Despite the negative reviews, I gave him the benefit of the doubt because sometimes I end up liking professors that people don't like and disagree with their negative comments. This was NOT the case with this professor. I completely agree with the other reviews about the disorganization, pacing, etc. I love ochem, but he does not do it justice.

Class is hard and his exams are evil, but Pettus grew on me as the quarter went on.

Pettus is obviously passionate about what he teaches but his teaching style is NOT for everyone. He scrolls through premade notes in class way too fast and explains stuff like a review. I learned more from my TA and by doing the homework's which were also horribly formatted and hard. Tests are long for time allotted and hard. My 53% curved to a C+

you will have to sell a part of your soul to pass this class

This course genuinely made me cry on each homework and made me want to shoot myself. Avoid taking this stupid CHEM 130A class at all costs.

Genuinely the worst and most unhelpful professor I have ever had. Gives absolutely zero partial credit, class is hard because Tom's homework is in his own jargon that doesn't make sense to anybody else. Don't bother going to lectures they just make you more confused. Tests was 38 questions in 50 minutes. Terrible. Won't learn anything. DO NOT TAKE