SYLVESTER B M
Took her for Chem 1A and 1B. Chill professor, nice lecture. Be ready to do Aleks (which is torturing, but the whole chem department use it...). She would provide tests in previous years on canvas for you to practice, just remember to do them cuz they are SO HELPFUL.
Best teacher I could have for chemistry
Low ratings are because the course itself is difficult, she teaches well. Don't be fooled— ALEKS is NOT optional, the grade boost is a lifesaver. Exams are hard but 90% of exam problems are ~identical to textbook ones. Grind the heck out of those and you'll do well. Her lecture videos are confusing— Joseph has good vids on yt, or just google it.
Sylvester isn't the worst but definitely isn't the best. Her first midterm and final were very difficult and different from her practice tests, although her second midterm was much more easier and doable. She explains concepts at a very basic level so make sure to do ALL book problems more than once as well as the optional ALEKS to pass.
Good prof! Had her for Chem 1A and 1B, wanted her for 1C. Lectures are fast paced & she writes only on the chalkboard, but videos very similar to the lectures are available for review. Goes over easier problems than you'll see on the exam but provides many extra study materials w/questions VERY similar to the exam. Content is hard, be ready.
Very fair teacher, has video lectures and practice midterms/finals that are exactly like the actual exams. Just do your ALEKS and textbook problems and you are set. It's chemistry, so you have to put in a lot of the effort yourself instead of just relying on her lectures. Also heard she was one of the easier chem profs!! VERY PASSABLE CLASS :)
I was lowk a hater earlier in the quarter, but she ended up being a great professor. The lectures can be confusing because she goes through content rather quickly; it just depends on your learning style. The class is passable; you can fail both midterms and still pass if you lock in for the final. Def recommend taking her.
The class moves at a fast pace, and although I got a C in the class, I could have put in more effort to study for the midterms. She is very organized and has everything set up in canvas for you to get help or review different topics that are taught. In order to succeed in the class, you need to utilize the book problems and practice tests.
She's a nice person, but chemistry isn't. Lectures sometimes moved a bit too fast. Her midterms are similar to the practice ones, but 17 questions in forty-five minutes is CRAZY. Final wasn't so bad, it's a combination of all midterms, but just harder. To pass this class, you have to study every day, do ALEKS, attend office hours and go to CLAS.
Took her for Chem 1A, and the class was extremely difficult. She talks too fast in lecture and you have like 2 grades that make your final grade. Tests are mcq but if you get one wrong it tanks your whole grade. Didn't enjoy this class.
ms girl is so passive aggressive when you ask questions like... and her tests had curveballs like sometimes it deviates from what she says but shes not horrible I'd choose to learn from her compared to some of the other professors.
I really enjoyed having Sylvester, her practice midterms are almost exactly like the actual midterms. Her final is harder and way less like the practice finals she gives you, but your final replaces one of your lower midterm grades if it helps.