Exams are challenging but doable. \"Curve\" is generous; everyone usually gets at least a B. TA is excellent.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1864423","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:10.064814+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTA0NDA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1979194","instructor_name":"Etienne Garand","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2026-01-15 19:41:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"made some of the coolest things I've had the privilege to learn go from sounding impossible and complex to entertaining and engaging.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1979194","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:10.064814+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNDM2ODQz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1979194","instructor_name":"Etienne Garand","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2026-01-05 03:08:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"A beneficial class to take, but Prof. Garand is a challenging grader and doesn't list out clear grading criteria. Attending office hours was helpful and he is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about chemistry.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1979194","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:10.064814+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzA0Mzg3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1979194","instructor_name":"Etienne Garand","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2025-12-17 05:46:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Garand made the class really fun. He explains concepts very well, and you can tell that he cares about his students and what he's teaching.  ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1979194","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:10.064814+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMDA1MjU1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1979194","instructor_name":"Etienne Garand","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2025-12-03 02:06:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's clearly very passionate about what he's teaching and it definitely makes the material easier to understand. It is a tough class but the curve is very generous and as long as you go to office hours or take some time to study on your own you will be fine. Do every assignment that he gives since he doesn't give out much and they are very helpful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1979194","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:10.064814+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDIwNDM2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1979194","instructor_name":"Etienne Garand","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2024-12-23 04:06:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"An amazing professor. Prof. Garand is accessible outside of class, and you can schedule additional office hours with him pretty easily. He also has a good sense of humor. Definitely do take his chemistry courses.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1979194","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:10.064814+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5ODMyNzU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1979194","instructor_name":"Etienne Garand","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2024-10-21 02:41:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Garand is the best professor I have ever had. He is so enthusiastic about all the course material and that makes the students super interested in the class. He teaches with so much passion and is so welcoming and kind.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1979194","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:25.027238+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzNjY2MDY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2307067","instructor_name":"J.R. Schmidt","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2020-09-28 08:12:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Amazing professor. Difficult class only to be taken by true chemistry lovers. I understood it only because of prof schimdt.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2307067","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:25.027238+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyNzQ0NzUy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2307067","instructor_name":"J.R. Schmidt","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2019-12-22 20:44:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"Schmidt is an amazing professor and does a great job of breaking down the complex quantum mechanical concepts in class. He is always willing to answer questions in class and is accessible outside of class. While the course is very difficult, the curve is very good and I highly recommend to anyone confident in their chemistry and statistics skills.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2307067","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5Njc2NTc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2012-01-05 19:38:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"I chose this class mainly because of the research opportunity that was available to the kids who take the spring semester, Chem 116. The class is HEAVILY but the downside is that everyone is pitted against everyone else. Most people get at least a B, however, which is much nicer than Chem 109, but you definitely have to put in some work.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NjY0NDU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2012-01-04 01:53:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Extremely hard material, but generous curve","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NTkzNTg0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2011-12-21 13:24:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Extremely challenging class, but very much worth the effort.  Great professor who really knows what he's talking about.  Beginning of the semester is rough - a lot of quantum mechanics - but once you get used to Skinner's teaching style, the class becomes really interesting and truly enjoyable.  Well worth it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NDk1OTAw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2011-12-13 22:17:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Everyone gets at least a B, but there is a lot of work","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NDg4NzE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2011-12-13 15:33:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"It's a tough class, but it's a good class. Professor Skinner is a really good teacher and presents the material clearly. You use the book more for homework problems than the reading. Nothing makes sense at the start, but it'll start making more sense as time goes on. Plus, pretty much everyone gets an A or a B","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5NDIyOTEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2011-12-08 10:21:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"Don't sweat it. Everyone gets at least a B.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:32.205676+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE4MzMzMjMw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1555016","instructor_name":"James Skinner","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2011-03-30 14:06:40 +0000 UTC","comment":"hard class, good teacher. might or might not have helped me understand quantum mechanics... ha! class is a lot a lot a lot of work. also, the teacher for the other class in the sequence, 116, isn't a good teacher. avoid this class unless you're into sadomasochism. take 109 instead! absolutely don't take this if u're premed.full of unnecessary stuff","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1555016","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:28.313552+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4OTExNzg2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2267092","instructor_name":"James Weisshaar","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2017-11-15 23:49:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class is bloody difficult unless you actually like chemistry. Weisshaar is an unbelievably nice guy, but he teaches like an upper 300/400 level class, and he expects us to understand the content instantaneously - you'll need to get to know your TA very well. If you survive his class, everything other class feels like a breeze! 50% scale to A","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2267092","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:30:32.627031+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxMzU4NzU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1595120","instructor_name":"Jordan Schmidt","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2019-02-15 04:23:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great professor whose proficiency and passion for the material taught inspired me personally. Pretty accessible for questions outside of the classroom.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1595120","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MjE1MjYx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2026-06-22 21:26:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Surprisingly chill, a fan of sarcasm, very inspirational if you'd like to have a conversation with him. Posts lecture notes which help exam preparation a lot; accessible in OH; encourages questions in class; kind in exam grading. Abt 115: insane workload, you have to do everything.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNTY4MTQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2025-01-17 21:18:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very respectful to students and does his best to make sure you understand the material. Cold calls in class sometimes but will help you through it if you don't know the answer.\nVery transparent about expectations.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5ODg1Mjk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2024-11-03 02:05:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"He tries to be funny, and has an unintelligent sense of sarcasm. But he is extremely narcissistic. He loves controlling people under him. There is no kindness and empathy in him. He treats students with different standard and he puts some personalities down. You know what I mean. I have seen and heard about him mistreating students many times.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3NTE1MzIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2023-03-18 03:08:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very bald indeed","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MjMxODcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2022-12-23 08:34:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marty encourages questions and participation to make sure the material is being understood. The exams were never too difficult, and they were usually very similar to the practice exams. He wants everyone to succeed and shows a true passion for what he is teaching. The workload was a lot but he was very accessible if anyone ever needed help.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NTEzNDY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2021-12-14 06:09:09 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marty is an amazing professor. He's always there to help his students in and outside of class. His passion for the topic is displayed throughout lectures (which helps when they get really confusing). Be ready to spend hours a week with each other and plan on working very hard. Very difficult concepts (for a freshman course) but worth it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:20:19.036335+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NDk1Nzg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:147041","instructor_name":"Martin Zanni","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2021-12-13 16:09:54 +0000 UTC","comment":"Marty is a real gem. The course material is insanely difficult (for a freshman course), and you will spend many hours on it every week, but Marty creates a class atmosphere that helps you through the tough times. Your grade only depends on how other students do, so keep up with the average and you're guaranteed at least a B.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/147041","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:11:10.671324+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMDg3Nzc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:251368","instructor_name":"Qiang Cui","course_label":"CHEM115","course_id":"CHEM 115","course_uid":"course_985c13fd69b6b0b94db23002","review_date":"2014-04-23 21:16:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very hard, but a good teacher. Accent, but not too bad-- says \"right\" too much. Sometimes absent during his office hours, but otherwise these were useful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/251368","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0}]