4.0
Quality3.1
Difficulty78%
Would Retake97
Reviews78%
Would Retake
97
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
55
4
22
3
9
2
8
1
3
What Students Say
“I'm a great student and had a horrible time”
CHEM2A - 2.0 rating“He should not be teaching anymore”
CHEM2A - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
92%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.28 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM
5.0
(2)3A
5.0
(3)CHEM305
5.0
(1)CHEM3AAND3B
5.0
(1)CHEMA
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
CHEMAB
5.0
CHEM1AAMPB
4.0
CHEMA
4.0
CHEM003B
4.0
CHEM0003A
4.0
Reviews (97)
This is a VERY tough/demanding course...but Mr.V is SO helpful and very approachable. He gives students tons of ways to raise grades. He's funny in his own way-just go into the class prepared and optimistic. Mr. V is awesome.
The 3A and 3B series is not an easy class. You have to show up to class everyday. Take the problem solving class if possible that goes along with the course. Good guy and helpful.
Great teacher, great guy. The class can get tricky, but he will help you a lot. Powerpoint presentation helped and he is very organized with structured lectured and lots of examples.
Mr. Vanderbout is a good teacher. If you have questions go to his office hours and he will explain everything to you. Make sure to go to class and keep up on the homework and labs. If possible take the 3x class, as it is helpful. The class can get confusing at times but he will help you out.
Very good teacher. Explains things better when you come to him during office hours. This class has a lot of homework which seems overwhelming at times, but if you do all of it you will be prepared for the exams.
This class has so much work it is crazy. This is not a class to take if you won't dedicate your life to it. Mr. V is a good guy to take it with. He explains things very well and will answer questions. He also lets you replace bad test scores. Good Luck..take CHem 3X too, it helps.
Mr. V is an awsome teacher. he will help you as long as you ask! do your homework and read and the lectures will make more sense. Take 3X/Y if you have the time its very helpfull. He wants you to succeed and he knows what hes talking about. dont left his dry sense of humor discourage you. the best!
This guy is very clear in lecure and in lab. I love his homework quote "If you're spending 2 hours on homework, you're doing something wrong, it should not take you that long"
great guy to take chem from probably the best at sierra
He is one of the best profs at this school. Extremely knowledgeable. Tests are a little tough but he always makes time for students with questions before/after/during class. Generous grading too.
Tricky V ! ! great teacher, gives you so many opportunities to get an A. 6 test, 9 quizes and a Final along with 2 lab exams. but its not as hard as Chem 1A. very slow paced. DONT TAKE MR. Burns
tends to make you feel stupid when you ask questions
Oh my gosh this guy is GREAT! I have never had so much fun in a chemistry class before....period. His homework is not that difficult and does not take long. You get to use cheat sheets on quizzes,how sweet is that? Anyways, he is very approachable and is more than willing to help you if you go to him during office hours. Good job Mr. V!
what a babe
Good teacher, but you MUST ASK FOR HELP if you need it. All you have to do is ask, and he will be willing to help you. Be prepared to feel like an idiot by the time you leave his office though.
Tough course, but hes will help you if your put forth the effort. Like everyone else has said, DONT TAKE BURNS!!!! Take Professor V instead!! Go to 3x, do your HW, do your labs asap, and ask questions! You wont go wrong if you do this! =)
he is so awesome, he makes chemistry seem easy and is always willing to help with any questions or problems. he's like the nicest nerd ever
Very cool teacher, really wants everyone to do well. If you go to class, STUDY HARD, and ask questions, you will get an A. Tough class but everyone I know had a good time and learned a lot.
He will put you to sleep. But he is a very good teacher and knows his stuff. He tends to make you sound stupid if you ask a question or are confused but he is always willing to answer.
Mr. V was a great teacher. He always was around to help out the students when needed.
He's great! Do the homework and pay attention and you'll for sure get a good grade. He's always willing to help you too. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I recommend him!
Best Chemistry teacher at Sierra College! He has designed the class so anyone and everyone can succeed. Do the work, and you will pass with flying colors! Just remember- never take Dan Burns- EVER!
Wow, he really know's his stuff. This class clearly and concisely covered everything he said we would-unfortunately it's not everything you need for the following class. WILL HELP STUDENTS
He is great. His class can get difficult at times, but he really tries to help everyone understand. Just always remember to wear your goggles and closed toed shoes to lab! NO SHOES?! GOGGLES GOGGLES!!!
Lots of homework but it helped me understand. He gives oppurtunities for extra credit. I wish I could take him for Chem 1B.
Mr. V is very sincere and is there to help you succeed, not just for his own enjoyment. He really throws himself into the teaching and makes sure that you are learning it. Always ask questions and DO feel stupid, because you are compared to him. Lab is the hardest part of the entire class, but this helps prepare you for even harder science classes.
verrryyy helpful! gives Extra credit opportunites. neeeeed to do the hW!! a lot but very helpful. straightforward on quizzes n tests. is always willing to help. def join 3X classes for extra help ull need it! goes according to schedule.
Mr. V is a good teacher for such a difficult subject, chemistry is HARD. He gives tons of chances for extra credit and he grades fair. There is lots of homework, but you need it to understand the subject. If you haven't had any chemistry before, I'd recommend taking chem A first, but you don't need to- just makes it easier. He's a good teacher.
Great instructor...possibly the best Chem instructor at Sierra. Explains things very well, unlike Burns who just throws you into the fire and lets you decide how to put it out, Bill actually gives you water and instruction on how to fight the fire. Avoid Burns and Gamel, take Vanderbout! Good guy.
He's the rudest prof i have ever met. When he started out teaching, the class got blamed for abusing the supply b/ he told us to take very long strends of wire and other stuff. We should of told the lab asst but we just kept quiet b/ we thought he would admit it but quess not! He also secretly pics on quiet students. He may be elaborate but he's a
Great teacher!!! Really helpful. Lot's of extra credit offered in his class (lab bonus, bonus questions on tests, 3X, etc.). Not boring for the class he's teaching. Highly recommended!!!
This guy is good. Very approachable, and always willing to help. Class isn't to hard as long as you keep up. Take Vanderbout!!
Hilarious!! I love this guy. He makes a tough subject easier to understand. He does have a sarcastic, dry sense of humor though so dont take anything personally.
If you have to take Chem take it with him. He will teach you what you need to know in order to do well in his class. Chem sucks but he makes it as easy as he can, lots of extra credit and well explained. He helps whenever and is very thoughro. Take V-money!
Bill is hands-down the best Chemistry instructor at Sierra. It's too bad he doesn't teach 1B. Very helpful, very fair. Lets you replace two test scores with your quizzes and prob solving class. Very easy to understand way of teaching. Doesn't leave you hanging like Burns....Take Mr. V....he's awesome.
Be prepared to have ambiguous feelings about Bill. He can be very helpful and then flat out useless a few minutes later. Studying your ass off is a must to get a good grade in the class. It's normal to be confused 50% of the time. He didnt help me when I needed it most, so I consider him somewhat of a jerk. Not sympathetic to confused students.
Mr. V is the best Chem teacher at Sierra. While he may seem a little intimidating, he is a fabulous teacher and his lectures are excellent. Lots of extra credit opportunities and you will love his sense of humor! I only wish he taught Chem 1B and O-Chem!
Hated this class. I was looking forward to it but it was retarded. This teacher sucks and ya he's not very useful. Unless your a chem freak and a suck up dont take it... you'll be ripping your hair out.
he is the worst professor ever. if you ask him to explain stuff, he just repeats exactly what he said during class (its like listening to a broken record). also, besides learning chemistry, you have to learn how to do things his way exactly or hell berate you in class (how to label homework pages, lab notebook, everything). hes a horrible teacher.
He is probably the worst teacher i have ever had. He doesnt explain anything well and you HAVE to be a suck up to actually make it in his class. He doesnt lecture well at all, and he makes it that if you dont have the 3X class..you wont make it.
He's a really good teacher! Probably one of the best chem teachers I have ever had. Attendance is very mandatory. It's not that hard to get an A in the class. All you have to do is go to class and lab as well. Also you have to do all the work and the problems. He gives you practice exams which you should take a look at.
Mr. V is a really good teacher. If you pay attention and stay up, you'll be just fine. In order to do well you HAVE to do the homework, and you HAVE to go to class (especially lab). He most definately the best teacher available for this class. His lectures are clear and simply. He also gives A LOT of extra credit and second chances. Problem solving
He explains material very well. There is a lot of homework (expect to do 2-4 hours of homework per class) but if you do it the quizzes and exams are easy. I recommend taking the problem solving class.
Bill is a very through prof. If you attend class, do the homework, and take 3x you shouldn't have a problem getting an A. The only complaint is that he wants every thing done a specific way and if it is not you get a 0.
MR V IS A GREAT PROFFESSOR! HE WON'T JUST ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS...HE LETS YOU THINK ABOUT THEM FIRST...THEN HE'LL FINALLY HELP YOU AFTER YOU BUG HIM. BUT ALL IN ALL...I LOVE HOW HE TEACHES. YOU'LL REALLY LEARN ALOT IN THIS CLASS BECAUSE HE MAKES SURE THAT IT'S PLANTED IN YOUR BRAIN. HE ALSO HAS A SPECIFIC WAY TO ANSWER HIS PROBLEMS...SO BE CAREFUL
MR V IS A GREAT PROFFESSOR! HE WON'T JUST ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS...HE LETS YOU THINK ABOUT THEM FIRST...THEN HE'LL FINALLY HELP YOU AFTER YOU BUG HIM. BUT ALL IN ALL...I LOVE HOW HE TEACHES. YOU'LL REALLY LEARN ALOT IN THIS CLASS BECAUSE HE MAKES SURE THAT IT'S PLANTED IN YOUR BRAIN.
One of the worst teachers I have ever taken. Could not explain any concept for the life of him and also tested on material not lectured or covered in book. Withdrew because I was going insane. If ya don't think you have enough stress in your life then he is the perfect professor to take. Oh, and tons of homework too. Not recommended at all.
Mr. Vanderbout is very knowledgeable about his subject, and he loves Chemistry. He assigns a lot of homework and expects students to sign up for 3Y. Chemistry is demanding, so prepare to study. DO PRACTICE TESTS! Do homework early, do extra practice, keep up on labs, take 3Y, use the tutor center, and you should do fine.
Three words Awesome and super intelligent.
Not a good teacher. You are not able to ask questions on the day of lab exams and even when you do ask a question he basically comes back with, why is the sky blue? He gives you a ton of busy work. If you take this in the summer ... drop!
Very accessible to students. Homework is designed as test preparation. Very straight forward tests. The king of instrutor one would hope for in a difficult subject like chemistry.
Easiest teacher ever. EASY A, lots of homework though. And it sucks that you don't get full credit if don't do the problem his way. If you have the math skills this could possibly be your easiest class. 3X is stressed as important, but definately not needed. Book is unnecessary except to do problems. Show up to lecture and understand it.
He is a good teacher. Gives a lot of homework. Make sure to keep up with your labs. Do lots of practice. You will be fine.
Very easy to follow. Gives practice quizes and extra help in lab during 3X class. If you do all homework and ask questions when you dont understand, you will do great. Ask questions about lab exams a week in advance because his rule is no questions the week of lab exam and follow his format; may be tedious @ first, but you learn faster his way.
An average teacher. He is willing to help out but, it oftens turns to criticism. Homework rarely relates to the tests. Instead, what's learned from lecture is the material thats going to show up on the tests. He's particular about how you solve the problem so make sure to follow the proper format.
He is a great teacher. Take Chem 1A during the summer for sure. It is such an easy class and it moves really fast. His quizzes and practice test prepare you for the exams really well. There is bonus opportunities and everything. No worries at all!!
This teacher was mediocre. His lectures were taught as if you should know the material backwards and forwards already. He breezes through his ppts so fast with his lazer. He's willing to help, but quite cynical about it. Not too bad
After taking the 3A and 3b courses I feel that I really understand chemistry. The thing I love about Vanderbout is you always know what to expect on the tests. Between 3x,3y the homework, the lectures and the practice tests there is always something to study. Best chem teacher I ever had. However he is really sarcastic and can sometimes rude.
Very easy chem class. He gives out so much extra credit it's just ridiculous. Lots of practice opportunities which should be taken advantage of. If you do all the practice and pay attention in lecture most of the time, you will get an A no problem. Keep up on labs too. Only one per week, so that should be easy. Don't procrastinate.
Excellent teacher. I'm a very intelligent man and I'm used to doing things my way. He requires you to do things his way, but for good reasons. Do what he asks.
This my second class with Professor Vanderbout. It's more challenging than 3A and what I said there goes doubly here. He is a very good teacher. He wants you to do things specific ways, but for good reasons. Follow his instructions, and crank up your prep and effort from 3A or your grade will slip.
Mr. Vanderbout is great! If you're not a chemistry person, try to read over topics before going to lecture. It helps. Chemistry is difficult but Mr. V gives lots of practice problems, and bonus problems. Make sure you make time to complete the homework and the practice exams so you can ask questions. Good luck!!!
You won't find a better prepared and more helpful teacher anywhere in the state. The subject is of course demanding, but if you go the 3A/B route you won't regret it. Vanderbout gets teaching: if you are willing to put in the time he'll be there for you. Take his class.
Vanderbout knows his stuff! He's very clear on the material. Follow his guidelines and you'll pass his class with flying colors for sure!
One of the best professors I have encountered. Very organized and ready to teach. If you follow his direction and instruction you will have no problems. You must put in the work, but he is more than willing to help you out.
Mr. V. is one of the bst prof.s I've had in my entire college career. He's amazing... And his addiction to chocolate is hilarious
Mr. Vanderbout is a great teacher! His teaching method works well for everybody and he is always willing to help you if you have a problem. You will have no problem passing Chemistry if you take his class. And, it's fun!
DO NOT take this class over the summer. It is extremely tedious. I'm not sure that it would have been much better with another teacher-- but Vanderbout almost asks you to take 3a/3b instead, and DOES NOT teach to the book at all. He is somewhat condescending when you ask him questions-- and never gives a straight answer. Dislike.
He is not very clear in lecture and it is difficult to ask questions. A lot of times you go to ask a question and he refers you to the book or somewhere else. You never really get a clear answer. Labs are difficult in this class. Certain labs took 2 weeks to get graded and a lot of erasing and rewriting. Would not recommend.
He is very strict and wants things done his way, but if you can follow that then you're going to succeed in his class. I didn't read the book much, but received a B in the class because of good attendance. Stay up to date on assignments, pay attention, and make some friends to help when you don't understand. Also, every extra point counts.
Mr. Vanderbout is a great teacher. He doesn't really seem to like answering questions during lecture but allows plenty of time to get help on individual problems. To get a good grade do all the work, don't miss any class time and make sure to review the material and study before the tests.
He is just awesome. Pure awesome.
Class layout is same as 3A with different material. Labs are more hard and you do NOT get to partner up either. Ask questions!
I took 1A over the summer. Of course it was cray amounts of work. But honestly I thought it was the best way to take the class, you go hard for 8 weeks and complete essentially two semesters worth of material. It's great. Professor Vanderbout is excellent, he is helpful if you have tried everything in your power first to complete a problem or lab. Choose your lab "partner" wisely, you only get to partner up for some labs. Use your classmates for help!
He is a good professor. If you have taken chemistry this will be easy to take with him. Make sure to be prepared for lectures, do your assignments, and study, study, study. Every week there is either a quiz or an exam.
BEST PROFESSOR I HAVE EVER HAD. He puts all of my other science professors to shame. I LOVE how organized and clear he is. If you are willing to work hard and abide by his rules, you will succeed. He is so intelligent, helpful, and sweet. I loved him. I got an A because I put in the time and effort. It was enjoyable.
Average/good teacher. He gives you a clear explanation of how to solve specific problems, but he doesn't explain the concept behind it enough. Felt like I was just following a list of steps. His personality takes some getting used to, but he's a decent guy. Lots of extra credit opportunities. Pay attention and go to class and you'll do fine.
I loved this class! A good teacher, helpful, good teaching style, and an overall good personality! He wans you to succeed! I would take him again!
Vanderbout is the best. Just the best. Some students get offended by his personality, but they just need to lighten up. Seriously, he just wants you to be successful and he puts a lot of effort and organization into his teaching.
I think chem is interesting, but he is a very dry teacher who just wants you to learn the steps for solving problems rather than understand why it works that way. If you're up for a 2hour PP presentation delivered in monotone where you learn "first do step A, then B, then C," take him. If you want a teacher who makes chemistry fun, look elsewhere.
Professor Vanderbout is great. w do a lot of practice so I find that I am always ready for exams. There is a lot of homework, but it's because if this that you don't have to do any extra studying. I am just finishing 3A and can't wait for 3B. The class requires a lot of time, but like I said it prepares you. LOVE.
So, the first 2 weeks into this class, I HATED Vanderbout. However, once you get used to his system, you really start to understand the concepts. He truly cares about his students, as well as their comprehension. He's a stickler for grading, but that's only because he spends so much time going over each topic and gives a lot of "bonus" points.
He will take off points on an assignment, but not specify which problems he checked out of the 35+ questions so you can understand what you got wrong. Asking questions in class will usually get you some sort of sarcastic, snotty answer so go to his office hours where you can ask questions (he has no audience). Also has dry humor, be prepared.
First of all, he has a very unique sense of humor that appeals to about half the class. You can't take what he says personally. If he jokes around with you, he probably likes you. He's a VERY strict grader, but you'll learn a lot in his class. He's also retiring at the end of 2015, so I highly recommend you take him if you get the chance!
He is very picky about grading times so you have to stay on top of your work. If you attend all of your classes, do all of the homework and practice tests, and study for a few hours a week, you'll pass. It is a lot of work, but if you do what he says, its completely doable. It is time consuming, but not rocket science. Very helpful with questions.
Professor Vanderbout is nice & he's been teaching a long time. His grading criteria is clear & the amount of work is doable, but his teaching can be confusing, he is not great at explaining the concepts in a way that helps with understanding the problems. His tests are hard & 80% of the class has not passed them. I wouldn't take him again for Chem.
I withdrew from his class after a month. Several student's and myself thought he was very confusing; he made lecture and lab guess work. I took a W, as I would prefer to actually understand it and get a good grade. I withdrew after the first test scores of the entire class. Most of the class Failed it! Take a different professor at all cost.
He should not be teaching anymore. He was suppose to retire last year and the school asked him to come back. His tests are ridiculously hard and he is not good at explaining the concepts. The average exams were in the 60% range. I'm a 4.0 student and finished this class with a C. I was excited to take him based on reviews, but I was let down
Excellent at clearly explaining chemical properties and procedures on how to come about answers. Always willing to help you so long as you are asking specific questions other than, "What do I do?"
5 noncumulative exams, final exam is cumulative but it's multiple choice/easy. 15 quizzes, uses best 10 quizzes (out of 100 points) to replace worst exam score. Homework for each unit counts as 5 extra credit points toward the exams. I only used the book for homework so you could easily split the cost of the online book w/ others. lab is worth alot
Terrific explanations. First, simmers things down, simplifies them, then provides a more complex answer. Plenty of examples shown in class. Take this class in conjunction with 2X. Easy A so long as you understand it takes repetition and time. DO not try to cram for exams.
In all fairness, he was pretty bad. I've had plenty of bad teachers and he's up there with the worst. Cold, dry, gives smart-ass responses to even the sincerest of questions. Very test heavy, and didn't prepare us well to take them. I'm a great student and had a horrible time. If you have another option, take it. I am so glad this class is over! :(
Not a very clear professor, and everyone was always confused on the lecture material. Quite a few tests (5) and a final, and they were all very hard. No curves either. He also never went over or gave any feedback on the tests at all. Most people would get Bs, Cs, and Fs on the tests. We also had a really time consuming drug research project.
People complain about this professor, but it's very unfair. Chemistry is hard. Period. There is a certain amount of material he is required to cover, and he does incredibly well with the time he is given. If you expect to be able to come to lecture and magically understand everything you need to know for exams, think again. Read. Work for it.
He rewards hard work and wants everyone to succeed, he is always willing to answer any questions during his office hours. This subject is really hard and he made it manageable. However, there are 2 things that I really did not like while taking the class. There was a big drug research project and presentation for you and your lab partner.
Not only difficult but you have to keep up with the pace. He does give you the tools to succeed, you have to do your part! Tips to do well; Read chapter before class, do your own work, take the time to understand as you go along or you will struggle later, try and get full points on quizes because youre able to replace an exam with it, study group!
To succeed in class you must study, and read textbook chapters ahead of time. Several tests through out the semester (12 quiz's, 5 exams, and one final.) Professor is very organized. If you study and participate you should pass.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
92%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.28 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM
5.0
(2)3A
5.0
(3)CHEM305
5.0
(1)CHEM3AAND3B
5.0
(1)CHEMA
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
CHEMAB
5.0
CHEM1AAMPB
4.0
CHEMA
4.0
CHEM003B
4.0
CHEM0003A
4.0