Current instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
This man is the only reason I enjoyed 343. He is super knowledge about the content, will reply to your piazza question at all hours, and is very funny in lectures. DO THE PROBLEM SETS AND GO TO LECTURE- 343 is very doable if you stay on top of the (very heavy) workload and don't try to cram!Rate My Professors ↗
Brian is fantastic. Ochem is a hard class in general but Brian makes the content easy to understand and it is laid out well. All my friends in other lectures came to Brian's lecture with me by the end of the year. By far the best instructor, I recommend taking him if possible and changing your schedule to be in his lecture.Rate My Professors ↗
This class was relatively hard in the beginning, but Brian really helps us grasp the concepts, rather than memorizing patterns. I would highly recommend going to his office hours and using piazza for help, as you will understand fundamentals for the course and how to connect ideas, all while listening to Brian's jokes. What more could you want!Rate My Professors ↗
He was a good teacher but the class was very difficult.Rate My Professors ↗
Chem 343 is defiantly not an easy course but he is a great professor. If I hadn't been so busy I really recommend reading the textbook and watching lecture videos in person and then later on your own (he records every one). Good luck! Also- attend his office hours. He is super kind and willing to helpRate My Professors ↗
Really funny guy who is clearly very passionate about what he teaches. Probably my favorite prof I've ever had. Genuinely might convince me to get a PhD in chemistry. He knows what he's talking about and makes a difficult class very enjoyable. Gives a lot of coolness at parties advice so listen upRate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Organic Chemistry I covers molecular structure, bonding, and reactivity of common organic functional groups.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
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.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026CHEM 344 introduces basic organic synthesis, purification, and characterization techniques, and critical interpretation of experimental data.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Brian Esselman is described as passionate and approachable, with students noting his flexibility and desire for them to learn. He maintains high expectations and requires significant effort, including extensive lab reports and office hour visits, to succeed in the demanding course.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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