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!

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.

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?

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

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.

Live laugh love Lewis. His lectures are so clear and follow the textbook almost exactly. He makes himself so accessible, use the discussion forum!! Obviously a hard class but he provides so many resources so success is possible.

Professor Lewis is by far one of the best teachers I have taken at UCSB. I took him for all of the ochem series. These classes are definitely some of the hardest classes you'll in your second year at school but Lewis manages to simplify and tackle the course extremely well with thorough and neat lectures. Read the book and always ask questions :)

Dr. Lewis is a great lecturer, especially given the difficulty of the material he teaches. His tests, grading, and curves are very fair. As long as you go to lecture, study, and do assignments, you will do well. I would recommend reading the book chapter of any confusing material to gain clarity. I would also highly recommend the book problems.

Lewis does a good job of relaying the info and providing supplemental videos to go over. I recommend reading the book and doing all the practice problems. Make sure to draw out every mechanism and take no shortcuts. His tests can be hard so make sure you really understand the concepts on the practice midterm. You get what you put in.

Best professor I've ever had at UCSB. Puts in so much effort if you ask for help (use the discussion forums). Is slow and thorough in his lecture notes which became perfect for studying for tests. Class does so well no curve was needed for on sequence. I wish I could have him for every class :)

RESPONDS TO EVERYTHING Professor Lewis has good lectures and will engage with questions in class to clarify. The class is hard but before exams, looking at the discussion posts is helpful. These posts are remarkable how he responds to all of the 80 questions online, in his own time and they're very helpful

Lewis is wonderful and has very clear expectations for what you should know; I never felt like the tests were a surprise. If you can, take it a quarter late (109a in winter instead of fall) as the later quarter gets a greattttt curve that saved me. Put in the time (more than you think you need to) and you'll be rewarded!

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.

Prof. Lewis genuinely cares about your success in the class. There are many ways to get help outside of class - forums on Gauchospace where he will respond with a detailed explanation, office hours, and CLAS. These three resources + book problems will guarantee your success in the class.

Most organized and clear instructor I've ever had. Lets you know exactly how to succeed and gives you the tools to do so. Believe the hype. Go with Lewis

Absolutely incredible, you won't find another professor like him.

He's solid, but definitely overhyped. I preferred Gainer for sure - Lewis's tests are a little easier but he doesn't drill it in the same way Gainer did.

I hated this class and Lewis did not make it any easier. Quizzes were impossible to study for and they were way harder than the practice worksheets. It was also so annoying that he would only give us 1 minute for iClicker questions as soon as class starts. Sometimes the wifi would make it so I couldn't answer on time, but he does not care.

Lewis is the GOAT. If you go to his lectures, he does a very good job explaining the material. The class is determined by semi-weekly quizzes and a final (plus a few other easy things to make them weigh less). If you miss class he uploads lecture videos from previous quarters (don't depend on binging these the night before a quiz, it doesn't work)

Lewis is a super fair teacher and has the most clear and organized lecture notes. Read the book, do book problems, and worksheets for every chapter and you will 100% succeed. I had Gainer for 109C and he was super disorganized and barley finished teaching the material. If you are choosing between the two take lewis.

When I think of OChem, I think of Dr. Lewis. You have to take this professor if you're taking Ochem here. He is such an amazing professor and his lectures are so concise and easy to understand. Read the textbook, do the book problems, and attend his lectures if you want an A in this course. Ochem is hard, but if you work hard, you're golden. Gluck.