Very funny guy! Tells stories and corny jokes that make class more fun. And he tries to memorize and know everyone in a 350 student class! Enthusiastic about ochem and helpful in class and office hours. Doesn't give answers to the practice tests though

GREAT teacher. Very friendly, helpful, and clear. He's funny and kept the class engaged even at 8 am. Tests aren't easy, but they reflect the practice tests. He makes it easy to learn ochem, which isn't easy!

Bakthan turns the O Chem nightmare into a really great class. He clearly explains the material in a straight forward way that makes difficult concepts easy to understand. Let's face it, O Chem is hard, but if youre gonna take it, take it from him.

Excellent teacher, as well as very genial and approachable. His undergraduate lab team seems extremely devoted - always a good sign.

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i learned that clearer alcohol means less hangovers. he really applied organic chemistry to real life =) he changed my whole perspective on ochem...and i really HATED 108a (the teacher does make a difference in the student *ahem* bernasconi..argh)

really good professor. ochem is a difficult class, but he makes it okay. he color codes mechanisms and reactions so you actually know whats going on. he also cracks jokes here and there, which lightens up the atmosphere. he stands out as a great professor

An excellent teacher! The very best, had him for 108B and decided to take his 143, and it was so great I decided to get a Chem minor! A very cool guy, funny, and goes above and beyond to make sure his students learn the material

very clear in explaining a very difficult subject and is willing to help people outside of class. He also goes through every single exam, after his ta's grade them, to make sure that everyone get all the points that they deserve.

Bakthan is very clear and funny. He makes waking up at 8am worth it. He makes a lot of drug and alcohol based jokes. He puts a very strong focus on synthesis and "roadmap problems" rather than straight memorization.

made o chem barable. GREAT teacher.

He makes chemistry very interesting always making references to the everyday uses of organic chemistry. His lectures are so interesting and easy to follow. He really wants his students to succeed.

The best OChem professor you will ever have! Bakthan is awesome! He actually makes you enjoy organic chemistry. His tests are so fair and very representative of the material. Take him if you can! You will remember his funny jokes on the MCATs.

Excellent Teacher, very clear and concise. If you want an A+ memorize all his practice tests. However, he is a little too interested in the cute girls in the class.

this class explains how ochem REALLY is. bakhthan kicks ass, but you prolly already knew that. he's very funny. fact: bakhthan is always in his office unless it's lunchtime, dinner time or he has a meeting. you can usually find him in thimann in the evenings.

VERY UNFAIR if you don't have access to past exams but TOO EASY if you have access to them and have people tell you what's gonna be on the tests. I don't understand when teachers use the same tests for 10 years because the purpose is to be fair to everyone.Otherwise, very good teacher.

Great Professor.I actually enjoyed going to lecture.He was clear, helpful, and funny.He even remembered everyones name in the class.Go to his office hours it will only help you in the long run!!!

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tight professor!

Wonderful teacher, hilarious and clear lectures. Always available for questions, and will work with you patiently until you understand. I liked o chem with him so much I almost switched to be a chem major.

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Best prof eva!

Damn. THis guy is the ****ing Tiger Woods of Ochem professors. I**** u not. Forget all of the haters who didnt do well in his class. He wants u to get an A and even tho he uses past exams, and some say its unfair, tell that to the fat portion of people w

Great professor. He was a great lecturer. Be prepared to study because o chem is challenging.

THE BEST PROF YOULL EVER HAVE. really cares about students, hilarious in class, interesting lectures, and recaps valuable "life lessons". awesome.

Excellent teacher and world-class scientist. Learning O-chem from Bakthan is a privilege and honor. He is a living example of what a great organic chemist can be. His dedication to teaching is always evident. Funny jokes, memorable analogies, and keen observations are abundant in his presentations.

bahktan is probably THE BEST PROFESSOR EVERRRR. his class lectures are funny, very entertaining - considering it's ORGANIC CHEMISTRY and he is really helpful so if u get a chance to take this guy, DO ITTT. go to his office hours. ochem is an a really hard class, for me at least but he def made me like it. his tests however are really hard, def stud

Really enjoyed attending lectures because he actually made organic chem more interesting. Very straight forward teacher and can tell he enjoys his job. Very approachable. Study all lecture notes and you will do very well

Favorite chem teacher =) Very clear, nice, and funny! Easy to talk to, and has a good memory. I usually dont like o chem, but he made it interesting and i dint mind getting up for an eight am. He also tells funny little jokes too

hes the tightest teacher everrrrr!! hes so funny and cool and knows your name before you even introduce yourself. he'll sneak up behind you in the library and ask you your last name then give your first name. He makes 8am class really worth while and makes ochem really fun. Hard to get an A but def hard to fail too =)

BEST PROFESSOR EVER!HE IS WILLING TO HELP ANYONE WHO WILLING TO PUT AN EFFERT INTO THE CLASS. YOU MUST ALSO STUDY INTENSIVELY BECAUSE HIS TEST ARE HARD BUT AN AMAZING TEACHER. FUNNY AS WELL. ETHER BUNNY!!!! <--(ONE OF HIS JOKES)

He's class is very interesting but hard to get a good grade. I studied many hours doing hw and outside of the class but if you have to take ochem u need to take it with him bc he's very clear, helpful and friendly. He probably will reteach u 108A he is that helpful, he is everywhere, his office hour is like free tutoring,take advantage of it.

He's definitely one of the hardest teachers I've taken, but if you go to his office hours, which are every day and twenty times better than his lousy TAs, you should do fine. Also, don't panic, I think he curves despite what he says. There's no way I could've gotten the grade I got otherwise.

SENSATIONAL Professor. Really interested in his student's success. U'll find him in the S&E library looking to help students. he will make jokes. he will remember UR entire name (middle too) Just to prove he isn't losing his mind. LOL. In this class he teaches the value of competing with yourself... by making it hard to get an A/B.But it's worth it

One rad dude!

Bakthan is absolutely phenomenal. I have never met a professor like him in college that cares so much for his students. He is extremely approachable, helpful and he will roam the S&E library the night before the exam to help his students. His class is really hard and requires a lot of time and dedication, but if you put in the work it will pay off!

Best teacher ever. Tells you exactly what he wants and doesn't trick you on tests. Very helpful outside of class and even wanders around the library seeing if any of his students need help. First time I actually enjoyed a chem class.

Bakthan Is an AMAZING professor. I am so grateful for his helpfulness! GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS. He memorizes people's names and can possible know your whole class' name if you dare him. He cares about his students and goes out of his way to help you earn the BEST grade.

By FAR the best teacher I have had EVER! He really cares that you do your very best and somehow manages to memorize everyone's name in a class of 250 students. The way he grades is very lenient, and he emphasizes that he wants you to compete with yourself, not your other classmates. GREAT PROFESSOR.

He really is a great teacher. The best professor in UCSC no doubt about it. Singaram really does care about how you do. I didn't go to section. I went to his office hours and MSI instead. MSI helped incredibly, and they can tell you the tricks to getting A's on his tests. Do the homework and go to his lectures you'll be golden.

Bakthan is amazing. Period. He encourages students to think for themselves and not just reproduce a cookie cutter answer. He is encouraging, informative, has office hours every day of the week and really wants students to succeed. Do the h.w.; go to o.h.; learn the concepts; you'll be fine.

Bakthan IS amazing. You get out of this class what you put in. Do the h.w. Go to his office hours. Form a study group. Not easy material. You will learn to solve problems for yourself. Excellent teacher. Did I say: do the homework? Do the homework. Go to office hours. The class takes effort but it's worth it.

Subject is extremely difficult that I want to sh*t in my pants! Professor is always there if help is needed!

The best chemistry teacher ever. His class is not easy and you will need to study and know the material, If you do not enjoy chemistry then you may not do well but the upside is you cannot dislike chemistry with Bakthan. He is an authority in the subject. It is challenging but Bakthan is extremely clear, thorough and is always available to help.

He is a very entertaining teacher. Lectures are always enjoyable which is good because half of the test is based of his lectures and the other half is the homework. He is a great professor and very approachable. you should do good if you know all the hw and understand his lectures

very nice and helpful, just go to class and do the hw. He makes o chem very understandable for future classes

Best professor at UCSC!!! I hate ochem and the last day of class I was still sad to say goodbye. Expects a lot but is straight forward about what material you need to know. 3 midterms. 50% of material from homework, 50% from lectures. Singaram= laughter + great life advice + inspiration for life, learning, and happiness!

AMAZING teacher.If you have the opportunity,take OChem with Bakthan!He is very clear and straightforward and always happy to clarify anything!Tests are difficult but the only way to overcome them is to do the HW over and over again to get as much practice as possible!Going to lecture is great because he is NEVER dull. Always makes the class laugh!

Bakthan is the Man!! He picked me up once hitch-hiking. He has four times the mandatory office hours. Walks around the library answering questions prior to midterms. And even walked from Bay/Mission to campus during a strike in the rain to get to class to teach. Challenging but fair as a professor.

best teacher ever. extremely clear and tests are based on homework lecture. You have to do the homework and study the lecture notes. He is extremely fair and such a funny guy! Take ochem with Bakthan!

The definition of a perfect professor. Lectures are clear, homework is clear. Tests are fair. Office hours everyday. Very encouraging professor. Really cares about his students, and he is a very kind a good hearted person. Would definitely take him again.

Professor Bakthan is by far the single best professor i have had so far in my MCD classes. He made me love ochem and if you go to office hours with help you out in anyway possible and really make the topics clear (but come with questions or else your wasting your time). Still a really hard class but if you put in the effort his grading is very fair

best professor I have EVER had!!! He is amazing! He really makes you think about the material you are learning, not just the material you need to know for the test. His tests are hard, but if you study, and go to his lectures, all the material you will cover. He is a very funny guy, always makes you laugh in class, therefore you never get bored!

Best course I have taken at UCSC. One of the most passionate, enthusiastic professors I have met on this campus. He is always willing to help out his students, gives office hours four days a week, and goes in the library before exams to help students with questions. Although his course is certainly challenging, it left me a better student.

The best professor I have ever taken at UCSC hands down so far. He is caring and wants the students to do well. Last day of his class taking the final and I was sad to leave his class. Would definitely take a class with him as a professor again.

Professor Singaram is one of the best teachers I've ever had. His lectures are extremely fun and informative, his tests are fair and graded quite nicely. If one goes to class, utilizes MSI , office hours (has them every day), there is no reason not to excel

When he says 50% of the test comes from assigned homework, he means it. The other 50% is reworded homework. Attend lecture, know the homework well and go to office hours to clarify questions. Also, the solution manual is of little use due to him doing things differently from the book.

It's simple. Bakthan is a wizard. The way he explains organic chemistry is not only extremely engaging, it's very helpful. He had office hours every day but Thursday. If there was a lot of people that came he would find a room with space. We need more Bakthans in this world.

It has been in honor to take a chemistry course with such an amazing professor like Bakthan. He cares about all his students & wants to see them succeed. Go to OH, Section & do the homework that is a MUST! Best professor you will have at UCSC.

There are no webcast but his lectures are amazing!

Dr. Sigaram is amazing. He has office hours all the time and will give you test questions during lecture. He took Organic Chemistry and links it to Bio and Chem and life. He cares about his students. You want an A? You can earn one if you go to office hours and lecture and LISTEN to what he says. DO NOT USE THE SOLUTION MANUAL!!!!! Good luck!

Bakthan is one of the best professors ever! He has office hours almost everyday and he tells you problems from the homework that will be on the exam. He's a great lecturer and will gladly answer any questions if needed. Do the HW repeatedly, go to office hours everyday, GO TO CLASS, and go to him for extra help if needed. Great class!

Bakthan is seriously the best professor I've ever had! If you go to office hours he will literally go above and beyond to make sure you succeed in his class! Make sure you do homework because test questions are really similar to tests. Highly recommend taking this class with him!

Bakthan is the best teacher I have had at UCSC. He's always available outside the classroom, he's very understanding, respectful, and very helpful when explaining his material. His office hours are the best. His test are not tricky as long as you put in the work to understand the material. I would love to take an other course with him. 10/10

Bakthan's teaching style is rather old-school. He does not record his lectures, so attend lectures if you can and study his lecture notes. Doing practice problems helps a lot. He is clear, funny, and willing to go out of his to help you. Don't hesitate to ask him if you have questions!

Grade in this class depends only on exams. But the exam questions are from the homework, and he usually tells you the questions in lecture as well. Be sure to go to his office hours for HW solutions; don't use the solution manual. Go to MSI or tutoring. You can easily get an A if you work for it (ie redo HW 3 times).

Seriously the best professor I've had at UCSC. Put in the effort and you can easily get an A. I wish I could take all my classes with Bakthan; he's truly a gem.

A great professor that is so passionate in what he teaches. Best piece of advice; GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS! They help tremendously! And actually DO the homework

Definitely the most caring professor I've had yet. He's also pretty funny. His tests are pretty fair too.

Singaram is awesome. 50% of what's on the test are questions directly from the homework and the other half is material he covered in class. He has office hours everyday and really keeps track of everyone's progress and wants them to do well.

After a very challenging experience in CHEM8A, Bakthan was a welcome relief. His tests are completely predictable; the problems are half from the homework and half from lecture, and he explains everything really well. Even more than that, he goes over every test after the TAs grade it to make sure you got all the points you deserve. A great prof.

Funniest professor I've ever had! His jokes were the best! Overall a great professor and amazing lecturer. He was straight forward with what he expected from students to know and always told us what to study for the exams. Homework was not required but HIGHLY recommended, tests are based on it! Go to office hours and get to know him! He is awesome!

A truly amazing professor. Puts time and effort into writing thorough notes and highlights all important concepts for the test. Attend class and study off his notes. Do the homework as a large percentage of the tests will come directly from there. Going to office hours will be a huge help. It will take hours of studying, but it's a great class.

If you're lucky enough to be able to take a class with Bakhtan, do it. I had a rough time in Chem 8A but Bakhtan not only made everything click in 8B, but he also is the reason to why I love ochem so much now. He's absolutely the best professor I've had at UCSC. I wish I could take all my classes with him.

The best professor I've had so far at UCSC. He genuinely cares about his students and wants them to learn in and outside of class as well! Makes class worth attending with his funny anecdotes even if going to class isn't mandatory!

Bakthan cares about every student in his class. He stated whats on the test throughout his lectures, so just go to class and pay attention. He has office hours every day of the week which I went to a lot, that helped a lot, and helped me get to know bakthan better. Hes the best teacher Ive ever had, and Im thankful for having taken this class

Bakthan's class is super entertaining! The key to success is to attend as many office hours as possible. I would aim to go to 2 OH/week and stay until I have all the answers for the homework. GO TO OH AND ASK MANY QUESTIONS, do hw AT LEAST 2x b (50% hw on exam), understand his notes, and you can definetly get an A.

Best professor I've had at this school. He strongly emphasizes the use of his class notes which are much simpler than the textbook and the tests are pretty much free if you do all of the homework with understanding. His lectures are actually pretty fun to listen to and he pretty much has full time office hours- use them. He's the best. Seriously

He makes you work for your grade for sure, but he makes the material make more sense. Go to class because he always says important side notes that show up on exams. His OHs are also super helpful, especially because he makes an effort to remember who comes to OH. Great professor and super respected!

Amazing person in every way. Works above and beyond with students to make sure they do well and understand the material. Does not webcast, but Binder's old webcasts is why I did well. Make sure you attend office hours regularly (its possible they're daily & not intimidating). Wanted an A just so I could still talk to him.

The GOAT

By far one of the best profs at UCSC. Truly cares about his students and does his best to simplify the complex topics. Funny sense of humour

Bakthan is hilarious, caring, and ridiculously smart and knowledgeable. He expects a lot from students but you can tell he expects a lot from himself too. Go to class, his office hours, and watch Binders 8B lectures and youll be fine. Your grade is all exams so be prepared to have some self discipline; study the practice exams and solutions.

Truly the best professor I've ever had

Bakthan is the best science prof I've had at UCSC. I thought I hated O chem until I had him as my prof (now I love it). Wonderful at breaking down all of the info in an easy to understand/digestible way. Easy to ask questions in OH, really cares about properly educating study and is willing to help students who struggle. UCSC legend for a reason.

I freaking love Bakthan! Not only is the man hilarious and makes lecture enjoyable but hes an amazing professor. He makes you want to go to lecture even if its early thats how amazing he is. I hated organic chemistry before his class because i never understood it but now i get it and really like it! Do yourself a favor and take his class!!!

Wow I love Bakthan, and thanks to him I think I might love chemistry. I HATED Ochem before taking 8B, but he really is a great professor and really wants his students to do their best and now thanks to him I genuinely understand chemistry in a way I never thought I would. I was just a bio major passing through ochem but now I love chemistry!

Prof Bakthan tries to make chemistry as simple as possible and is not mechanism heavy. Be warned though, that you need to do your work and show your steps in the way that he wants it and goes over it in class or else you will lose points. 2 midterms and one final but curves the class and he dropped the lower exam score. FIrst exam is really hard

Bakthan is by far the best, and most hilarious, professor I've had here at UCSC. His tests are pretty difficult (first midterm was rough) but the curve is huge, plus he gives you all the material you need to pass. If you have a chance to take this class with him, DO IT. You won't regret it.