3.3

Burt Goldberg

Biology - New York University

3.3
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
52%
Would Retake
124
Reviews
3.3
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
3.3
Helpful
3.3
Clarity

52%

Would Retake

124

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

42

4

26

3

16

2

18

1

22

What Students Say

Burt Goldberg is the best professor I've ever had at NYU

CHEMUA881 - 5.0 rating

Was continually disappointed by his lectures

GENCHEMII - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

58%

Textbook Required

39%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 42 grades
Most common grades:
A (31)
A- (8)
Not sure yet (7)
Grade Distribution
A(32)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(9)
Based on 50 reported grades
A: 31
A-: 8
Not sure yet: 7
B+: 1
Common Tags
Hilarious (11)
Clear grading criteria (9)
Caring (7)
Respected (6)
Lots of homework (6)
Inspirational (4)
Test heavy (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.23 avg change
Jan
Jun
Jul
Oct
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HUMANBODY

5.0

(2)

BIOCHEMISTRY

5.0

(2)

HUMANGENETICS

5.0

(3)

BIOLOGY

5.0

(1)

BIOCHSECT

5.0

(1)
+44 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM

5.0

BIOSECT

4.0

NASIISECT

4.0

CHEMCHEM

4.0

CHEM2739

4.0

Reviews (124)
5.0
1.0
BIOCHEM
Sep 19, 2003

THIS DUDE ROCKS!!!! NOT only does he give you the EXAM questions ahead of time, but he is VERYYYY helpful after class. Unless you're retarded, impossible NOT to get an A in the class. This guy rules!! very well read, friendly and ALWAYS a comedian.

4.0
1.0
NATSCIII
Oct 14, 2003

Always fun to listen to in lecture, has a genuine love for biochemistry so he loves teaching it. Gives mock exams to study from, then uses, almost exclusively, questions from those practice tests for the actual exam.

1.0
3.0
NATSCI
Grade: A
Feb 23, 2004

I liked him in the beginning because he's comical. But if I hadn't taken Chem in highschool I'd be completely lost. He's competent but seemingly weak at conveying his knowledge to students. His routine gets tiring and repetitive after a while.

1.0
3.0
NATSCI1
May 24, 2004

Won't let you forget he's Senior Faculty. Infantile and self-aggrandizing. Wastes obscene amounts of course time attempting to appeal to the testosterone in the class. Reminds you of his credentials more than he teaches. Lacks teaching ability. Ugh.

4.0
2.0
BIOCHEMII
May 26, 2004

I guess I am retarded cause i got an A-. Explanations are long winded and lectures unfocused; this guy goes everywhere...

1.0
2.0
NATSCI1
Sep 17, 2004

What an awful, self-obsessed man. He gets in the way of his own teaching, when he does attempt to teach, that is.

1.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Jul 20, 2004

Insipid, silly man. His perpetual jokes become draining, his poor teaching skills frustrating, and his obnoxious demeanor revolting.

1.0
2.0
NATURSCI1
Oct 30, 2004

Digresses a lot. But on uninteresting things. Doesn't explain things fully. Doing well but still dislike him. Yuck.

4.0
2.0
BIOCHEM
Nov 6, 2004

Good Professor, syllabus gives good focus on important topics. Has tendency to digress during lecture, which sometimes is a relief. Enthusiastic to teach and is well prepared.

1.0
3.0
BIOCHEMII
Nov 11, 2004

such an idiot. doesn't have basic sense of science. don't know how he is a professor at NYU? he just can't distinguish between g/mol and Dallton

5.0
3.0
HUMANBODY
Nov 21, 2004

The best! Hated the course in HS.

5.0
4.0
BIOCHEM
Dec 6, 2004

Made it fun! Knows his stuff!

5.0
4.0
BIOCHEMISTRY
Jan 23, 2005

Made it easy and fun--always approachable and helpful.

5.0
3.0
BIOCHEM
Feb 9, 2005

Professional, funnyand really cares that you understand

1.0
2.0
NATSCI1
Feb 22, 2005

Barely spends any class time actually teaching because he spends most of it focusing on self-indulgent digressions. He really doesn't seem to be that well informed about the environment.

5.0
1.0
HUMANBODY
Apr 13, 2005

loved this class! funny, entertaining in a self-deprecating way. made the material super easy to understand and digest, no pun intended.

1.0
1.0
NATSCIENCE
Jul 29, 2005

Spent most of the class tooting his own horn. I was suprised that he didnt make us line up and kiss his feet. I mean honestly--this was a science class and he spent half of it yapping about what he has accomplished and how he could be doing such great things! Like he is doing us a favor by being there. Exams are a piece of cake though.

5.0
1.0
HUMANGENETICS
Aug 31, 2005

Professor Goldberg is absolutely my favorite-- he made it fun to get up super early and go to his class, and that's saying a lot. He really knows his stuff and I loved his class. I have no complaints.

5.0
2.0
BIOCHEMISTRY
Sep 11, 2005

Dr. Goldberg is brilliant. He is absolutely my favorite prof ever. No sci prof I ever met can spit out so many biology facts in a minute. He is a walking textbook.. if not better. I agree he digresses a lot in class but at least he keeps you awake. He's easy to approach and is fair with grading.

1.0
2.0
NATSCI
Nov 12, 2005

Loves to talk about his prestige more than the science. Endlessly self-congratulatory. Hope you love him as much as he loves himself.

5.0
2.0
BIOLOGY
Nov 23, 2005

Extremely fun, semi-nuts so makes lectures interesting. Presents info in a very coherent manner and really available to students and receptive to questions. Clearly loves to teach.

5.0
2.0
HUMANGENETICS
May 1, 2006

Wow. 'dr.bg' is insane, always look forward to his classes. Tests were pretty easy, labs and grading were amazing. Knows HW copied (back of book) doesn't care. Knowledgeable about the subject, great sense of humor (not corny). Labs are tied to what we learn in class. A lot of material is the only downside. Highly recommended NatSci II, go for it!

5.0
1.0
HUMANGENETICS
May 15, 2006

Excellent prof! Walking, talking book of medical knowledge. Amazing how much he can store in his head. Funny, but also teaches very pasionately and you'll learn a good deal.Definitely one of the best MAP classes I've taken and I've taken a few good ones.A bit above average workload, but all is pretty easy.Exams are just the study questions he posts

5.0
3.0
BIOCHSECT
Nov 3, 2006

The best professor I have had for any class any school.

5.0
3.0
NATSCI
Jan 10, 2007

I'd agree that he's self-congratulatory, but I always saw it as more amusing than pretentious. He's a nice guy and he makes lectures interesting. Labs are clear and tests are straight from study guides. Not an easy-A, but not too difficult.

5.0
3.0
BODYII
Sep 8, 2007

Great teacher. Really explains! Brilliant and engaging!!

3.0
2.0
NATSCI
Sep 15, 2007

its a pretty fun class that keeps you interested. exams are not that bad. if you read the book theres no reason why you shouldnt do well in this class.

4.0
4.0
BIOSECT
Nov 5, 2007

He's arrogant, but deserves to be. He's been around the medical world for decades, and has the knowledge to show for it. I enjoyed the class.

2.0
4.0
NASIISECT
Jan 12, 2008

While he is an engaging lecturer and sometimes amusing, he is often rude to students and is offensively arrogant. His testing methodology is inappropriate for the subject material and answers often depend on obscure terminology that doesn't appear in the text. Also, the test-grading process is entirely opaque. This was the hardest MAP course I took

1.0
3.0
BIOCHII
Apr 1, 2008

This is by the far the most horrible person I have ever encountered in my life. Not only does he toot his own horn beyond belief, he is a cruel human being and by far the most demeaning professor, I cannot understand why they made him the academic advisor unless they want everyone to drop their chemistry major.

5.0
4.0
BIOCH2
Apr 30, 2008

Really up on his field. Plays it for laughs--if you think he taes himself seriously, you're too thick to get the joke! Earnest and pasionnate and no chauvinist.

3.0
4.0
BIOCH2
May 25, 2008

Although he is arrogant and spends most of lecture talking about his life, I learned a lot in Biochem II. He is very passionate about the subject! I found it very interesting, but a very difficult course. You will be spending a lot of time doing the study guide, but at least he has a study guide! (exams reflect study guide, not the textbook)

4.0
2.0
NATSCI2
Jun 3, 2008

He is really funny and explains things really well. He wants you to come to lecture but he makes the lectures fun and he doesnt always keep you the whole time. his tests are not too hard and the grading was really fair. for someone who does not do well in science I got a good grade and genuinely enjoyed the class

5.0
3.0
BIOL001
Aug 22, 2008

Professor Goldberg is a great professor. He has a lot of character and interjects personal anecdotes during class. His style is unique but the material is spoon fed and the exam questions were given as homework, in advance. I felt that I knew what was expected of me. Never a dull moment!(I took his MAP class)

2.0
2.0
NATSCII
Nov 20, 2008

incredibly arrogant and pompous man. spends the majority of class time discussing himself and his own accomplishments. refers to himself in the third person and constantly talks about how the average person cannot comprehend science and that scientists 'want it that way'. class was easy though, posts lectures online, tests are straight from text.

1.0
5.0
BIO001
Nov 20, 2008

Extremely rude, chauvinistic, inappropriate and downright obnoxious. I will never see him again for anything and will not come near him with a ten foot pole. Other advisers I have spoken to think the same. He is a bitter, old and mean person. Why the hell is he the head of the chemistry department??!!

5.0
3.0
NATSCII
Dec 7, 2008

Brilliant Biologist/Chemist. Class is VERY interesting and he is so knowledgeable and always answers any questions. He does like to go off on tirades about his very liberal personal/political views (and how the American educations system has "gone down the tubes"), but I found the NatSciII class very useful as an owner's guide to my own body.

5.0
3.0
CHEMI
Apr 22, 2009

Dr. Goldberg is freakin hilarious. He is a GENIUS. so smart, so funny, good teacher. his tests are pretty easy and doesnt assign alot of homework. he is very straight forward and loves what he teaches.

3.0
2.0
BCHEMII
May 1, 2009

Goldberg thinks he is a very funny man, he spends a mojority of the classtime telling you "jokes" about his accomplishments. The lectures aren't boring but the whole time I sit there thinking $4000 for this! Lectures for biochem II are podcasted, I don't know about experimental bc or the map class though. Not too much studying required.

4.0
2.0
BIOCH2
Jul 9, 2009

I LOVE GOLDBERG!!! yes he does show fondness for his female students (sometimes) and yes he does play favorites but what can i say?? just be one of his favorites! the things that he talks about in class are exciting and interesting. he'll always help you if you have questions. another good thing is that you'll do well if you study enough.

5.0
1.0
CHEM101
Jul 14, 2009

Goldberg is amazing. Some people may find his personality obnoxious or overbearing, but he is such a comical, jocular person, and he truly cares about what he teaches. True, he spends a lot of lecture going off tangent and talking about current events or funny stories, BUT all you have to do to do well in the class is read!!! Enjoy him while youcan

4.0
2.0
GENCHEM
Aug 12, 2009

Goldberg is the****. Those people that can't stand him can't get past the fact that he is accomplished enough to be full of himself. He's a walking brain and does often go off topic. Great man.

4.0
2.0
NATSCI
Nov 2, 2009

I took the NAT SCI II: How the Body Works. Funny teacher. Good lectures, but he talks about a lot of things that have absolutely nothing to do with the contents of the exams. Labs are annoying, but easy.

5.0
1.0
NATSCII
Dec 4, 2009

Best teacher everrrr! His lectures are very entertaining ...sometimes he goes off topic but it's still interesting. For Natural Science II his labs are easy, the midterms too, he gives you study guides which are basically the same as the tests and he is just awesome. I would take absolutely any class he offered!

3.0
3.0
NANA
Dec 9, 2009

Just wanted to comment that he is NOT by any means affiliated with the Biology Dept. I do not know why he is listed under biology here. Biochem is a graduate-level bio course open to undergrads, but that doesn't make Goldberg an undergrad bio prof.

1.0
5.0
CHEM
Apr 15, 2010

This guy is useless. He lies and blows kids off most of the time. He also has a bias towards hot girls. He should be fired from the chem department.

2.0
3.0
NONENONE
Apr 15, 2010

I don't know about him as a professor, but he's the director of the chem department and he's an absolute joke. Goldberg could care less about you if you're not a chem major. His attitude towards students in general is ridiculous. Why is he the chemistry advisor?

2.0
3.0
NATSCHBW
May 3, 2010

Goldberg spends most of his time insulting students, talking about his own life and achievements or yelling at students for asking questions. He is the biggest ass I have ever encountered. The class is easy, but not worth putting up with Goldberg.

2.0
3.0
BIO1111
Jul 22, 2010

Can't believe that this kinda person is being called as a professor.. Worst communication skill, insulting students, and overwhelming narcissism.. ugh!

5.0
1.0
BIOCHEM
Aug 7, 2010

Wow, so many different about him here. Well, for me, I thought he was a funny and nice professor. The lectures were interesting and his study guide questions were VERY helpful. I took him during the summer and he graded our exams (lack of TAs). At first, I was scared cause he was the one grading our exams, but he turned out to be a nice grader! ;)

1.0
3.0
NAT002
Sep 8, 2010

There is no reason to have to put up with this man for a whole semester. He started his course with a lecture about how disrespectful and stupid all of us underclassmen are. He went on to continue insulting the whole class and then proceeded to brag about his accomplishments. He is the rudest professor I have ever encountered.

5.0
4.0
BIOCH2
Sep 14, 2010

Goldberg... Rude? yes... Insensitive? definitely... Condescending? at least once every class... Favors the girls? uh huh... Fantastic, passionate, engaging lecturer? You betcha. Despite what's been said about him, Goldberg is truly a great prof. Lectures were always interesting and fun to attend. Forget about him as a person, think of him as a prof

2.0
4.0
CHEMCHEM
Sep 24, 2010

I dont know about him as a professor, but why is this clown the advisor/director of the chem department? They could have at least found someone who doesn't rage and throw books at students who come in asking for help.

5.0
3.0
CHEMTWO
Oct 20, 2010

Alright, he's a Biochemist at heart, but there's no denying that the man knows his stuff. Although he goes off track for about ten minutes per class discussing whatever has ticked him off the most or a random personal story, he always comes back to what we need to know. The ego comes with being in the science department.

4.0
1.0
NATSC002
Oct 23, 2010

Best professor ever! His exams are straight from the study guides and are super easy if you read the textbook. It isnt mandatory to go to class but this guy is very entertaining so i wouldnt miss his class! he might come off as moody but just dont piss him off and he'll be fine

1.0
2.0
NATSC123
Feb 3, 2011

He was not a good teacher for Nat Sci II. I didn't learn anything; he would just ramble on about random topics that had nothing to do with the material that was on the tests. The TAs were the only ones that every actually taught us anything. He's also REALLY mean and arrogant.

4.0
2.0
BCHEMII
Mar 5, 2011

A very complex guy, in a nutshell. He was a terrible adviser but a brilliant prof, and good educator, though usually extremely pompous. Just do well on all the study guides and you'll do fine on exams. Lets you pick and choose questions on exams. Girls can ask dumb questions in class, but if you're a guy, don't talk unless you have thick skin.

4.0
4.0
BIOCH02
Apr 2, 2011

Excellent Professor! One of my favorites. Really makes you excited about the topic in a way you wouldn't otherwise be.

3.0
2.0
BIOCHII
Nov 18, 2011

Don't judge a book by its cover. Don't judge Goldberg by his first impression...or second...or third. He can be mean and insulting, screaming at students but he's a real softie at heart and it shows. Funny as hell, both his stories and him as a person.

5.0
3.0
BIOCHEM
Grade: A
Feb 27, 2014

Truly an amazing professor. Loves to help and teach, unlike a lot of other professors doing research. Listen to his lectures and classes will be interesting, exams easy.

3.0
3.0
CHEMUA881
Grade: A
Mar 1, 2014

Man, what a piece of work. Never in my entire life have I been so consistently disrespected and insulted for absolutely no reason. Professor Goldberg has issues (a lot of them) and he generally takes them out on his students. At the same time though, he's an amazing professor and presents an exceptionally interesting and well managed course.

5.0
2.0
BIOCHEM
Jul 14, 2014

Burt Goldberg is by far one of the best professors at NYU and my favorite person EVER. He can be a bit intimidating, & if you are a sensitive soul, you may find him rude, but he's a really wonderful guy. He bends over backwards to help his students succeed. Fill out the study guides, go to lecture, and ask questions. It's an easy A if you do that!

4.0
4.0
GENCHEM2
Nov 20, 2014

Goldberg is like a resourse you have to use. He is one of the head of the Chem department and getting a recommendation letter from him for med school would change everything. Classes are short and he tells stories. He makes sure you get the material. He works with Yoel to give you the best resource available. He can be mean, but just to push you!

2.0
2.0
BIOCHEM1
Jan 22, 2015

He comes off as intimidating at first, because he tends to yell and make fun of his students. But I think on the inside he's an extremely nice man that wants you to do well. He is a very fair grader. Answer his study guide questions and memorize them word for word. That's all you need to get an A, because his exams are exactly the same.

4.0
1.0
BIOCHEM1
Jan 23, 2015

One of the best professors I have taken! He may seem intimidating in the beginning, but he is a softy at heart. He appreciates people that do the study guides on time, show up to lecture and make an effort in class. Answer the study guides and you will do fine on the exams.

5.0
3.0
BIOCHEM1
Jan 29, 2015

Best prof. I have ever had.

2.0
3.0
GENCHEMII
Grade: B+
Feb 9, 2015

Was continually disappointed by his lectures. He does yell a lot and insults people, but as someone mentioned he's a softie, you can see that he means well. At first I liked him, but I learned almost nothing from lecture cause of his rambling; he goes off on a tangent with stories from his youthetc. Which is sad because he's obviously intelligent.

5.0
1.0
CHEMUA881
Grade: A-
Jun 27, 2015

Burt Goldberg is the best professor I've ever had at NYU. Do not believe any negative thing you hear about him. This man will change your life. I love him.

5.0
3.0
GENCHEM2
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2015

Best Chem professor I have ever had! Aside from having interesting lectures, he is also very inspirational and wants to motivate us all to continue strong in our desired career paths. He really did save my semester and thoughts about continuing with pre-med! I owe it all to this man

5.0
1.0
GENCHEM2
Grade: A-
Dec 21, 2015

He renewed my interest in chemistry after Mandziuk had destroyed it. He's by far the best science teacher I've had at NYU. He even made me want to switch my major from Biology to Biochemistry (Still debating that). Hopefully I'll have him for Biochem!!

4.0
3.0
GENCHEM2
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 22, 2015

This dude is great. Gen Chem 2 was a class I feared, but I loved it a lot. The class is designed in a way that allows for everyone to get as much as they can out of it, and I really appreciated that. Goldberg does get tied up in his own interests during lecture from time to time, and office hours might be daunting, but the product is really great.

3.0
3.0
BIOLUA882
Grade: A
Apr 25, 2016

He's one of my favorite professors. He comes off a little intimidating at first, but a week or two into the semester you'll figure out he just cares a lot. The lectures aren't overly helpful, but worth showing up to if you have the time. Find a couple of friends to study with. DO THE STUDY GUIDE - IT IS THE EXAM. Put in the work, it'll pay off.

5.0
3.0
BIOCHEM1
Jun 18, 2016
Would take again

Dr. Goldberg is definitely not one to mess with, but with that in mind as long as you pay attention in lectures and DO THE STUDY GUIDES then there's no reason why you shouldn't get an A. Make sure to ask more questions during office hours rather than in lectures themselves. Forming study groups is really helpful in the class as well.

5.0
4.0
CHEM2739
Grade: A
Jul 26, 2016
Would take again

It hurts me when people say bad things about BG because he genuinely is the kindest professor i've had at NYU. He cares about all of his students, he just has a funny way of showing it. Lecture is worth going to not even for the material but purely for his stories which are extremely entertaining. Love him!

5.0
1.0
BIOCH02
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 28, 2016
Would take again

He is the best. He's rude but only to students he knows and he's always joking! It doesn't matter if you listen in lecture because if you complete the study guide that he sends you, you will 100% get an A.

5.0
4.0
BIOCH2
Grade: A-
Aug 13, 2016
Would take again

Burt has a "very bright" personality which is not understood by some, but he is The Best in his specialty. Make sure to absorb all the knowledge he has to offer! The subject is difficult with a lot to memorize/learn, yet he teaches only what you need to be successful in med school! Very fair grader, honest and charming. Take him at all costs!!!

Respected
Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
BIOCHEM2
Aug 15, 2016
Would take again

Dr. Goldberg definitely has favorites, but if you ask good questions and pay attention to him during class, the class will be well worth it. Doing the Study Guides makes the difference of whether you get an A or D in the course. Try to do these in a good time span since he tends to put a lot of questions on them. Highly recommend taking it.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
2.0
CHEMUA882
Oct 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Extremely arrogant, rude, and mean. He knows nothing about mutual respect, but his class is easy. Do his study guides and you will get an A.

5.0
2.0
CHEMUA881
Grade: A
Oct 17, 2016
Would take again

One of the most brilliant (although slightly condescending) professors in the Chem department. His exams are easy as long as you study the way he tells you to and drill yourself with the study guides. Overall a great class from someone who has a passion for the subject material. If you took MCB (BIOLUA 21/22), this class is essentially a repeat

SO MANY PAPERS
Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
CHEMUA881
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Lectures hard to follow, pretty rude in office hours. You understand the material with his study guides, which are nearly identical to the exam he gives you, but he doesn't give you the answers, and you have to look for them in his disorganized lectures/google. 95-100 is an A which is pretty ass, no drops, no curve. But Rohini Qamra was lit.

2.0
3.0
BIOCH2
Aug 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

he is brilliant and updates his study guides often. helped me through mcat studying. Updating the study guides helped me with self-discipline and studying more efficiently. def recommend!

4.0
2.0
GENCHEM2
Jan 31, 2018
Would take again

burt himself is a very smart man, he has so much knowledge stored in his head and he teaches fairly well. the course itself is pretty easy as well, he gives textbook questions that are the "study guides" and a lot of the test questions are directly from these questions. lecture quizzes don't count at all still got an a and never went to class.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
GENCHEM2
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2018
Would take again

The class boils down to you doing the LG review sheets. If you did the homework and the review you are guaranteed at least a B on the exams. He does take attendance in lecture, and recitation quizzes matter. He likes to lecture on things other than the material but he's a really nice person. Its chemistry so still hard but he makes it easier.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
3.0
GENCHEM2
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2018
Would take again

He is an ok professor. He is very hard to talk to. Lectures aren't helpful so I just learned on my own. LG Sheets and HW's are fair questions to be on the exam. Thats how you prepare for his exams.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
3.0
3.0
CHEMUA126
Grade: A
May 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Goldberg is a fun and fair professor although he can come across as rude. The exam and quiz questions are from the textbook so if you do the HW and sample problems in the chapters and LGs you're guaranteed above an 80 on the exams. He pretends like he cares about attendance by passing quizzes during class but I never showed up and got an A...

Respected
Test heavy
Caring
1.0
4.0
GENCHEM2
Sep 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

his way or the highway

Tough grader
1.0
3.0
GENCHEM2
Feb 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Incredibly rude and condescending, had him for two sessions of Gen Chem II recitation until I switched out. Very confusing too, he explained a concept completely incorrectly despite the entire class arguing with him (I googled it and the class was correct). Avoid at all costs.

2.0
3.0
CHEM101
Sep 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

By far the worst professor I've had. His whole class is so unorganized, and his syllabus gives me a headache. He's also extremely rude, passive-aggressive, and sassy for no reason to his students. Like hello? We're all just trying to learn here, just cut the attitude. His classes have absolutely no form.

4.0
3.0
GENCHEM2
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2020
Would take again

I'm surprised to see that Burt is getting such a hard time on here. During this semester, he was caring and extremely fair (he went out of his way to stop the lab professor from switching to this new ridiculous format online). Sometimes he does go a little fast during lecture, but he always will stop if you have a question and will answer clearly.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Caring
3.0
4.0
CHEM126
Jan 1, 2021
Would take again

I had to teach myself absolutely everything in the course but at least Goldberg wasnt a bad guy (so not the worst case scenario). Very sassy and cute. He gave up by the end of the semester and talked about his cat for 20 mins at the start of lecture.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
CHEMUA126
Grade: A-
Dec 17, 2021
Would take again

Be prepared to learn the content yourself but Burt is a great guy. Attendance is graded by pop quizzes but they are online so you can do them from home. Lecture pretty much always ends in him telling stories about his life and now about chemistry. Can be a little hard to talk to but overall loved him.

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
1.0
CHEM101
Grade: A-
Dec 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

this man never shuts up about his stupid personal life and does not take any time to explain concepts and dodges questions about the actual material. the quizzes are easy but he did literally nothing to help me pass them he just yaps on about how you won't get into med school

3.0
1.0
CHEMUA126
Grade: A
May 11, 2022
Would take again

This man will tell you so much about his personal life and so little about chemistry. However, the class was extremely generous with grading (In person but still during covid times) and the exams were essentially homework questions. The McGrawhill Connect taught me most of the material and was very easy to understand

5.0
3.0
COREUA203
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 9, 2022
Would take again

Burt is a great guy. He is so interesting and if you take the time to listen to him you will be pleasantly surprised on how awesome of a person he is. He is an extremely smart man and has so much to teach you if you are willing to listen. He sometimes goes off track but that is what makes his class bearable because he does not just spill content.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
COREUA203
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2022
Would take again

His lecture is very disoriented, but exams are fairly easy.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
3.0
3.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2022
Would take again

I took this class for my core requirements. I did not know anything about chem, but the online book he used was very helpful to understand the class. I just needed to read 1 chapter per week and the hw was based on the readings. The quizzes were also based on the readings. He gave the class 10 extra points if you submitted hw on time.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Respected
3.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2022
Would take again

Good professor. I did knot anything about chem, but the online book he uses is really helpful. Hw and quizzes are based on the readings which is super easy if you read them. Extra points if you submit everything on time. Really easy quizzes.

EXTRA CREDIT
Inspirational
Hilarious
4.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2022
Would take again

Easy class even tough I did not know anything about chem. HW and quizzes based on readings and graded just for complete them. Extra point of you submit everything on time. Quizzes are extremely easy.

Hilarious
Caring
Accessible outside class
3.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2023

Lecture is boring but the three midterms are easy, questions are the same as the questions in lecture quiz. HW only count for completions. Lab is not bad.

3.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Feb 4, 2023

Lectures are very dry and he occasionally talks more about his life rather than the subject, but exams are incredibly easy and straightforward.

1.0
3.0
CHEMUA125
Oct 28, 2023

Rude and always makes an effort to make it known that he is better than you, smarter than you, has done significant research, and has written college curriculum. He discourages students from continuing the course. He will tell you (repeatedly) that you will never be successful or become a doctor, and he will pick on you in front of the whole class.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
CHEMUA125
Nov 6, 2023
Would take again

The modern-day learning environment is in desperate need of more people like Burt. He's a straight shooter who'll tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. He teaches clearly, and effectively. To add to that, he has an entire treasure trove of hilarious, and completely irrelevant stories to share with the class.

2.0
4.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A-
Nov 16, 2023

BG is an amazing guy very funny. However, he is very unaccommodating he will not answer your emails after the first month of school and is quite unorganized. This class has changed a lot since the prior year adding a lot more chemistry and a lot less learning about the environment but the labs are very fun.

Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2023
Would take again

Interesting & easy class to take for core. Everything is graded for completion except for lab and exams. Labs are fun too. Advice: do lecture quizzes.

Online Savvy
3.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 25, 2023

Professor Goldberg is not a great lecturer but this is a core class for non-majors so the class itself is fairly straightforward. The exams are mostly just homework and quiz questions verbatim so studying is pretty clean. You can definitely get an A w/o too much brainpower but the HW takes forever. Also kind of a weird guy (not a compliment).

Lots of homework
2.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2023

Not difficult, lecture quizzes are not graded (they do have passwords, so make some friends to divide who goes to class each week). Labs are fun, lectures are completely useless (he is never on topic). Tests are simple, homework takes a while but is not graded on accuracy. Lab quiz questions come straight from lab book.

4.0
1.0
CHEMUA125
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2023
Would take again

Had him for CHEM125 recitation. Always off topic talking about his personal life, but I preferred the distraction over a second chemistry lecture; he is quite funny.

4.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Apr 18, 2024

He's a chill guy, albeit a little odd, but chill nonetheless. Goes on tangents A LOT, but his tests are easy if you study the HWs, slides, and especially the lecture quizzes. Wouldn't take him again because of the disorganization, but being there for his lecture about whether or not vampires and werewolves exist was definitely a highlight.

3.0
1.0
BIO001
Grade: A
May 6, 2024

Goldberg's physical science core is incredibly easy if you do the bare minimum of studying for the exams. Also his lectures are just him yapping ab random stuff so there is literally no reason to go. Take it with your friends or meet ppl and switch up who goes to class each day and have them share the code with everyone else for attendance credit.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A-
Sep 5, 2024
Would take again

The McGraw home work he gave was killlerrr, not gonna lie. But most of his tests were based on the homework and the quizzes we did in class. Every lecture there was a quiz for attendance but honestly you just need the code. He's sweet when he wants to be, but hes a little older so naturally he moves a little slower.

5.0
3.0
CHEMUA125
Grade: B-
Sep 16, 2024
Would take again

I love Dr Goldberg. He cares about his students and the wisdom and experience he has is unmatched.

Inspirational
Caring
Respected
4.0
1.0
COREUA203
Grade: A
Nov 12, 2024
Would take again

The class is very easy - 40% of the grade is obtained by attending class and doing quizzes/lab/homework that are extremely easy for anyone who doesn't have a previous understanding of chemistry (which is basically what the class is about). The remaining 60% is spread across 3 in-class laptop quizzes which are 20% each and MCQ only (insanely easy)

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A+
Nov 22, 2024

Burt is crotchety and not very good at teaching. The textbook, TA's, and ChatGPT will be your teachers. Three exams are online and unproctored so everyone just cheats anyway. Everything else besides labs is graded for completion. Very easy class.

Hilarious
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
COREUA203
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2024
Would take again

Professor Goldberg is a gem!! A lot of these reviews are complaining but he is genuinely very kind and understanding. The class is very easy and he understands that no one in a core class is taking it to become a scientist. Attend class and his special lectures!

2.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2024

I fear that for this class, cheating is not just possible but necessary. Everyone cheated. And I mean EVERYONE. Unproctored exams. The tests would be stupid hard otherwise. The lectures, oh my god, he is not a good teacher. He would make a solid drinking buddy to discuss his war stories, but I would discourage taking this class.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2024

On the contrary to the recent reviews, no not everybody cheated. That accusation just shows students like to lash out when things don't go their way, but in all fairness the lectures tended to go off topic always. Lectures were not useful but tests were really just questions from our homework and quizzes, so if you do those you are solid for an A.

Online Savvy
2.0
3.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2024

As people have said, lectures often went off topic. Also, grading criteria was a bit unclear. I just learned the material myself by reading the textbook - if you do that, and study the hw and lecture quiz questions, you're truly good to go for the exams. Not everyone cheated!

Lots of homework
2.0
3.0
COREUA203
Grade: A-
Dec 27, 2024

This class is good if you need an easy A as all homeworks and exams are done digitally (and everyone cheats their way through them), but he was the most unfocused and uninteresting professor I've ever had. Seems like a nice guy but lecture was totally unengaging and the readings were incredibly long and unnecessary. Not helpful outside or in class

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
4.0
2.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2025
Would take again

Professor Goldberg's ENERGYENV class is a chill, straightforward option for a core requirement. Lectures can be disorganized, but exams are easy if you do the HW, slides, and quizzes. I found unstuck study super helpful for test prep too.

5.0
3.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: A
Jun 1, 2025
Would take again

I love this course! The test is similar to our homework. If you do your homework carefully, you will get good grades.

Caring
Respected
1.0
3.0
CHEMUA125
Grade: A
Jul 19, 2025

He's really rude and mean to all students. On the first day of chem recitation he said that none of us would ever become doctors, and every class he doesn't fail to brag about his own MD and PhD. Yes, that's super impressive, but he doesn't have to put his students down at the same time. Difficulty doesn't apply because he's giving Halpin's quizzes

1.0
3.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 29, 2025

Rude and mean, never responses to emails. TA and labs are chill but don't expect to learn anything from the lecture. The slides are probably older than you, and he speaks with a very low voice making it incredibly hard to hear.

1.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 12, 2025

The homework, quizzes, and tests are online and easy as long as you read the textbook, and the TA's and labs are chill and fun, but lectures have almost nothing to do with the material. He is near impossible to reach outside of class, and he goes on massive tangents about how useless our generation is and how we are at fault for society's decline.

1.0
1.0
ENERGYENV
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2025

If you took chem/physics back in high school, class should be a breeze. Personally did not go to a class after like the 5th one and am still doing well. Lectures boring, with quizzes. Labs are the hardest part, get to know the TA's and know how to ask for help. Outside of class, prof is super rude/unreachable, though he might just be old/grumpy.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

58%

Textbook Required

39%

Grade Predictor

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Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 42 grades
Most common grades:
A (31)
A- (8)
Not sure yet (7)
Grade Distribution
A(32)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(9)
Based on 50 reported grades
A: 31
A-: 8
Not sure yet: 7
B+: 1
Common Tags
Hilarious (11)
Clear grading criteria (9)
Caring (7)
Respected (6)
Lots of homework (6)
Inspirational (4)
Test heavy (4)
Get ready to read (3)
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