Tough teacher but gives good practice tests and quizzes. Can be funny if you show him a good sense of humor. Ask him to line dance. :)

Dan Burns is by far one of better teachers I have had for Chemistry! Very organised, loves chemistry and challenges how you think. His lectures are sometimes hard to understand(esp if you havent read the chapter before class!), but makes extra effort to help those sincerely interested in learning.

Prof.Burns is actually a really good teacher.If you read the chapters b4 class it'll really simplify stuff for you.Also,he gives practice exams,labexams,quizes.He is willing to help.So as long as u study,and do your practice exams,ur golden.if u have a prob. w/him, its ur own fault for not studying!

Great teacher. people complaining are just stupid. He couldn't make it any easir to pass unless he just gave you an A. Practice exams are the same and lab exames, just changes a few numbers.

GREAT PROF. very fast in the lecture. labs are extremely hard. not an easy prof. droping rate is over 60%. really know what the heck he is talking about. has his own way of everything; learn to know them and you will be fine. LOVED his class. he will make you feel like stupid at first, but answers

Burns is great. If you read the chapter before class you'll be fine. I assure you that people who are whining about him did not do this. If you are willing to work he is the best gen-chem teacher there. Good luck study hard!

Don't let Mr. Burns' stern exterior fool you! He is actually very helpful and extremely informative. If your willing to put in the effort, he is willing to help you pass the class.

This guy knows his stuff. The practice tests are very similar to actual exams, so those who complain are not doing their part of the deal. Sometimes he is hard to follow.

Dan Burns was the best chemistry teacher that I have ever known! I took three chem classes with him at Sierra. I have become a professor of chemistry myself. (so I should know!)

Mr. Burns is an excellent teacher, and he doesn't cradle you like a baby like many instructors found at the community college level. This guy is straight-up, "real college" material. Chem. 1A is not too difficult a class, just more so time-consuming than anything else, and Burns will prepare you for when you get the heck out of Sierra.

Mr Burns is an excellent teacher. He tells u upfront what he wants. provide u with practice exams which are almost the same as the real ones. If u do not do well after that then it is ur fault not the teacher's. However, the class is hard and time consuming. Good luck.

I did not care for Mr. burns at all at the beginning of the semester, but he warms up a lot if you make it through to the end. The class takes a lot of work but if you put in the time it is very rewarding at the end

Burns was really nice and helpful

Do NOT underestimate 1A. It’s not the teacher’s fault it’s a hard class. Very straightforward and tells you exactly how everything is. Take class SERIOUSLY, play by HIS RULES, and do what it takes to learn it conceptually. Practice exams are EXACTLY like actual ones. Burns is best source for ?’s but FORM STUDY GROUPS. Got an A, so take it from me.

Do NOT underestimate 1A. Its not the teachers fault its a hard class. Very straightforward and tells you exactly how everything is. Take class SERIOUSLY, play by HIS RULES, and do what it takes to learn it conceptually. Practice exams are EXACTLY like actual ones. Burns is best source for ?s but FORM STUDY GROUPS. Got an A, so take it from me.

I've had Burns for both 1A/1B, he is NOT as horrible as people make him out to be!! Yes, it's a very challenging course, but he's very clear on what you need to know, and he IS always willing to help, you just have to be willing to ask! You do have to put in a lot of hard work, but this IS college! It is very rewarding in the end, and there's a re

Mr. Burns was probably one of my most hardest teachers. Sure his class is hard and he sometimes dislikable and he makes you feel stupid sometimes, but he knows his stuff. Take advantage of the practice quizes and tests. They help alot. His lectures are boring, fell asleep alot, but it was in the morning. Overall, Burns is actually a good teacher.

Definitely a hard class, but if you do the practice quizzes, exams, and homework, you should do fine. Burns is really cool once you get to know him, and he definitely knows his Chemistry!

The class definately requires WORK..as long as you do the prac stuff and read its not too bad. Burns does tend to make you feel stupid but once you get past your ego he is loads of help. All an all it wasn't a bad class and he is a good teacher. I totally think I should get extra credit for this =)

Mr. Burns does have very high standards for his teaching, but it is NOT unrealistic. He is always willing to help. In 1A I was a little intimidated by him, but once you get to know him and his teaching style, he is actually a very good teacher. The is a lot of work required to suceed in his class, but very rewarding in the end.

this class requires much time for labs, also make sure you get your homework done. sign up for 1y for tons of help. if you pay attention you should have no problem.

Definitely not the easiest teacher out there, but if you can stick it out, pay attention and don't be afraid to ask for help, the class shouldn't be a problem to pass. Chemistry itself isnt an easy subject and you can't go in there expecting an easy A or easy B. it takes a lot of time and work

Mr. Burns is not the easiest teacher, but be willing to work hard, listen closely, do all the homework, work out the practise exams and quizzes and you can pass. Burns seems distant at first, but will warm up. He wants you to do well, be serious about your study. Ask questions! Form study groups. You will know your chemistry and pass too.

Had this teacher for Chem 1A and Chem 1B. Difficult class, but do what Mr. Burns asks, all the homework, reading chapters, practise quizes and practise exams and you will know your chemistry and pass. Burns seems distant at first but will warm up. Ask questions, although he seems hard to approach.

Professor Burns expects you to come prepared. If you review the notes and prepare, you will be fine. He has you do a lot of tedious HW, if you can do the HW, you shouldn't have a problem passing this class. He gives you plenty of aids to succeed. Don't hate him because he didn't give you an A. You earn the A; work hard, you should receive it.

Prof. Burns was a difficult teacher, but I think his teaching style prepares students for classes at larger universities.

A really cool guy. He expects students to be serious about his class. At the first few weeks, he seems like try to make people drop the class. Actually he's helping you. Then when the last day to drop the class passed,he pays attention to stds who still survive and is willing to help out whenever you need.

Seriously? Quit whining. All the people who gave him bad ratings didn't ask for help. Once I asked him for help the first time, he was awesome one on one. Plus, once he can see that you work hard and won't quit or drop, he warms up a lot. Labs run long but they are the same ones every other class has to do. DO THE PRACTICE PROBLEMS. Good class.

His class is tough. Yes this is chem 1a, but he is MUCH harder than other teachers. He grades pretty ridiculously. I got every answer right on a test and got an 86... Also, problems must be done HIS way even if your way is valid. That being said, he is very willing to help if you need it and he's a nice guy.

Yes Burns is not the most friendly in the beginning of class but he admires hard work and as long as he sees u trying he will be fine with u. Chem 1a is not easy period. His practice exams are identical to problems on the test. If you know that you should be fine. Also, know your sig figs. It will cost u. I got all the answers right & got like 50.

You will learn chemistry in this class, and be prepared for higher courses. That said, the class is extremely hard, don't take a full class load and this class. Use the practice tests. He will help you if you don't come off as not doing your work. A young earth creationist, briefly talked about it in chem1b, completely inappropriate and dishonest.

Mr. Burns's Chem 1A is without a doubt the hardest class I have ever had. Lectures are only moderately helpful, with the majority of learning being at home from book. Insane amounts of homework. Impossible to take with full load unless not working. He is helpful if approached at the right time. You come away from class knowing a lot and prepaired.

Burns is a tough love kind of teacher, lectures are clear+precise if u read beforehand. The pace is fast so keep up! He is more than happy to answer questions in his OFFICE HOURS,he may make u feel a bit silly,but he wants YOU to generate an answer,u will be asked to THINK! Hard grader but he tell you SPECIFICALLY what hes looking for in lecture.

This chemistry class is definitely hard (but chemistry is hard). However, if you are willing to work hard, come to class every day, read the book, do all the practice quizzes and tests and ask questions, you will do well. I did all of the above and earned As in both Chem 1A and Chem 1B. Mr. Burns is a nice teacher but also fair.

The people who complain in his class are the people who dont pay attention or do ANY work, then they get mad at him because he "doesnt teach" or "doesnt help". i got an A in his class and its not hard. just do the assigned work and pay attention when he tells you info and you will be FINE

Mr Burns was the best professor that I ever had!

I thoroughly enjoyed taking general chemistry with Burns. It is very work intensive, as any chemistry class should be. I recommend you take general chemistry with Burns if you plan to take it. He certainly loves what he does.

Prof Burns is one of my favorites. I took 1A /1B and for sure his teaching style and grading is very peculiar and systematic to get used to.He gives out practice lab exams and tests that are almost identical to actual. Work through problems with tutors and study groups. Moving as a unit makes you stronger as an individual. Come at me bro!

Chemistry 1A is not an easy class, it requires exensive studying!!! if you do not commit to this class you will end up like the rest of the people complaining. the professor does everything he shoud to help you. he is willing to help you, ONLY IF YOU TAKE THE TIME FOR IT. Lab is the hard part, but he is always there to answer questions

Dan Burns is the best chemistry teacher that I have ever had! Yes, his class is tough, but if you want to truly learn chemistry, Mr. Burns is the teacher that you want.

I loved this class! Mr. Burns is one of most helpful nicest profs I have ever had. He grades tough but gives you the prior semesters practice exams and quizes to study and do before tests. Other Chem profs don't do that. And it is Chem. it is going to be hard. He is willing to help you if you ask! I only wish he was teaching chem 5 also!!

He seems short, condescending, and unapproachable at first. He's a good teacher, he just wants you to put in the time and effort to actually learn and retain the information. Once he sees your effort, he's more helpful. Read. Study. Ask questions. He gives practice quizzes and tests are almost verbatim to the actual quizzes and exams. Study those!

I really like Mr. Burns. Compared to other chem teachers I have had his class is much more structured. You KNOW what will be on the test and quizzes if you do his practice things he gives you. That said it's still a chem class, so be prepared to study a LOT. While he reviews the materials in class you are already expected to have read the chapters.

I've never met a man so painfully strict yet delightfully pleasant.Yes he's hard, but if you invest time and study the material (don't just do the hw once)you'll do fine. He always smiles when he helps me with chem, no matter how many times I ask him to clarify things. He's a fantastic teacher, and I hope I never have to take him again.

This professor wants you to know the information inside out. Gives practice exams & quizzes, which are helpful but will still find a way to get you confused on the real deal. If you will take this professor, make sure to take Chemistry 1Y because he gives tips on how everything needs to be done to get an A in his class.

Don't listen to the horrible comments on here. You know they were written by students who took Burns' class without any drive or effort. Admit it, he's a good teacher. He's extremely knowledgable and is more than willing to help if YOU come to HIM. He doesn't spoon-feed you, and you shouldn't expect him to. We're in college. He's tough but fair.

He's such a funny guy! He can be intimidating at first, but your hard work will shine through and he'll warm up to you. Just keep swimming!

Im still in his class currently, it is by all means a difficult course but that is the nature of the subject. He can be extremely helpful or can make you feel kinda dumb. i Believe it depends on the questions you ask and if you have attempted to try to figure it out your self before hand

I use to think Rate My professor is always true but in this case I found it to be not so true. He's rating should be over 4. Just hang on for a few weeks and learn his way of teaching than you may never want to leave his class. Don't judge him or compare him to other teachers and definitely do not listen to negative students.

He is an awesome teacher. He is been teaching for 36 years! He knows his materials. You should take his class before he retire. He gives practice tests which are very helpful. They make me study more and make me want to get A on his tests. If you want to get a good great and have fun studying this is the class to do so.

He cares about his class and loves to teach. He is great when he connects the class material to the real world. He knows the general chemistry like back of his hand. After finishing his class you not only learned chemistry but you should feel like professor Burns has made you a stronger student.

Burns is always more than willing to help if you come to him. Those who complain about him not being clear about what he expects simply aren't putting the effort in to seek out that help. Yes, he's a tough teacher, but his class is worthwhile. Just stay on top of your work, don't be afraid to go to him for help, and you'll be just fine.

Isn't as hard as portrayed: Only difficult because people don't think outside of the box during exams. If you had hard time in Chemistry 1A; REVIEW FOR YOUR OWN GOOD before taking this class. He is very approachable and easy to talk to (Hint: He hates being asked 1A questions).

THIS CLASS IS NO JOKE, its hard, but Burns is really helpful if you ask him for help. He is very reasonable on test bc gives practice exams that are very similar to the tests and he answers all your questions. These bad comments are all from ppl who dropped. very knowledgeable and super nice. def take him coz the summer teacher is just horrible.

This was the hardest class i have ever taken. He can be confusing at times, but if you approach him one on one he will help you. I found sometimes i had to ask very precise questions in order to get helpful answers. He gives practice tests and quizzes, 1Y is a must. while it was very challenging, Burns turned me into a better student.

How to get an A: Join 1Y (mandatory). Take T/R lab. Read chapters ahead of lecture, and do all HW. Exams all very similar (recycled from past years), so get many past exams for practice. Labs very difficult; find a way to get help. Do well on quizzes (they replace worst exam; first and last exam = difficult). ASK if unsure; he is approachable.

It is a very hard class but when you are done, you have learned a lot of material. It is very important to read ahead before the class lectures. Chem 1Y, the problem solving class, is very helpful. He knows the subject well and is very easy to approach, but he won't just tell you how. He wants you to work through the problem.

He needs to be teaching both chemistries, he is patient and so kind. He will work with you until you know the information. If you ask him questions he will answer every single one of them. He goes a lot slower in class and gives you extra time on test! He always makes sure you understand the information well enough! Wonderful teacher.