The best aspects of the course included the homework assignments and class exercises which gave students adequate practice of the problems before the exams. The professor taught the concepts well and showed interest in helping students learn the material. The worst aspects of the course included the professor’s inability to teach some material comfortably and sympathize with students that didn’t grasp what she was teaching immediately. The course would improve if the professor showed a little more enthusiasm in the class and if the discussions were not so focused on polymerization pathways. Prospective students should have a strong background in organic chemistry to take this course.

According to students, the professor of this course did a commendable job of explaining the theory, formulas and concepts of study. He always began class asking if students had questions, and it was obvious that he cared about his students grasping the material. The amount of work required for problem sets was overwhelming and the homework and exams were complicated. Many students agreed that the homework was weighted too heavily, and that it should’ve been used as a learning tool instead of a way to decrease grades. Suggestions for improvement include: cutting down on homework, easier tests, and more time to review material. Prospective students should prepare for a demanding work load.

The best aspects of the course included the interesting subject area, the clear and succinct lecture highlights, and the weekly assignments. Several students felt that the homework assignments did not always reflect the material covered in class and tended to be much more difficult than the in-class examples. Thus, they recommended that the homework assignments be reviewed in class, and that the in-class exercises continue to be assigned throughout the semester. Prospective students may benefit from a background in organic chemistry, and should be aware that this course deals primarily with polymer synthesis.