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.
Be prepared to do work.
He was so bad. I wanted to give him a zero, but that's not possible, so I give him a 1.
I have never put in so much effort into a class to come out not knowing anything. Absolute pain is how I would describe this class. Do everything you can to avoid him and if you cannot make sure you have friends because the homework is insane and good luck on the tests. The only good thing about this class is the average is curved to a B.
He's the worst professor I've ever had. His lectures are useless and the homework is too difficult. If you can avoid him, don't take his class. You'll come out of the class not knowing anything cause he can't teach.
This is an incredibly difficult subject, and Bowers doesn't make it any easier. He is forgetful of information on his slides, so the notes are not always correct. Homework is ridiculously hard, and there is no help online. Try to get help from the TAs, since they know how to do all the problems. Section is a must. Good news is it is hard to fail.
Quantum Mechanics is in itself difficult to understand, but Bowers makes it even more difficult than what it has to be. He's such an intelligent man, but at times makes too many errors in his lectures. For the most part I relied heavily on Donald McQuarrie's Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach. This book saved my grade.
Quantum is tough so you're going to have to work for it. Mike does an okay job in lectures, but if you apply yourself and dive into the text you can kill the class. The homework and studying will take all of your time so say goodbye to your friends for the quarter.
This class was the first class in my life where I actually had no idea what was going on half the time. It's a very very difficult class and the professor makes it tougher. I had to read the book and get help from the TA to "understand" the material. The power points are kind of disorganized in my opinion. This class makes me sad :/
I understand that you're not suppose to understand quantum mechanics, but this guy takes it to a whole new level.
Listening to this guy lecture on term symbols literally made me reevaluate my life choices, like how I ended up in this class. Straight up got 40% on the final and an A in the class. I learned nothing, and I am forever traumatized by term symbols.
By far the worst professor that I've ever had. What he mumbles in class has absolutely zero relevance in the exams. You are basically stuck studying on your own. If you have any questions, ask the TAs; don't come to him. No notes or calculators allowed on the exams. Good luck, you'll really need it.
Makes learning difficult; you'll have to do a lot of work on your own. The book is occasionally helpful, but the detailed explanations are often lacking. At the end of the day, if you know your stuff reasonably well, you'll do fine in the class as the averages are usually failing (below 60%).
Bowers is a terrible teacher. Lectures are very unclear, it's pointless to go to class. Very doable to never go to lecture and get an A. Average grade in class is 35, PChem is just a very difficult subject to have a terrible lecturer for. Definitely seek other university lectures on YouTube if you want to understand the material.
in my opinion the ones who complain the most about the class are the ones who don't go to class. if you don't study and fall behind then yes you're pretty much screwed but if you go to class, try to understand everything and do your best on the homework and review solutions, it won't be that bad. get 50% average on exams and you'll get an A.
Bowers doesn't have a clue how to teach. He thinks his students should be complete geniuses and don't allow formulas on the tests. Test averages are in the 30s. The solutions to the homework problems are written by the TAs and uses formulas not even in the book.
Bowers is an extremely brilliant man, but does not have a clue how hard this subject is for the people in the class. He doesn't explain students questions well because he thinks you should understand all of it. The tests are hard because the class is hard and the subject just isn't easy period. Gear up for a brutal quarter.
I don't know whats the deal with everyone. But this class was the easiest in the quarter (ChemE). I think this is the only A I got and I only went to class once. Just read the book and understand everything. His tests may have random questions, but are not impossible to answer. Also get used to writing and solving problems fast. You will be fine.
Average on final: 35%. Most demoralizing class I've ever taken. The book is complete garbage. Prof's handwriting is awful, so sit close. You're better off drinking before the final than studying. It wont make a difference. Huge curve..Huge. Prof's a funny guy, at least.
Everything was good until he caught on that the class avg was 70% before the final...then all hell broke loose. Went from a solid B before the final to a C+ after it. I definitely recommend taking the course from ANY other professor who actually follows the course required textbook (and not some book in his head).
"everyone on board" --no, no one is on board. Be prepared to feel stupid when asking him a question and if you ask in lecture he'll more than likely tell you that he doesn't have time for it or that it is trivial. If you want to feel good about yourself don't take his class.
I think people get confused. Just WHO can teach this class well? This is not a branch of extension of chemistry, but rather an entire new field and perspective all together. The professor's fine. However, you'd better spend your money on 100 Snicker bars than buy the piece of**** book. Do homework, aim for 50% on 1st mid-term, and u pass.
avgs for mts about 45... final 18 pages. good luck
Complete ****. Horrible at lecturing. Extremely hard busywork for HW. Extremely difficult tests; curves usually around 30% for a 100 person class. Avoid if possible.