Professor Sylvester is probably the best intro-chem series professor that the school offers (which is not saying alot). Her lectures are extremely well organized and she provides a lot of resources for you to succeed. The course is just extremely hard, so be prepared to log many hours studying.

makes chem pretty easy to understand and gives practice tests that are suuuuper helpful to prepare for exams. i never did book problems and i was fine just do all the practice tests and watch the vids if u miss lecture

I took chem 1a with two different professors (Jospeh and Sylvester) and I found that I loved Sylvesters teaching style a lot more. Jospeh focuses on slides, while Sylvester works it out on the board, and I found that to be really helpful. She is also less strict on tests and relies more on practice tests for problems. Would take again with her!!

In my opinion she is one of the top chem professors at UCSB. If you have the opportunity to take her class, I would.

I was a fan of how she taught! Pretty straightforward.

love her. teaches very well, and will explain things to you if you don't understand. It's obviously hard, because it is chemistry, but she makes it so much more bearable. her tests are pretty easy and straight forward if you do the practice exams.

Sylvester is honestly one of the best chemistry teachers. She bases her exams on the book problems versus pulling random stuff you've never done. Watch the lecture videos and do all of the practice exams and you will be fine.

I actually enjoyed sylvester as a professor, many of my friends did not, I understood almost everything she said in lecture, I thought she was very clear. Tests exactly like the practice tests, but definitely do not procrastinate studying.

her lectures are online so you can miss lecture if needed; gen chem curve is fat i would've has a C without the curve, i went to CLAS bc it is very fast paced but i like how she works everything out on the board with you, do book problems if you want an A, but rlly just do all practice exams bc she gives a lottt and theyre similar to exams

I am so glad that I chose her as my chem 1A professor. Her lecture is fun, she use the simplest words to explain everything. Not a lot of work, just remember review everything and do the practice before exam. Definitely want to take her class again.

Disclaimer: I already know all contents of the course in highschool and only taking as this as an essentially free GE. I seldom attend lectures, but I can attest the she explains stuff pretty well. Only 3 tests: 2 MTs and FT. Tests are always relevant to course material. She uses ALEKS, which is really good (though costly).

I don't really get the criticisms about her tbh. I found her to be a pretty clear lecturer, and I really appreciate that her exams are almost exactly like the practice exams. Do the recommended book problems, especially focusing on the ones similar to the practice exam ones, and time yourself.

Sylvester talks really fast and often doesn't explain topics fully. Just go to CLAS, fully understand each topic and go over book problems. You will be fine, curve is great, she provides wonderful practice exams almost identical to the real exam. Its work, but it is possible to pass!

not good. not okay.

She is quick but explains material in an understandable way. Exams are SUPER easy and the practice exams on Canvas are almost identical. Aleks is easy just be on top of it.

It was so difficult for me to stay engaged during her lectures for she never seemed to care about the content. Lectures were fast so I recommend book problems. Difficult class all together and prefer price

I loved Sylvester and would highly recommend. Her practice tests are exactly like the tests and she really wants you to succeed. She puts together countless resources to make you more confident before tests. Lectures can be fast but CLAS will help if you need more time with a topic. She also records every lecture so is very flexible with attendance

I honestly liked Sylvester. This was my 2nd time in 1A, so maybe that's why. I found her lectures to be much simpler and more of an overview than Price's. That does mean much of your learning happens through the Aleks and book problems, but you kinda have to do that anyway for Gen Chem regardless of ur prof. Sweet & funny lady, helpful during OH.

Pretty much just shows up, lectures, and leaves. Doesn't seem very personable and her lectures are quite difficult to understand as she speeds through them. She's also difficult to get genuine help from, which I guess makes sense because there are so many students. I recommend Price for gen-chem. (The rating below mine is pretty accurate lol)

Horrible teacher literally has such an ego imposes harsh grading penalties and won't admit bias or favoritism, makes determinations on students regardless of fairness and won't stop talking about herself during class. Test material is barely covered days before the exam and office hours are useless. Take literally any other teacher

Chem 1A is definitely a difficult class. However, Sylvester's tests are very similar to the practice exams which is very helpful. If you do all the practice exams, attend and pay attention in lecture, and do the book problems, you'll be just fine! Sylvester seems super caring and keeps her lectures light-hearted.

I had Sylvester for 1A/1B, and I thought she was a great professor! Her lectures move very fast and are straight forward though so make sure you get help when you need it. The exams cover lots of material, so doing the practice tests/book problems are essential. Although the course is not easy, it is doable if you really put in the work and study!

Professor Sylvester is a great teacher and super kind. I'm not the best at chemistry, but I'm really grateful for all of the resources she provides to get help. The tests are challenging and cover lots of material, but thanks to the amazing curve I was able to pass this class. Sylvester is great and I definitely recommend taking her for Gen Chem!

Chem 1A as a whole isn't too difficult, but it's definitely not a course that you can put zero effort in and expect to pass. In my opinion, the material on the first midterm is the stuff you REALLY want to nail down (midterm 1 can be a rude awakening for new students). Just practice what to use and when to use it and you should be good