3.6
Quality3.5
Difficulty100%
Would Retake143
Reviews100%
Would Retake
143
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
67
4
26
3
19
2
16
1
15
What Students Say
“difficult, but he teaches well”
CHE1033 - 5.0 rating“Powell really cares about his students, but be prepared for tough material”
CHE1103 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
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Textbook Required
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Reviews (143)
difficult, but he teaches well
Dr. Powell really cares about his students, but be prepared for tough material!
He's very clear and very helpful and truly cares but only if you put forth effort & do your homework. The tests are hard but he'll get you through the subject if you do your part.
Powell goes fast and it's hard to keep up if you don't read AHEAD of time..and like said before, he gets mad when students don't ask questions and don't participate.
Good teacher, but study a lot and all the time. Make sure you keep up with it and it should be too bad.
Goshhhh he gets worse in chem 2
Gets mad if you don't answer, but also gets mad if you say wrong answers - SO STUDY AHEAD OF TIME! Challenging, sarcastic, rude, fast, but overall, he's an ok teacher. Tests are hard, but he'll make sure you know the stuff. DON'T MISS A SINGLE CLASS!!!
he tells you exactly what will be on the test. he goes through the info fast, but if you have questions, he will help.. just may embarass you tho due to his sarcastic attitude. expect to do hw. chem is chem, so you either know the info or not.
Just took him for Basic Chem. not the best teacher but not the worst. Pretty good chem teacher, esp. if you're a girl. Best chem teacher around i heard.
word of advice: don't take his 8 am class if you're not a morning person. i ended up w/ an A, but was pretty surprised considering how many classes i missed.
He seems like a grumpy old man but he really has his intrests in the students. Slightly difficult but if you really want to learn the subject take him. Overall he's pretty good.
He's a grumpy old man that is **** when it comes to grading. He favors girls only taking 1/2 credit off while boys get full 10 pts. off. He gives no partial credit at all by no means. Rude and blunt not easy to talk to or get along with. afraid toask
best chem teacher on campus, everybody whining should try martinez, negrete, or *shudder* Zhao. Dr. Powell reflects his students participation, if you dont cive a sh*t, he won't, but if you act like you care about learning, he's great
He is a grumpy old man. But a great teacher and his test outline b4 the test really help..
So far, the best teacher I've had at UTSA. He is really enthusiastic about teaching, and although he may come off a bit crass and sarchastic, he genuinely cares for all of his students. If you put in the effort, you can at least make a B in chem II.
Has geat study guides. Yes, he can be rude, but al least it makes class interesting. If you study you will get a good grade. Buy the study guide. he is actually nice if you go t otalk to him. Good luck.
He is rude but a good teacher, best chem teacher in UTSA, just go over the test review he gives and you can pull out with a B work a little harder and you might get an A
Great guy. The best professor I've had at UTSA. As long as you work hard and are not easily offended, you will do great in his classes. (Being female doesn't hurt either.)
he isnt the nicest man.. a lot of ppl are scared to talk to him.. he one of this teacher where he likes some students and you can tell, and then there are students you can tell he doesnt like.. overall he is very good at teaching chemistry. best at utsa
I had him for Chem 1&2, he is known to be the best chem professor at utsa, his teaching is great, hes a grumpy, mean,loud, and moody person. Better yet, try looking for his old exams from past students. That really gives you a idea of the questions!
really rude and cranky man. he yells too much. he does give reviews identical to how the exam will be. i made a D and had to retake. seemd like he didnt want to help me when i asked questions cuz i wasnt doing well like questions are for smart students
Rude, mean, partial to some cute blonde women. Asked for help and dodged me. Encourages cheating and does not stop it. If you want a free ride and don't care to learn chemistry then get his old tests b/c he doesn' care whether you cheat or not. Oh by the way don't get on his bad side or you will get
Animated, but obviously has his favorites. Don't care for his attitude. Encourages student to drop class-doesn't care if we pass or not. Which is sad cuz that sure can dampen spirits. I'm failing, but I'm gonna pass cuz he doesn't want me to! He's a jerk & certainly NOT the best Chem instruc @ UTSA!
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HE is a very RUDE teacher.If you don't know chem at all then i don't recomend him b/c he expects you to teach yourself.His exams are very hard the only good thing about him is that he gives a review for the exam but they are not much of a help.TAKE Cassanova for chem he's a way better professor.
Very helpful man.Test aren't easy.Have to know your stuff.Looks grumpy but isn't so bad if you can handle bad humor.Curves depend on how much he likes your class, so be nice to him.Best chem teacher at UTSA, just not the easiest.I wish he taught organic chem.
Overall he really knows how to teach chem. You will need to study, but it is nothing that anyone cannot handle with studying.
Very cool....funny....or he tries at least, so he's kinda indirectly funny...gives amazing reviews tells u what is on the test...if you can't pass his class you are dumb...u can get a b with just a little effort, really makes things easy to understand, very helpful...do all book probs he assigns...
He makes chemistry fun and interesting. His exams are difficult, so you must study and know how to do everything on the review. Very helpful and willing to answer questions if you make the effort to attend office hours. I made A's both semesters, all you have to do is study! Overall great professor!
awesome teacher!!! Anybody whining about him needs to nuts up & realize that they came to college to learn, not just get a piece of paper! He's very helpful, and tries to make class more interesting. He's not rude, just calls it fair. He's not the easiest, but he's the most fun.
He is a very good professor, but you have to take responsibility for your own learning. He is there to guide you, not spoon feed you. Very funny, sarcastic sense of humor, and a lot of fun. Took him for three semesters (Basic, Gen Chem 1 and 2)and made an A the first two.
His lectures are pretty good, test reviews are right on, but when it comes to the test..well they are just hard. Tests always has things that are not presented in the lectures nor the book..go figure..the concepts that are presented to you, well the problem will be an acception to the rule. C- Class
He might be easy to get along with and funny, but when it comes to teaching he lacks. His tests would be manageable if he were more clear in his lectures. He barely manages to scratch the surface of the subjects in his lectures leaving it up to the student and the book to compensate. FYI I got a B.
Very good professor, really makes sure the class understands the material. Friendly guy and as mentioned before has a good sense of humor. Take Dr. Powell to learn a lot.
Let me tell you, I dont understand CHEM but i passed with a C mind you i tried very hard you need to show ALL ALL or your work on the tests or you wll be failed and also dont piss him off he will remember you just study and make a study group and goto SI thats how i managed to scrape by.
OMG hilarious from start to finish, very sarcastic. His lectures are clear, BUT he tends to speed up by about 3x towards the end of the course, so TAKE GOOD NOTES! and FORM STUDY GROUPS with your new found friends in your region of the class room. USE HIS REVIEWS before each test--they are word for word!
He knows how to teach. His lectures are very clear and he tells you what is going to be on the test but his test are very hard. so if you study hard, go to class everday, take good notes, and don't make stupid mistake on the test then you should get an A on the class.
He is insensitive, rude, and doesn't really care if students do well or not. He is completely unapproachable. He doesn't really give partial credit. He rushes through lectures and answers questions in a hostile way. I took cassanova for Chem 1073 and I learned more for him. If you dont have previous experience in Chemistry you should NOT take him.
If you are going to take MCAT, PCAT or other similar tests then take Dr.Powell. You will really know your chemistry in every way possible.
GREAT teacher if you actually want to learn something about Chemistry.LOVE his class.He's really sarcastic, but it's hilarious. Seems intimidating, but honestly cares that his students are fully comprehending the material. The reviews are word for word from the test, just be sure to study...and I mean really study...and you'll do fine.
He made me hate chemistry!!!!! He is very condescending. I tried to ask him questions several times and he was so mean that I actually gave up. He made me cry and lose sleep. The only way to get good grade in this class is to memorize old tests which isn't really learning anything at all. I would rather have cancer than take this man again.
Dr. Powell is an excellent professor. He made learning this tougher chemistry fun and fairly easy. Attend class and study a bit and a good grade is easily attainable. Sure he's a bit cranky, but who, living in this world, isn't?
Tests were way too hard for the poor quality of teaching.
I find it very hard to believe these comments were made by students that were actually in Dr. Powell's classes. This guy is a terrible teacher and I do not reccommend anyone register for this course unless you are really good at chemistry. Some of these comments sound like they've been written by the professor himself. That's pretty pathetic.
The prof doesn't lecture clear. If you are one of the lucky ones that can manage to get some old exams then you will pass the class. Everyone that says he is easy, I guarentee they jad copies of his old exams. So get a hold of more than one. If possible, take Casanova or Walmsley. She might teach slow, but you learn the material.
Although some people may think that these comments are not from actual students...this one...IS!!! Dr. Powell is an good teacher. He knows his stuff, and I really regret not taking him for Gen Chem 1!
These people's comment's are for the most part right, however he is more of a joker with bad jokes that seme to be mean. if you ask him questions in his office he is very helpful, soft, caring, and approachable. for test just know how to do the problems and you will be find. i made an "A" .
Dr. Powell was the only person who really taught me chemistry. He is tough but fair, and does not suffer fools gladly. If you read the book, do the homework, and go to class then you will learn.
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Dr. Powell is a very good teacher. You need to focus and do your work - like in any other college class. He is very funny, i always enjoy his classes. You need to sit at the FRONT if you want to learn anything. You have to pay attention - you won't be able to make it through chemistry with any teacher without paying attention!
I dont understand why people complain about him so much. His tests aren't easy, but you will learn so much and be better prepared for higher level chem courses. I will admit he tends to do better with smaller sized classes than larger ones. Either way, this guy is one of the few gems at UTSA. If you are serious about learning, take him.
His class isn't easy but you learn alot and if you want to do well in the future I'd take him. You have to study to do well so there is no just getting by. He's sorta funny too makes things very intersting for a 9 a.m class!
This guy is not easy at all, study hard are you should get a B, study like no other and maybe an A. His test are too long and you have to work most of it out, so you just can't guess and hope you get points. Take this guy at your own risk, but I do not recommened him.
A good professor. He lectures very well and tell you what kind of problems are going to be on the test. Though, his test are not easy and he does not like to give too much partial credit on a problem. Attend every class, read the chapters, and do all the homeworks and you should get a B or an A on the class.
Dr Powell is a great chem teacher. His tests are hard...and its often hard to find him during office hours if you have a question..but he prepares you for upper division chem courses. I learned a whole lot in this class..and if you need to take Organic Chem..take Dr. Powell.
I hate this man so much.
JUST PLAIN BAD!
Professor Powell is a very good professor. He lectures very well and explains everything you need to know. His test are difficult but if you prepare enough then you will be fine.
the material is hard, but Powell explains everything you need to know for the tests. He is more than willing to help you if you ask. If you pay attention, take notes, and do the homework, you should be able to get a B.
His ego is larger than his interest in students passing chem. The chem he teaches is lower division, if I need harder chem classes, I'll take upper division chem courses! Absolutely would NOT reccommend you take him. You may know the material inside & out, but for him you need to know it sideways & in another language! BOO!!!
This guy sucks, his tests are HARD unless you know the SPECIFIC concepts that will be on them. He does NOT teach everything that is on the test, and if he did teach the concept in class it will be presented in a different and really difficult way on the test. To top it all off he is just not a nice guy!
Dr. Powell is a great professor, and I'm sorry that so many stupid UTSA students don't recognize that. And he is a nice man, but not to idiots. After taking Chem II at UT with Dr. McCord and having to drop it, Powell's class seemed like a breeze. UTSA students need to quit whining and realize they have it easy.
Wow an idiot just posted! Who the **** cares what kind of clothes he wears?? And his lectures are very clear and his tests are not overly difficult. Damn, quit whining, if you can't do Chemistry don't take the classes, trust me I've had much harder than Powell.
The subject matter is hard, but Dr. Powell makes it as easy as possible, and he gives you a review that is practically the exam, you just have to know how to apply it all. Heads up though... if you don't take him for chem. 1, you will be lost if you take him for chem. 2, he is hard, but you will learn the material, he's by the far the best at UTSA!
He is not a good professor at all. His test are long and his lectures are not helpful. I will never take him again.
NOT the best at UTSA, Casanova is. Powell's lectures have little to do with the test. Tests problems are very hard and are not found in lecture nor book. If you take him, his class is hard from beginning to end, including the final. I would just stay away from this guy.
He is pretty hard, but not impossible. Anyone can make an A by putting in some effort. Great prof would take him again.
Great professor. Very interested in seeing his students understand the material rather than getting through it as fast as possible. Very open to questions and clear when he's answering them. I'd definitely recommend him for chem.
Go to class and you'll do fine.
Powell is far from easy, his test are rediculously hard and the questions are not from the lectures nor the book. Your best bet if you do choose to take him, is get his old tests. He is not nice nor helpful and is all about his PH.D. Otherwise, good luck.
Dr. Powell can be a big jerk most of the time. He befriends a few students, usually girls, and treats everyone else bad. Sometimes he makes rude remarks. It is funny how he all of a sudden gets extra rude as soon as the teacher evaluations are over with. My advise; don't take him.
His tests are made so that the best person in the class will finish them. They're really hard, but he has a good curve. I think he has good intentions, but he can definitely sound like a jerk. If you go to class and study, you'll do well.
DO NOT TAKE HIM! What ever you do don't take him go to summer school or take it at SAC if you can't find another section to take at UTSA. His class is sooo hard.
Unpleasant experience taking his class, tests are a bit difficult even if you know the material. Not good for your GPA, or sanity..
NOT SUGGESTED. He's a decent teacher and will clarify if you ask him a specific question, but his grading scale is absolutely RETARDED. He Grades on a very high curve, but he gives absolutely no partial credit on tests. So if you get the formula right and the right answer, but forget to put the right number of 0s after the point, you get no credit.
Chem 2 was def. harder than chem. 1 but he is by far the best at UTSA. He expects a lot out of his students, so you have to take your share of the learning. He may not seem approachable but he is one of the nicest profs. and is willing to help out anyone if you are willing to put in the effort. Best thing is go to class and do all the problems!
BEST PROFESSOR AT UTSA!!!!! The material itself is difficult. If you don't study, don't take him. I WOULD recommend him to everyone! You'll actually learn!
Mr. Powell is not for people how do not already have a knack for chemistry and math. He is very strict about getting right answer (sig figs) but is willing to help you although his explanations can be a mite confusing. Have a grasp ahead of time before taking him. Show up to class and ask ask ask. He will curve if needed.
great teacher... really funny guy. i had taken this class before and dropped because my teacher didnt keep my interest and i was lazy... so far i havent missed class and understand everything
nice guy, he knows what he's talking about, when he says do homeworks you better do homeworks if not you will fail the first test badly. our class average for the first test was 38, so do the math
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Pretty funny, but mostly because he is sarcastic and hillariously rude. His tests aren't too hard if you know your material and don't run out of time. Do ALL homework, even if he doesn't pick it up. Its Chem II, so it's gonna be kinda hard.
Lectures are presented assuming that you have read and studied the material before coming to class. Do all homework assignments even if he is not picking them up. Get a solution's manual if possible and also past examinations from TRC.
I had him for Chem I and made a B. He gives generous curves and is always encouraging office visits. His final is hard but he did drop the lowest of the 4 regular exams. I almost had an A but the final pushed me to a B. His old exams really do help and he gives good reviews before his exams. Take him if you can, read before class. You'll pass!
Dr. powell is really good with some, usally the ones who ask questions and act really smart. he really liked me. its not hard to pass the class all you need to do is get the old test and make sure you can do them even wen he changes the numbers. the only bad thing is the final which is like crap from outerspace.the avg. was 28 i got a 78 thou ,very
Greatest teacher that ever lived he know's what he is doing. of course you do have to study. HE is not like the other professors that go really easy on you. what's the point in having a very easy teacher that does not like to teach. Powell is the best choice. I got an A in his class. If only there were teachers like him at utsa.
Very practical and precise on what he wants from his students, great to approach and doesn't make you feel dumb. Four exams plus the final and will drop the lowest of the exams, use of book was high.
dr.powell is a good man although he may come off to some as sarcastic/rude/grumpy.he has a genuine concern 4 students who put forth the effort and for their success.his expectations are very clear as far as what he wants u2 know come test time.i'd take him again, but too bad he doesn't teach beyond chem2.great teaching style.
great teacher!! my come off a little strong, rude, and grumpy but has a wonderful way of teaching so that u are able to understand the material! i am taking him again for gen chem 2! love this guy!!!
Great professor!!, You have to go to every class , take notes, and if you have any other question or need help he is always there.
What a prof. With a Ph.D, this guy is on top of chemistry. Quick teaching speed, so write notes fast.Tests are fairly hard though but I always crammed the night before so I can't say.Never went to office for help b.c he's so intimdating, like a bulldog lol. But very nice guy overall.No WebCT though. On par with AP Chem in high school.
hes cool. tells you everything you need to know on exams.. just do the homework..if youhave a question just ask..dont be weak about it.. and if hes asking you a question..better give him an answer.. just anything!! he makes decent jokes..not everyday. just to lighten the tension... im warning you! he might catch you off gaurd...dont believe it!lol
powell is the best! i took him for basic, chem 1, and chem 2. typically an 85 and above is an a for powell. if you miss one class you can assume you will make a b on the test though, its that important to go to every class and write down every problem he writes on the board.
Dr. Powell is hilarious. He may come off as intimidating or mean or whatever at first but just apply yourself in his class & you will do fine. Watch out if you cell phone rings in class. He may start dancing 2 your ring tone. no joke. I took him after not having had a chem class for 3 years & it was not hard because he really is a great professor.
I took him for General Chemistry 1 and 2. If you want an A, you HAVE to go to class everyday, especially in Gen Chem. II. In both chemistry's he drops the lowest test grades, but that is not saying much because all his tests are tough and you have to study a lot for each one. And go to every SI session, they help alot!
he is clear in his lessons, is more than willing to give you help, and he drops the lowest of 4 test grades(which were all pretty easy if you study or go to S.I.) the whole semester he only gave 3 homework assignments and 1 quiz. he is also a pretty funny guy. take him! not a blow off class but definitely not too hard. easy A if you go to class.
He is loud, but don't take his offenses too seriously. He is always available before and after class for help. He lays out expectations for the class very clearly at the beginning. Doing well with Powell isn't a trick, and his exams won't kill you, either. DO THE HOMEWORK! Come to class & participate! You'll do fine =)
Dr. Powell is a great teacher. His old tests help A LOT so if you can get ahold of them, you're good to go. Class is mandatory but he's a pretty funny guy. His final is pretty rough though.
Powell was a great teacher I thought, however, this ended up being the hardest class I have taken thus far. Not a lot of time during lecture to go through everything needed for the tests in detail, but he always tries to sit outside the class an hour before or after. He may have a different sense of humor, but don't be afraid to go to him for help.
This was probably the hardest class I've taken so far. I made it out with a C. Powell gives 4 exams and drops the lowest. His final is very cumulative, so probably give it a week of studying. He's extremely helpful in his office hours outside at the table. Even though my grades came pretty close to failing, In the end I learn alot from Powell.
Good professor. I ended up making a C but that was in no way his fault. I was lazy. If you do yur work and go to class, you will do fine. Don't be afraid by his bad attempt to humor. Ask questions. It's your grade. Throughout the semester, there were 3 hw and 1 quiz. Exams are easy. He gives reviews. Just study and get the txtbook. SI sessions help
Powell is amazingly sarcastic, but is a very good teacher. He makes you do problems on the board and asks you to solve them within a minute. His tests were VERY hard, especially the final, but if you read the book, go to class, and do your homework, you will pass. I worked my butt off for a C+.
This class was fairly easy. if u have questions about anything go to him first and if he didnt help go to his si charlie. she will definitely help u out.
BEST PROF at UTSA! Explained everything clearly. As long as you attend class you will do fine. Got an A in the course and never opened my book.
I loved Dr. Powell, best chem professor out there! I took him for both Basic Chem and Chem II. Explains things clearly, always asks if there are any questions, and is readily available to help students who need extra help. Exams are tough, but not impossible. Final is comprehensive and will need a lot of studying time. Take him and you will learn!
A GREAT PROFESSOR. Very good lectures and has a sense of humor. His lectures are understandable and he gives some popquizes which arn't too hard. Exams are mult. choice and open ended questions and problems to work out. Just do your hw and you'll be fine! Recommend taking his class!
this guy is an amazing professor... He teaches general chem in a way you can understand. Just go to class and get old test and your should have an A in his class. The only bad thing is his final is very hard and its worth 35% of your grade, but overall hes the best professor for chemistry at UTSA
Awesome teacher
Excellent Professor. Dr. Powell has an amazing ability to teach a difficult class. I have had him for Basic and Gen Chem 1. Easy to approach, however, he does come across as intimidating. He is a cool prof. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Really funny, teaches really slowly so there's no way you can't understand any of the concepts. He is pretty sarcastic but in a good way. Never ask him "can you repeat that?" b/c he'll just say "that" I plan on taking his gen chem classes too
dr powell is a very interesting charcter to say the least. he may call you an idoit one second, and help you the next, but in a playfull way. he is definetly a great professor who knows his stuff,and is generally happy answer your questions. he looks for student participation, so if you are failing but trying like hell to pass, he will bump you up
Don't get stuck taking Rivera for Gen Chem. If it is at all possible, take Powell for General Chemistry. I used to tutor my friend in basic chem. Now for Gen chem, I have Rivera and he has Powell. He has a high A with Powell and I might get a C in Rivera's class.
He's rather grumpy, and his teaching methods are a little outdated, doesn't use anything online, so you can't miss class. Lectures rather fast and doesn't have notes for students to copy. Problem is, he only spews facts one time and gets frustrated when students ask him to repeat material. Class was not too difficult though,if you can teach yoursel
Prof. Powell, is the best teacher to take for Chem., just pay attention in class and take notes. I attend SI also. His test and quizzes have sections where you have to write out problems, if you're one of those folks that only get by on multiple choice, think again. but great teacher I have a B IN CLASS
Professor Powell is a grumpy old man that berates you when you ask a question and makes students feel stupid for doing something wrong. He is smart and knows his material but shouldnt be a teacher. He picks the hardest problems he can think of for his tests and often has to correct himself. Attending class is mandatory cuz he doesnt do WebCt.
Hes a good teacher for people who were already good at math and chem in high school and have a decent understanding of it prior. He will go over one concept in class, an easy one, then move on. And then on the test its 10 times more difficult. Every test average was between 50-55, so go to SI and dont take him to seriously, hes very rude
I was damn lucky to get Powell for gen chem 1; his classes fill up fast. He is a great teacher. I never seen anybody explain a topic or answer the same exact question over and over again, in so many different ways, and with the patience he had. He does put up a front of being grumpy, but he truly has a big heart and cares for his students.
Best professor. take him
Dr. Powell is my favorite teacher EVER, I've had him for my first 3 semester got A's in all of his three classes. He is NOT an easy teacher, but if you study hard and know your material you'll do great in his classes. He even referred me to be an SI for chemistry :)take him, you'll love him.
He gets pissed if you don't do things EXACTLY how he asked. He's very intimidating & doesn't have actual notes, just talks about concepts so it's hard to write everything down. He doesn't use his office because he smokes outside & tells students where he can be found. If you go to his bench/office after class, he lights up & doesn't stop to consider the fact that some students might find smoking repulsive or may even have health problems. Oh & he doesn't use blackboard/webct.Take dr. Sadeghi!
IT was a flipping class he is hard ass !!!
Not gonna lie: he looks like the type of prof that doesn't take BS. -And he rly doesn't. But because of that, he doesn't BS students either. He is a fantastic teacher and if you're willing to work at it, his class will not only be easy, but fun. Plus he is really nice like a teddy bear. Chem has never been my thing but I made an A easily. Do the hw
Dr Powell is an extremely hard professor if you do not pull up your share of work. His test are hard and his demeanor is rough. I was honestly afraid to approach him about questions or anything of that matter. All in all if you want this prof be ready to teach yourself the material cause he sure is not going to! Wish I looked here before I took him
This class was a cake walk. If you do the homework, your golden. If you don't do the homework you are screwed.
Excellent teacher.Will re-explain if needed in a different way.I've taken both his basic and gen chem I classes.Shed a tear when i had to switch teachers for my chem II class as his time didn't work with my other classes. I digress. TAKE HIM AT ALL COSTS. well worth it and he gives outlines of tests before hand REALLY hard to fail. Notes+SI =: )
He's a cranky old man who seems in most classes not to care very much for what he does... probably ready for retirement. That being said Dr. Powell has a good sense of humor, gives hard tests, some homework (when he does it's a lot) and flies through material faster than a fighter jet. If you read the book and try to keep up though you'll pass.
I took this class based on the ratings here, however i was severely bamboozled. This man is not helpful at all and furthermore he seems uninterested. I went to talk to him after class and he made me feel like a lost child. If you want to gain knowledge in the field of chemistry do not take him. Thanks to the Q Lab i passed!
If you are serious about going to medical/dental school take his class. His class is easy IF you work. Reading ahead and constantly practicing the material will give you an A in his class. But if your a slacker don't take him.
This is not an easy class, regardless of the professor. He is an awesome professor. He will ask if there are any questions. Don't be afraid to ask!! He will explain 10X over if necessary. Go see him at his table if you need and DON'T be intimidated. He is cool, but firm. He doesn't like idiots, but who does. Do the work. Study. Record if U can.
Awesome Chem prof. Best one I've ever had. Wish I would have taken him for Basic and Gen Chem I. Gives excellent study guides for the exams. His tests are difficult but straightforward if you study the material. Homework is essential to getting an A in the course. Does not curve and makes class enjoyable. Shook the man's hand after turning in final
Just beginning the semester and already enjoy the guy. Good sense of humor, definitely knows what he's talking about, and makes very clear what is expected of you to know. Put forth an effort and you'll get his respect (and a good grade) Recommend.
Powell was very clear in what he wanted you to know since most of his test material was from his lectures. The HW was a pain but hey it always is. Tests are easy if you study his lectures. Got a B in his class :)
Dr. Powell is a very smart man and a very good teacher who knows how to explain the material very well. However, he wasn't a very delightful person. His class isn't a joke, you definitely have to work hard. Overall, this class with Powell was tolerable.
Ok, I have NO idea why people are rating this guy well. He is one of the WORST professors I have had while at UTSA. He is very lazy, and explains things halfway. His tests are ridiculously hard, and he prides himself on that. Any professor worth taking, should not make that their main priority. UTSA has an AWFUL chemistry program, so good luck :(
He explains very little about each topic. You have to read the book or go to SI. They will help. test review are helpful and test are manageable. Go to Q-lab for extra help! He drops 1 out of 4 but you must take every test. He drops 2 homework/quiz. 30% final
Dr. Powell is definitely a hard professor. If you are independent learner you'll do fine. His lectures depend on his mood, he doesn't post slides online, the hw is doable, the SI & the Q-lab may not always help you out. I HIGHLY recommend study groups, working out lots of examples, reading the book(the other chem book CHO) and you'll do just fine.
SI sessions help out alot! I thought his tests were tricky but not that hard. He is not very helpful as a teacher, so you will have to teach yourself most of the information. He gives reviews before each test that is basically the types of questions on the tests! Too bad he is retiring after this year or I would've taken him for gen chem II.
I took General Chemistry 1411 while at the Alamo Community College District, and I can honestly say this instructor's basic chemistry is immensely more difficult than it should be. If you fail his course it's not you - it's him and his horrible teaching/ homework.
He was a good teacher, he explained a lot of stuff that I don't think was absolutely necessary to know in Gen Chem I, but still he was a good teacher. There weren't very many grades besides the four tests, so it's up to you to get practice in and make sure you know what you're doing. Very fair class, I got dat A.
I don't understand how he can expect us to nail these tests in less than an hour. Thank god this guy is retiring.
He is nice person. His lecture is boring but the tests are pretty easy if you study homework questions. On his test, there are 4 or 5 questions and most of the questions are come from the homework exercise. Also, you can drop one lowest grade. If you don't understand question, you can ask to him during the test. He will give you some hint.
RIP Dr. Powell. You were a great professor and an inspirational mentor. Thank You ����
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