2.5

Craig Dodson

Chemistry - University of Nevada - Reno

2.5
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
39%
Would Retake
112
Reviews
2.5
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
2.5
Helpful
2.5
Clarity

39%

Would Retake

112

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

15

4

20

3

14

2

20

1

43

What Students Say

I don't know how the hell I managed to get a B-

CHEM121 - 1.0 rating

Dodson is absolutely awful

CHEM121A - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

27%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 90 grades
Most common grades:
A (22)
B (21)
B+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(26)B(26)C(22)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(12)
Based on 101 reported grades
A: 22
B: 21
B+: 10
C+: 9
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (26)
EXTRA CREDIT (25)
Test heavy (24)
Skip class? You won't pass. (23)
Get ready to read (23)
Clear grading criteria (14)
Tough grader (14)
Accessible outside class (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.53 avg change
Apr
May
Jun
Nov
Dec
Feb
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM122

3.2

(15)

CHEM330

2.8

(4)

CHEM122A

2.7

(26)

CHEM121

2.6

(21)

CHEM121A

2.5

(29)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

122A

4.4

CHEM122A

4.0

CHEM121

4.0

CHEM121A

3.9

CHEM122

3.6

Reviews (112)
2.0
5.0
CHEM121
Grade: D+
Apr 17, 2016

Worst teacher ever. He speeds through lectures and is a horrible teacher. Tests are very hard. Whole grade consists only of 3 test and a final.

2.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: D-
Apr 23, 2016

His lectures were very long and tedious. His teaching style ends up making learning more confusing than it has to be. Not only that, he does speed through the material quite fast, and even when questions were asked, they were never answered in a clear manner. However, the class is passable.

1.0
5.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C
Apr 28, 2016

His lectures are exceptionally boring and hard to understand

2.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C
Apr 29, 2016

Craig was very confusing, most of the stuff I found easier was just memorization of high school Chemistry. He makes very easy topics confusing and I found it just easier to read from the book and use the tools from online. All the tests are multiple choice so you can guess if you're a good guesser. Try for any other chemistry teacher honestly.

1.0
5.0
121A
Grade: A
May 5, 2016

horrible do not take him

1.0
5.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C-
May 9, 2016

Dodson is absolutely awful. DO NOT TAKE HIM. I don't know a single person who has gotten above a C. He's the worst professor you could possibly have for chemistry. I had to teach myself everything. He just scribbles all over the board and doesn't use any powerpoint for notes. If you want to learn chemistry and pass, DON'T TAKE HIM

1.0
4.0
CHEM121
May 9, 2016

He is a horrible professor. I would not recommend taking him at all. He was absolutely horrible.

1.0
5.0
CHEM121
Grade: D
May 10, 2016

If you're trying to get anything above a C- don't take him.

1.0
5.0
CHEM121
Grade: B-
May 11, 2016

Run away! Run far away! I don't know how the hell I managed to get a B-! His lectures left me more confused and internally screaming. Paid $600 for the class only to end up teaching myself everything and a semester full of test anxiety.

5.0
5.0
CHEM121
Grade: B+
May 20, 2016

He is the hardest professor when it comes to Chem 121 and he is used to teaching higher level classes. But after going to office hours and chem tutoring the class is doable. He is great with office hours and being there for students, just don't be to intimidated by him. The final was a piece of cake, past exams combined. I would take again.

1.0
5.0
CHEM121
Grade: F
Jul 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I had to retake this class because his lectures are terrible and I fell so far behind that even tutoring couldn't help me. He tends to pick one topic from the chapter and talk about it all class. There is never enough time to take the test either. there was about 45-50 questions and by the time you got the test there was only about 40 mins left.

1.0
5.0
CHEM121A
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 28, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I think he is just burned out on teaching. You basically have to learn the material yourself. His lectures are very confusing, and he just writes stuff on the board. His handwriting is terrible, and full of spelling errors, very hard to accurately copy or understand lecture notes. Difficult to decifer between what is important and whats not.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
5.0
2.0
CHEM330
Grade: A
Apr 7, 2017
Would take again

Excellent Teacher, very interesting stories about his days doing real analytical research that correlates with course content. The class was easy, as long as you follow the homework and are able to do the assignments without assistance. Be prepared for heavy calculations!

Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
CHEM121
Grade: C-
May 8, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dodson is a very kind and knowledgeable guy, but man is he a horrible professor. I was always being told information but never actually taught it. I work so hard on tests for C's at best. It is so easy to get lost in his lectures because the information is being delivered in a much too complex manner. Hardest class I've taken yet, and its gen chem

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C
May 16, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Perhaps the worst professor I've ever had. He gives a lot of info during lecture that will get you lost. He doesn't use anything electronic for his lectures. I wish he used a power point at least or a projector to show what he was writing. He wrote small and it was hard to read causing you to get more lost. I STRONGLY recommend not taking him.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C+
May 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Hell no, this class was a mess. His handwriting was beyond illegible, I wish he took it upon himself to use the giant projectors in the auditorium rather than the miniscule whiteboards. Class was based on 4 Exams (w/ not-so-helpful study guides), 10 quizzes (eh), and 1 Cumulative Final (no study guide, lol). For the love of God, do NOT take Dodson.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
122A
Nov 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's a nice guy, but when it comes to his chem 122 lectures, he is not easy to follow. I would study for hours for this class, and I have decent study habits, but it just didn't matter when it came to his tests (which are EXTREMELY lecture heavy). Attendance isn't mandatory, but if you don't show up, good luck.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
1.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: C-
Dec 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He only grades you off of test and quiz, he gives you homework assignments but doesn't even bother to collect them or give you a grade. So your grade in the class is based off your test and quizzes, so if you don't do good on those good luck. he gives a few extra credit options but they don't help much. His lectures are useless.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
CHEM121A
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2017
Would take again

As long as you show up to class, take notes, and look at the practice test youll pass.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Tests? Not many
4.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: C
Dec 11, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Dodson is a great professor. I notice that there are a lot of people who dont like him, but if you arent rude and you actually try, he will help you. He is nice and throws in a few jokes here and there. If you really need help, he is always available in his office hours. I also took him for 121 and enjoyed that class as well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
4.0
4.0
CHEM121
Grade: B-
Dec 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Dodson knows his chemistry but he's too smart for teaching basic chemistry to students who probably had little/no background during high school. His exams aren't hard but you have to pay attention because many of the questions are on the homework (not mandatory btw).

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests? Not many
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Dodson was not a very good professor. Do not take this class if you can't learn content on your own. I basically taught myself everything I needed to know in this class. Lectures are long and boring with no interaction. The homework is not mandatory and he gives a fair study guide that shows what content will be on the test.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Tests are tough
5.0
3.0
CHEM121A
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Not sure why Dr. Dodson has such bad reviews. His Gen Chem class was very fair. He writes on the white board so sit up close, and be prepared to write notes all class. He gives you practice exams before the test that are exactly like the tests, so if you master those- you'll be perfectly fine.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2017
Would take again

Really doesn't deserve such a low score. Chemistry is really broad, so he goes over topics in class mostly, but not problem solving related questions. Highly recommend doing homework of which the quizzes are majorly based. Textbook good at explaining how to solve problems. Gave us 3 extra credit opportunities and curved every test.

Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
2.0
CHEM121A
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2018
Would take again

Professor Dodson is an incredible educator. He truly cared about whether or not his students understood the material. He also wrote his lectures out by hand during class, so there was time for me to write notes. His tests are also very similar to the study guide. The final is literally parts of all the tests combined and he gives every test back.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
CHEM121
Grade: A
Apr 4, 2018
Would take again

At first I didn't really like Dodson and thought I was going to struggle through the class. I am not very good at chem either so I was really worried. I quickly realized if I showed up to class, did the homework, and preped for exams I would be fine! I would so take another class from him.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
CHEM121
Grade: C+
Apr 24, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Hes an okay guy but just writes on the little white board and you can barely see from the back and nothing gets posted online so if you dont go to class or read the book youre gonna struggle.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
CHEM121
Grade: B
Oct 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dodson is an okay guy, but he writes on the white board a lot and it's hard to see so sit up close. He doesn't post anything online, so make sure you attend class to understand the material. MUST read the book or you're not gonna do so hot. As long as you attend lecture, do the readings, and study you'll be good.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
2.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A
May 3, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Dodson is pretty great. He likes to write on the board, so make sure you get a seat near the front. There's lots of extra credit, so if you pay attention, read the chapters, and do the homework passing should be fairly simple. He's got a great sense of humor that keeps lecture interesting. His lecture pace is also very appropriate.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
May 9, 2019
Would take again

Professor Dodson was by far one of my favorite professors I have ever had. He wants his students to succeed, and doesn't slam you with homework. He really doesn't deserve the 2.5 rate that he has right now, you just have to show up to class and actually do the homework and you will be fine! His teaching made chemistry enjoyable and fun!!

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
4.0
4.0
CHEM122A
May 9, 2019
Would take again

Dodson was a good professor who knew the material, but his teaching style did not match my learning style. He gives 10 extra credit homeworks, each worth 3 points (amounts to about half a test I believe if you do them all). I learned a lot by working out the problems on the homework. He has 10 overall quizzes and they're easy if you do the homework

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
May 12, 2019
Would take again

Dodson does NOT deserve the poor reviews on here. He is a great lecturer, a fair grader, and a caring professor. He gives homework as extra credit and only assigned problems that were relevant to what we needed to know. The first test was rough, but he took our feedback and made changes to help us succeed. Great professor, take him!!!!!!

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Caring
3.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: C+
May 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dodson is a good professor but his tests are difficult. They are similar to the study guide but you must understand concepts in order to get good grades. The homework is extra credit so make sure to that. The online quizzes are hard, averages for them were 7/10 which can hurt your grade.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: B+
May 15, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Dodson is a great professor who I would highly recommend because all of his homework assignments are extra credit and he has a lot of office hours so you can go in with any questions you might have. He gives study guides that help before the tests and chapter quizzes that can help boost your grade. I very highly recommend!

Accessible outside class
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
CHEM122
Grade: A
May 16, 2019
Would take again

Craig is THE MAN. Go to his lectures, they are very interesting and gives a lot of good information for tests. Homework is all extra credit, online quizzes which are open note encouraged and easy grade boosters. His tests are very straightforward and easy to do well on. Definitely take him, and as long as you take the class serious you'll get an A!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
CHEM122
Grade: A+
Aug 26, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Dodson is a fantastic lecturer and teacher. You can tell he is a fantastic professor because he only uses powerpoints for the pictures and graphs and everything else is his own knowledge. You can tell he is a great TEACHER because of the very reasonable way he structures his grading. Absolutely take him as he clearly cares about his class.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C-
Nov 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

So here's the deal. Mans is too smart to be teaching a beginner's level chem class. Dodson is a nice guy who enjoys the subject but good luck if you've never taken a chemistry course before because you will struggle. Hw is extra credit but won't do much for you. Rip if you get him because you will have to teach yourself

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B
Nov 18, 2019
Would take again

Very well spoken explains concepts well. Gives a lot of opportunity for extra credit, take advantage of it or expect to do poorly. No required homework.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C-
Nov 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Good luck passing this class with a good grade if you dont have a solid background in chemistry already. Dodson is nice but does not teach well for a 100 level class. His teaching style is all theory and proofs and does very little in actually showing you how to solve the problems on the hw and tests

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
CHEM121A
Grade: A
Nov 27, 2019
Would take again

This class is not difficult if you attend lectures. I didn't learn much from high school chemistry and I am doing well in his class. Just attend the exam review sessions and make sure you can do the quiz problems without looking it up. All homework is extra credit, but it takes too long to do. Just go to class and take notes

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: C
Dec 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Not exactly a stellar lecturer, but homework is extra credit (up to 4%). Although I had difficulty understanding the material in class, I attended the PASS sessions and did just fine on the tests. However, he is very nice, easily accessible, and understanding when things come up.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's a good professor and definitely knows his stuff. Probably the best one at UNR. However, the class is hard. 4 exams and a final. The homework is all extra credit. Online quizzes are hard and timed but if you do well on them they help your grade a ton. Practice exams are the most helpful for exams. Also doesn't do + or - for grades.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
CHEM121
Dec 12, 2019
Would take again

He gives practice exams so if you do them and learn from your mistakes so you know everything on the practice you'll be fine. Quizzes every week. Extra credit homework after every quiz. It was hard at the beginning and progressively got easier at least for me. Lectures are difficult to understand read book prior.

4.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2019
Would take again

He is a pretty good teacher compared to all the other Chem 121A professors. Make sure to go to his lectures and he explains everything that will be on the test during them. Do the homework's (boost up grade 4%) and the quizzes as it is a good review for the test. Only bad thing is he is not very patient and nice during his office hours.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
CHEM121
Grade: C
Dec 20, 2019
Would take again

This guy is the only reason why I passed chemistry. He is there for you, for anything you need. I have taken this class three times and he is the only person I could understand anything from.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
CHEM121
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2019
Would take again

Professor Dodson is a good teacher. He lectures the entire class so it can be pretty boring, but he is knowledgeable. The homework is all extra credit and there is a quiz for every chapter. He drops your lowest test score and provides practice tests for each exam. I recommend studying those and you will be on track to do well in the class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
3.0
CHEM330
Grade: A-
Apr 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take Dodson for Analytical chem. Worst professor at UNR. He doesn't write notes during class (he just talks at you) and does not explain concepts AT ALL. Has a pretentious and merciless personality so don't expect help. Only positive was the practice exams. Teaching myself the material from those exams was the only way I got a good grade.

Test heavy
2.0
3.0
CHEM121
Oct 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are really hard to follow, you're honestly better off just going for attendance then reading the textbook yourself. His quizzes and tests aren't too hard though. He's kind of a mean person and is definitely not suited for teaching a 100 class

2.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B
Nov 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I would not recommend taking his 121 class, I can't speak for his other classes though. He knows the material, but seems too advanced to be teaching it. Teaching yourself is the best way to pass. He mainly talks at you rather than giving examples or even taking questions. The only good thing is that out of the 4 exams, he drops the lowest one.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
3.0
CHEM121
Dec 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take Professor Dodson for chem 121. He doesnt seem to care much about his students. You basically have to teach yourself because he just talks to you most and if you ask him to go back a slide or to show any other example hell probably say no. So beware!!

1.0
5.0
CHEM121A
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Thought this class as if there was not a pandemic going on. Does not teach the material at all during lectures, feels like he expects us to learn the lesson ourselves. Was not at all lenient or understanding. Most of the time answered questions with an attitude and as if the answer was so obvious and sometimes didnt even answer the questions.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
CHEM121
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

With all honesty, Professor Dodson is not worth taking. All these reviews people are leaving are true.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM121
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2020
Would take again

The class is passable with outside resources but the lectures are useful. homie is speaking alien tongues and has a short fuse if you ask questions

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
CHEM121
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2020
Would take again

He covers a lot of content in lectures, bases all assignments off them too. He refuses to go over questions from older chapters during lectures. He is kinda rude during lectures and hates being interrupted. Attendance is graded, answering questions in lecture gives a lot of extra credit. He responds quickly to email and accepts 3 late assignments.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
CHEM121
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2020
Would take again

Dodson is great. Chemistry is hard, idk what people expect. He is a nice and caring man who wants us to succeed (literally drops the lowest exam and gives 5 extra-credit points). He can be short-tempered at times but thats only when people are wasting time by asking poorly-timed questions. I didnt even take chem in HS, but this class was easy.

1.0
3.0
CHEM330
Grade: Incomplete
Apr 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dodson sucks. He's a bitter man who couldn't be bothered to actually teach from his cushy tenured position as a professor. He has had real experience in analytical chemistry labs and knows his stuff, I don't doubt that - the issue is that he can't be bothered to actually teach material, answer questions on content, or not be a snarky ding dong.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
2.0
3.0
CHEM122
Apr 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He made us buy a whole other program that takes attendance for him just so he didn't have to do it himself which was kind of annoying. Dodson can be pretty rude and blunt towards students. He seems like a good guy that has a lot of bad days if that makes sense. Otherwise, the class is pretty straightforward and overall just mediocre.

5.0
2.0
CHEM122
Grade: A
May 8, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Dodson taught the material well, and the class was an easy A for me. He also gave tons of extra credit through in-class participation. His tests were somewhat difficult, but the homework is essentially free points anyways. Lots of his students will whine that he didnt give more extra credit, but they couldve easily earned a higher grade.

Accessible outside class
Inspirational
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: A
May 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

If you take this class, expect to teach yourself nearly every concept. His lectures are basically useless in explaining content, but attendance/participation is a grade booster. Can be fairly callous and condescending, so don't ask him any questions unless super necessary. Tests and quizzes are nothing like practice material. Read the textbook!

Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: B
May 18, 2021
Would take again

Professor Dodson is an interesting guy. He's very understanding of late work and will reopen missed assignments for you. He rounds grades and is a pretty fair professor. Get ready to teach yourself a lot of chemistry though. The structure of his class is wonderful, but the teaching is a little hard to follow.

Test heavy
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2021
Would take again

Ehhh, he is an alright professor. Learning general chem is hard so it is to be expected for the class to be hard. 4 exams (all online-not proctored), only have to take one exam in the testing center. Going to the lectures does not really help except to just get the notes which usually do not make sense. Just go to the tutoring center to pass.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B+
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Kind of a typical professor for this subject. I never showed up to any lectures and have maintained a B. Attendance is mandatory, but it's only 1 point per lecture which he puts in at the end of the semester (attendance is 3% of the grade). There were 4 exams plus one final and all have been what you would expect for the course material.

Participation matters
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
CHEM121
Grade: C+
Jan 3, 2022
Would take again

He just was very chaotic and his lectures were confusing. Does not follow the textbook material so I couldn't really do extra studying.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B+
Mar 29, 2022

dude teaches to himself and ignores the entire class. max one example per topic, and he will go oh wow I cant believe I remembered that and skip the explanation to the class.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2022
Would take again

Go to his lectures and take notes. His lectures are great and they make the subject more interesting because he teaches about real-life applications. If you pay attention, you will understand the topics better. Attend the PASS sessions and/or study and you will do fine on the quizzes and exams (which are all online).

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B
Apr 11, 2022
Would take again

Prof. Dodson definitely has a teaching style not everyone will enjoy. If you take good notes and follow up with the charts from the book you should be fine. Great at writing and taking and because he writes it's not at an unreasonable pace. Open note and open book everything, mainly online tests, quizzes, and homework. Wish I could take him for 122

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 14, 2022

If you don't already have a good understanding of chemistry, be ready to spend hours a week teaching yourself. You are much better off reading the textbook or watching YouTube tutorials on the subject because nothing he says in his lectures is clear or organized, and nothing makes sense. Test material isn't the same as practice material either.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
1.0
121A
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 14, 2022

Dodson just talks, lectures dont teach you anything. Is super rude and yells at students. Would not recommend taking his class.

1.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Apr 21, 2022
Wouldn't take again

This class was very difficult since his lecture were all over the place and taking notes was basically impossible. be ready to read the textbook and for the exams to have questions he never talked about.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A
Apr 25, 2022

Even though Dodson seems to know the content, he is not a good teacher. His lectures are all over the place and he goes on tangents about random information with no PowerPoints or notes. In order to learn you have to read the textbook on your own while attempting to understand the homework and quizzes he makes up.

1.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A+
Apr 27, 2022

DO NOT TAKE HIM You can sit here and read all the 5 star reviews you want, but they are lying. This guy is by far the worst teacher I have ever had. His lectures are nonsense and he rambles about whatever he wants. You will learn nothing from him so get ready to read the book. He doesn't help you prepare for the next level. Don't waste your time.

Get ready to read
1.0
3.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B
Apr 28, 2022

Be ready to teach yourself because his lectures teach you absolutely nothing.

Get ready to read
2.0
2.0
CHEM122
Grade: B
Apr 29, 2022

Weekly homework assignments and quizzes. All test were open note, open book. He knows what he's talking about but he rambles on and on about everything under the sun. Lectures are very boring and he doesn't post his notes or anything so don't miss class if you can. Wouldn't recommend if you have a hard time staying focused.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
122A
Grade: B
May 1, 2022

Dodson is the kind of guy who knows what he's talking about but doesn't know how to teach others. I think his grading is unclear and his lectures are confusing. Be ready to just read the textbook and teach yourself. But, you also have to go to lecture because he puts lecture-specific questions on quizzes and tests.

Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
May 3, 2022

It is absolutely pivotal that you read the textbook if you want an A in this class. The professor and the lectures sound knowledgeable yet probably only teach 60 percent of the homework, quiz, and exam questions. I regret the 2 hours and 30 minutes a week spent here and honestly rather take 2 English classes :)

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: C+
May 5, 2022

He does not care about his students. He is very difficult to work with, and is extremely strict. You will also have to be prepared to teach yourself because he teaches like you already know and understand the material.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: C+
May 6, 2022

Dr. Dodson is a horrible professor. His lectures rarely went over the material tested and instead was spent rambling. If you failed the final you will automatically fail the class even if you have a 100% in the class. He never curves and i would never recommend him to my worst enemy.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: A
May 11, 2022

Dodson does not teach. He often goes on rambles and wastes your time. If you want to learn the material, you HAVE to read the textbook. Beware of this professor, he will ruin your GPA.

Tough grader
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B
Dec 5, 2022
Would take again

Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Lectures are quite talk-heavy with little input from students but if you study and review the quizzes and homework and understand what is being asked, you'll do fine on exams. Review exams are beneficial and you'll do fine if you attend the PASS sessions. Review the book.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
CHEM330
Grade: B
Dec 5, 2022
Would take again

Lectures mostly consist of working problems and explaining why certain apparatus works. Not required to attend for good exam grades, but I feel like it helped. (The textbook chapter homework problem/solution book can be asked for in the KC's front desk.)

Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
4.0
CHEM121A
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2022
Would take again

Go to lectures he explains the concepts from the textbook in more intuitive and concise ways. You'll have to put in time outside of class to feel comfortable using equations and applying concepts but that's to be expected for tougher classes. Gave fair curves for the exams. To do good on his exams do the practice exams and homework without notes

Accessible outside class
1.0
3.0
122A
Grade: B
Apr 4, 2023

This teacher is terrible DO NOT TAKE IT with him !! The exams were not too bad but if you are willing to spend hours reading the textbook and teaching yourself take it with him but he is not good at explaining anything, he goes on random tangents and does not care if you pass and is overall rude. Take my advice and do not take it with him !!

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B+
Apr 21, 2023
Would take again

I've taken him both 121&122: one class at 6pm the other at noon, always take him in during the day. This is an entry-level chem class and you have to be ready to help yourself out but he is not as bad as everyone says he is. He is lecture heavy but you have to spend max 3 hours of the week teaching yourself but this is normal in all STEM classes

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
CHEM121A
Grade: B+
Aug 16, 2023

I'll start by saying that the rating of this professor is entirely accurate. It's not too late to switch out of his class. I am aware that changing your schedule can be challenging, but it is preferable to achieve a good grade at the end than run into some difficulties in the beginning. I cried every night because I had to teach everything myself.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Sep 23, 2023

I thought I understood everything in lectures, and then I realized he didn't even talk about what he was gonna ask for in the quizzes. He is not good at explaining. In fact, he doesn't explain anything. If you don't read the book, you won't survive.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2023
Would take again

He really isn't as horrible as everyone paints him out to be. If you go to his office hours he is actually very helpful and understanding. However, the way he lectures is difficult to follow and the tests are difficult. I read every chapter and took good notes and I still struggled to get a good grade in his class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
3.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2023

Fast in lecture. So look at the notes on files, write it before class. Also heavily dependent on reading the text but I learned mostly from practice exams (writing the reason why/how that's the answer). Generous with extra credit work. Genuinely nice when he sees you're actually making the effort to learn, he really just wants students to succeeds.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 27, 2024

Be ready to teach yourself everything. His lectures do not prepare you for homeworks or exams, it is mostly him just talking about irrelevant information. Use the pass instructor to actually learn equations, I personally do not benefit from his lectures in class, I have to tach myself Take it with someone else if you can

Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
Mar 12, 2024
Would take again

Professor Dodson is not as bad as many of these reviews. He is very non-nonsense and straight forward, his lectures use a lot of real life examples. He also gives extra credit for attending lecture! Be aware that he will not explain everything, you will need to use common sense and some problem solving for some quiz and homework questions.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: B-
Apr 12, 2024

All I can say is that if you have to take chem with this professor then I feel feel sorry for you. Without going in to great detail, I will just say this. He is a horrible teacher

3.0
5.0
122A
Grade: A
Apr 17, 2024
Would take again

To be honest, he is very straight forward, attitude but I thought I was going to fail my first exam. But he gives extra credits when you go to his lectures, when he write something, write it on your notes because it will be on the exam. Don't just look up the answers for the homework and quizzes at least try, you'll end up with an A.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 22, 2024

Not as bad as everyone says. Maybe he got better over time. He offers a lot of extra credit. Exam questions are very similar to homework, quizzes, study guides, and in-class examples. There are some things that he doesn't explain because you are expected to read the textbook. As long as you take notes and do the assignments honestly you'll pass.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B-
May 1, 2024

I have had several mental breakdowns and panick attacks this semester while trying to teach myself chemistry. This professor just seems to go on random tangents and does a very poor job teaching. I read all of the previous reviews and now it is my turn to suffer. I hope you don't end up with him as your chem professor

1.0
5.0
CHEM122
Grade: B
May 7, 2024

Short tempered and non-compassionate. Lectures do not prepare you for success in the course. you will need to rely on yourself and the PASS leader to pass his class

3.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A-
May 10, 2024

Gives examples in-class that enable you to do most of the hw and quiz questions. I only ever used the textbook when homework referred to a table or graph. Exams are similar to homework, quiz, and practice exam questions. Offers extra credit. Pay attention to everything in lecture, and do the hw/quizzes without looking them up.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: C
May 12, 2024

This man cannot teach chemistry. He seems to know what he is talking about but cannot relay this information effectively at all. The notes are hard to read and very unhelpful. He randomly gets in a mood and will snap at students. Do NOT take this professor unless you're willing to teach yourself everything and are already strong in chemistry.

4.0
3.0
122A
Grade: A
May 13, 2024
Would take again

i havent taken 121 for a few years and walked into the final with a 98%. his expectations are straightforward and i actually found his lectures to be refined. full disclosure: i did read most of the textbook (mostly bc chemistry is critical to my degree) but he's not as hard or bad as the reviews make him out to be. solid old school professor.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: C+
May 16, 2024

Bottom line, he does not care about his students. If you do not come into the class with a previous knowledge of chem, if your starting college at the age of 24 like me, you will not do well. He does not teach, he is more of a suplement to all of teaching you have to do yourself. He is a standard old school mean professor, should not teach in 2024

1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: B-
May 17, 2024

Dr Dodson had no ability to teach, he is obviously extremely knowledgeable but can not relay information in a way that students without prior knowledge can learn from. As a student that struggled with the material, I found him to be very condescending when I needed help. This has been a problem for many years, but nothing changes = harm students

4.0
3.0
CHEM122A
Grade: A
May 23, 2024
Would take again

He was an alright professor. He spent a lot of time rambling though, and instead of listening to lectures I just read the textbook, which I think was more helpful. His tests are not the most difficult and he does offer extra credit. Use the PASS review slides, practice exams, and textbook, and you'll pass. Pacing can be weird sometimes though

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM122
Grade: B+
Jun 27, 2024

He was an okay professor...I personally don't think he taught chem 122 efficiently and I struggled a lot with certain concepts. His extra credit is a life saver though, so I would recommend showing up to every lecture if you want that grade boost.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: C+
Nov 25, 2024

Dodson is actually the worst professor ever, and the whole school knows it. It has gotten to a point where advisors warn the students that they will ruin their GPA taking his class. He claimed over 200 points of extra credit in the syllabus but my class only received 25 points. He also goes on 40 min off topic rants every class. DO NOT TAKE DODSON.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM122
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2024
Would take again

Craig is a terrific lecturer and a very kind and understanding person. He has pop quizzes in class but only for extra credit. Everybody that I have heard criticize him sits in the back of the class where they cannot see nor hear what he is doing in class. His lecture style allows each board he uses to fill 1/2 a page of notes and is comprehensive.

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
5.0
CHEM122A
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2024

DO NOT TAKE HIM Worst professor I've ever had.

Tough grader
2.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: C+
Dec 4, 2024

This class is very lecture heavy which is unfortunate when the lectures are not taught well. He clearly knows the subject however he teaches with the expectation that you have already read the chapter and have a good understanding of the subject. His most redeeming characteristic is he is easy to get a hold of work with on due dates.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 5, 2024

Save yourself. Don't take this class. His lectures do not relate to the test material and in his syllabus, he tells you that you must go teach yourself the information. Im not paying the money to go to this school to teach myself the information that's your job. All of his lectures are definitions with no examples.

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM122
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2024

He wasn't as bad as other professors I have had, but he wasn't the best either. Someone else mentioned all the bad reviews come from those in the back, I sit in the first row and even I have a hard time seeing the board and understanding what he is saying. He is also not very accessible outside of class and a bit rude when asked a question.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
122A
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2024

although i am going to get an A, he is a god awful professor. This A was purely from the work I did outside of class, he helped ZERO. he is one of the worst professors I have ever had. His lectures are more to show how smart he is; not to just teach the concepts to the students in a digestible manner. do not take him. just dont.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: B+
Dec 19, 2024

I am completely baffled by the fact that UNR continues to employ this horrible excuse of a professor. He obviously has a long history of horrible teaching and there is no consequence. Do not take the class with him, even if it sets you back a semester just avoid him. Or else be prepared to teach yourself chemistry, he can't teach at all.

Get ready to read
2.0
4.0
122A
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2024

His only saving grace is that the practice exams are very similar to the exams. His lectures are absolutely terrible, but it's worth it to go because he does extra credit (which is the reason why I ended the course with an A). Other than that, you basically teach yourself. CHEM122 is not for the weak. If you have a choice, do NOT take Dodson.

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
122A
Grade: C
Dec 20, 2024

Absolutely should not be allowed to teach anymore, this professor has years of poor performance and continues to do a horrible job every semester. Not only can he not teach, he is a mean old school professor, who loses his temper and shouts at students during lecture in front of the huge class. It's 2024 now we need a change.

Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
CHEM122A
Grade: B
Feb 11, 2025
Would take again

Professor Dodson's teaching style takes some adjustment, but the course is doable if you put in the work. Reading the textbook, using PASS review slides, and practicing with past exams are key. Unstuck study also proved a helpful study tool alongside traditional resources.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

27%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 90 grades
Most common grades:
A (22)
B (21)
B+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(26)B(26)C(22)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(12)
Based on 101 reported grades
A: 22
B: 21
B+: 10
C+: 9
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (26)
EXTRA CREDIT (25)
Test heavy (24)
Skip class? You won't pass. (23)
Get ready to read (23)
Clear grading criteria (14)
Tough grader (14)
Accessible outside class (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.53 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM122

3.2

(15)

CHEM330

2.8

(4)

CHEM122A

2.7

(26)

CHEM121

2.6

(21)

CHEM121A

2.5

(29)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

122A

4.4

CHEM122A

4.0

CHEM121

4.0

CHEM121A

3.9

CHEM122

3.6

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