Javier Read de Alaniz

23 reviews
Amazing lectures Caring Respected Accessible outside class Clear grading criteria Tough grader Skip class? You won't pass. Gives good feedback Inspirational Lecture heavy Tests are tough Would take again Test heavy Lots of homework Hilarious Online Savvy
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109A . 16 Days Ago

I'm sure he's a nice guy but he messes up during lectures AND office hours, which makes it difficult and very confusing to learn from him. His lectures are meh, and tbh I mostly teach myself from the book, which is difficult when his lectures deviate from the book and there are few other resources to learn the material. Don't take for 109A.

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109B . 1 Year, 9 Months Ago

Make sure to pay attention in lectures or you'll fall behind BUT he clearly has a great grasp on the content and knows how to teach it to students without going overly in-depth. If you take the time to understand the HW and go to his office hours before each quiz you will for sure get an A. Only complaint is he's a little unorganized

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109C . 2 Years Ago

I had Lewis for 109A and 109B and switching was the best decision I ever made. Grades are distributed a lot better, final is not worth a lot, more hw completion points and mastering chem every 2 weeks. His lectures are fun. Quizzes are not too bad, but only three questions so if u mess up u lose a lot of points. Overall loved him!!

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CHEM109B . 2 Years Ago

Great professor, right up there with Lewis. Very understanding when whole class does not preform well on a quiz. Class laid out to give you a C automatically if you at least do mastering chem + bacon and decent on quizzes. Lectures were very organized and he did a great job of connecting ideas from chapter to chapter.

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CHEM109B . 3 Years Ago

multiple choice and mechanism quizzes alternated every week. quizzes and homework is about equal in weight with the final being 9%. go to office hours! prof read is super helpful and detailed. he cares about his students and wants you to succeed. the best teacher i've had so far. his class is super organized - upfront & clear communication.

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CHEM109B . 4 Years Ago

I took 109B with Read in the winter. His lectures are great as he knows how to both get his point across and empasize what's important. He doesn't bog you down with a bunch of HW, but does have recommended book problems. Super friendly during class and in office hours. Tests are very straightforward. He's definitely passionate about the topic.

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CHEM109B . 4 Years Ago

i had lewis for 109a and lewis was teaching 109b, but the timing for read's lecture was a better fit for my schedule so i signed up for him. best decision ever!! wish he was teaching 109c. fair tests, no surprises, and is super helpful during office hours. go to lecture, he gives hint for tests, and do the book problems and clas and you'll get an A

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109B . 5 Years Ago

Can I just tell you. You will never find another college professor like Read. He actually made me INTERESTED about ochem. Read delivers truly amazing lectures, and is so passionate about the subject. By far my fav professor at UCSB. Price is a close second. Do the recommended problems and go to lecture. His exams are based on what he says in class!

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CHEM129 . 5 Years Ago

He is a great person and professor. He will make sure you know the material if you talk to him. Tests are challenging but very fair, study the lectures more than texts. Overall, would take him again for any organic class, learned allot and had allot of fun.

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CHEM109B . 5 Years Ago

Read's lectures were fantastic! He goes over everything you need to know to understand the concepts. He also offers regrading on exams which you should definitely use because I earned 6% back on my exams. Averages on midterms were around 64% but the class ends up curved at the end. Don't skip lecture and do all of the recommended book problems!

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CHEM109B . 6 Years Ago

My third attempt (second try) at taking 109B was with Read of Fall 2017 and he is the best professor for Ochem honestly. His exams were doable yet hard so understand the material. Something I like about his teaching style is that he actually uses the board when teaching, which helped me understand the mechanisms better. He really does care!

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CHEM109B . 6 Years Ago

I never really liked chem but I came out of his class having a renewed respect for the subject and more confidence in myself as a student. He actually cares, lectures well, and is always willing to help out when you need it. Tests were fair but definitely not easy (understand, don't memorize!). Definitely my favorite bio/chem professor here.

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