Kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics, statistical mechanics, photochemistry.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeProfessor Bowers was extremely old-fashioned. It was incredibly frustrating that every question asked had to be repeated several times before he could hear what the student was asking and he verbally berated the TAs in front of the class. The only saving grace is the curve, but even so, it's not worth the stress.
This quarter he and Steven Buratto teach the course together. The comparison between him and Buratto can show how bad he is. In Buratto's part, the homework solutions are typed and very easy to read, while in his part, the homework solutions are a total mess. Buratto posted slides (although not in great quality) on canvas but he did nothing.
Nothing I studied was on the final...
PChem is difficult in general, but Bowers take it to another level where he managed to make even the most mundane concepts difficult. No notes or formulas are allowed on the exams. I don't know when in the real word, Chemists must memorize all the formulas. And talking about the exam... well, let's just say he makes them difficult just to spite you
Blatantly rude to undergrads, insinuating that we are dumb etc. Physical chemistry is hard enough, but I feel like I could grasp it if it was taught by a good teacher (ie Buratto). But alas if you are stuck with Bowers, just suck it up, try to understand as much as you can, do the HW, ask a good TA for help, and just try to get average on exams.
I don't think Professor Bowers is as bad as people make him seem, because he does put an insane curve on the grades, but you have to survive the sub 50 averages on midterms to get there. He doesn't post lecture notes, so don't miss class unless absolutely necessary.