Ochem is hard in general, but Lewis does his best. HIs exams for 109C were not bad, but they were filled with questions that tested specific textbook knowledge, so READ THE TEXTBOOK. He's super responsive/helpful in Canvas discussions, so take advantage of that too. 109C wasn't as bad as 109B, but you still need to work a lot to get a decent grade.

OCHEM is definitely tough and requires self-discipline and commitment—you'll feel overwhelmed at times. But Dr. Lewis is one of the best professors out there. He teaches with such clarity and calmness that the material feels more approachable. He's also kind, patient, and genuinely encourages questions.

had him for the whole 109 series, is a great lecturer and provides very useful practice exams before the exams. doing the practice book problems is necessary to succeed on exams. very kind and understanding when you dont complete hw on time and office hours are helpful to clear up confusion. difficult course but put in the time and you're good

Had lewis for 109 B/C, & he is one of the best professors I've had at UCSB. I don't understand how he manages to make such a complicated subject so well organized & so much easier to understand. He has the sweetest energy and is so kind. He wore Hawaiian shirts every Friday. He does his best to make Ochem as bearable as possible, & has fair exams.

Robert Lewis is seriously one of the best professors here and he really cares about his students. The bad reviews from his class are from those who either got a bad grade or simply didn't put enough time. Organic chemistry is hard in itself, but Lewis' exams/quizzes were always fair. Nothing was unexpected on the exams and do book problems!

Goat, highly recommend for ochem. He was very accommodating during the pandemic and even tho ochem was easier online than in-person, if you do book problems and keep up with the readings you'll do good in the class. His lectures are helpful and held discussions sessions where he'd go over material that was in the weekly quizzes. Really nice guy!

One of the best professors I've ever had. He readily admits mistakes and regrades quizzes/awards points when he messes up, and answers every email quickly. He even made time to go over a quiz with me over zoom fall quarter. Genuinely cares about his students, and even though the class is hard, he makes it bearable. If you can take his class, DO IT!

Love his teaching style and makes an incredibly difficult course a little easier. That final was rough though.

great explainer, highly reccomend for 109a, practice and textbook is key

As much practice problems as you can

I really love the way class is formated, and the fact that you have the previously recorded lectures on your canvas it helps fill in the gaps in my knowledge Having this option allows me to go back after attending the lecture and answering some of the questions I previously had. I think this is something Anyika should implement into her class.

Lectures are good, tests are hard - it is Ochem. One complaint I have is that Lewis did not point out that he had an entire module on canvas full of review materials and games etc., and my test scores greatly improved after finding that. If you put in extra work more than a week before exams, you will succeed. Lectures were well paced and engaging.

Great teacher. Just showing up to lecture isn't enough. I don't usually touch textbooks, but in this class the textbook/book problems are your bible. This isn't a suggestion, it's a prescription, unless you want to implode ;P

best chem professor at ucsb. makes everything so clear and explains in multiple ways, takes notes with you to make it clear what you need to know, tests are straightforward. final was a little harder but overall way better than gen chem

I love Lewis with my whole heart. I had him for B and C, and he is an amazing lecturer. Take good notes and go to class! Getting your hands on past exams also helps a lot.

Professor Lewis wasn't horrible but wasn't the best either. He likes to gatekeep his material, doesn't post ANY notes from lecture or any exams taken during the course (only answers). He is very laid back. But I will say that his exams are easier and are very similar to his worksheets. Overall I think he is an okay ochem professor.

ochem is hard, but lewis is goated

Although this class was very hard, Lewis is the best teacher I've had at UCSB. It feels like he actually cares about the success of his students, and people only rank him badly because they don't know the difference between a hard professor and a hard class. Don't expect a curve unless you're taking the class a quarter late!

Genuinely everyone I talked to either failed the class, or had no idea what was going on. The curve was insane (I went from a C- to a B+). IDK how this guy can look around, see that MOST of his students are failing, then just change their grades and move on like they will succeed in future classes... Class averages for tests were around 40%. wtf?

Dr. Lewis is a clear, organized lecturer who could probably teach this whole series in his sleep. Tests are difficult but reasonable, and there are lots of resources to help you succeed. My only significant complaint is his seating charts, which take the anonymity out of grades and make most students feel really insecure.

he was so hard and honestly did not prepare you well the only reason people did okay was because of the curve.

This course was the hardest one I've ever taken in my life. So much work outside of class, with minimal return. So many mechanisms to not only know, but implement in all sorts of different other reactions. Lewis did the best he could do teach the material and respond on Canvas discussion boards, but this class is just so absurdly difficult.

Lewis is a good lecturer but this course was made for giving up your major. I will hate ochem for my whole life

Though the content is hard, Lewis does an excellent job of explaining it. You can tell he wants all of his students to be successful! He is extremely easy to reach outside of class, an excellent lecturer, and an overall nice guy. My advice for studying: form lecture groups, do book problems, and attend lectures.