This class was a living nightmare. He teaches well, but tests HARD

This class is hard, but he's a pretty straight forwared guy. He lets you know what he wants. Very picky grader, but makes you more prepared for the next chemistry sequence.

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I learned nothing in Chem 1 and everything i was supposed to learn in that class, Don stayed after class and made sure I learned it. He really cares and will make you work your --- off but you'll come out really learning something.

Don is a great teacher. He really has a passion for chemistry, and knows how to explain in "lamens" terms. He really does care as long as you care and put in the effort. Very helpful after class.

Always willing to help, just got to step up to it. Chem1&2 make up chm1 & 30% of chm2 @ UF--people that complain should drop this mjr. The material is basic, some poeple just dont kno how to drink & study(Basically showup) He teaches for the Laymen

Swieter is a good teacher and if you are not a good student you will not do well in his class. Its basically, you either know it or you don't.

awsome lecture.impossible test.

The "Don" is a hard professor, but he really cares how his students do in his class and other chem classes. His tests are close to impossible but he is a good guy.

He is a great lecturer, and covers all the material thouroughly. He will put in all the time you need in his office, but watch out for his tests! You'll need to know your stuff to get an A, but it can be done.

Don is a good guy.His tests are HARD, but he will miss his lunch to help out a student.I believe if you're studying for a pre-proffesional exam he'll send your score through the roof.

Don is a great teacher. He will do anything for a student. For those preparing for the MCAT or PCAT this man will teach you the stuff. Don't get me wrong you will work your tail off. He is not easy, but if you put in the work and study like he says and stay ontop of things you will be alright.

Very hard course. Great teacher! He will not dumb down material.This course is for serious students who are prepared for a challenge and a great education. Don cares very much and will help those who request it. He picks the trickiest questions for the test so make sure you can manipulate the math.

A great professor who really wants everyone to succeed, I had a problem in the middle of the semester & he was very supportive & understanding. Myself and my study partner both studied our butts off, learned a hellofalot about chemistry, and both got A's. Really glad i took this course. Not easy.

anyone who blames their failures on this OR ANY teacher needs to be reminded that you're in college now!!! Sweiter is a great teacher. Stop relying on curves, and extra credit to pass the class. I had absolutely no chemistry backgound and got 95 or higher on ever test. Go to class, study your notes, and understand the concepts!It's not a free ride.

Great teacher, but is one of the toughest teacher's ever. The test are extremely hard. He is a great lecturer, and i advise that you do go to his office if you have questions.

Thought he was a good teacher. Labs are incredibly time consuming, but overall the class isn't terribly difficult, because the grading scale is somewhat generous (85% for A). He's accessible and will help. His writing sucks, but he knows it and will read it back to you if you ask. I suggest sitting at the front and reading the text too...

very helpful, easy A(85%) you will get an A if you study

I pulled an A but the class was rough! I studied more for this class than i ever have before. Labs suck, crazy hard too. He's a good teacher as far as helping you learn the material but expects you to know chemistry inside an out.

I hated him for the first month, but then I got used to his admittedly strange sense of humor. He demands a lot from his students, but will spend hours with them in his office to help, going over the stuff as many times as necessary. He's very smart, knows a ton about chemistry. The tests aren't that difficult if you've studied the homeworks.

Very hard course. Very helpful in office hours. Nice guy,doesn't seem to want anyone to know that. A little impatient,makes you feel stupid. If you really want to learn subject and be ready for the next level, he is great. Work all problems on his homework sheets,they are on the tests. Gives no extra credit or breaks. Very picky in lab. Stressful

First off, don't even bother taking chem unless you're prepared to put a lot of time and effort into studying. It's gonna be hard regardless of who your professor is. That said, Swieter isn't that bad of a choice. He's a fairly nice guy, and explains things excellently when on a one-to-one basis. However, he tests hard, so watch out!

Presented the material in a clear manner and made chem interesting. Tests are extremely hard but you learn a lot. Will go out of his way to help you outside of class.

Makes you work extremely hard amd actually care about what you are learning. He comes off mean but he is extremely helpful outside of class. Be prepared to study alot!

Great teacher! If you attend class everyday and pay attention his class is easy, I'd only recommend him for science majors though. He loves chemistry and wants you to understand. Notes are straight forward and exact, you do not need a text book for him! He is very big on sig figs and rounding correctly, ppl lose lots of points for that on tests!

You must be prepared to attend class every day, and be a good note-taker; starts out rough to "weed out" the students who won't put forth the effort, but comes around towards the middle of the semester, and is very helpful outside of class. Don't take his class if you're not a science major, it'll be a waste of time and unneeded stress.

Don was very tough in the beginning, the class average for our first test was 44, but after that he started spending more time on material making sure we understood it. I think he is a good professor now, but you will spend countless hours going for the A.

don is probably one of the best chem professors at sfc. everyone does horrible on his first test probably cuz it was a weedout and then his next two are pretty easy if you get a study group and study ur butts off. his handwritting is absolutely terrible though...sit in the front row!!

He is one of the best teachers i have ever had. Let me tell you something, he is hard and one of the pickiest teachers, but after you take him, trust me you will be riding easy in CHM 2045. Im in the next chm class and im top of the class,It is now that i appreciate his teaching.

Ok here is the truth about Donnie's class...if you are not planning to go on to any kind of a scientific based grad school then don't take him because he does expect you to know your chem. Now for all of you people going into the science or medical fields you should not be in the easy A mentality. Asking his help+ making an effort= good grade.

I worked hard, got an A, and now I know the material. He is a good professor, but he challenges you and expects you to show him that you know the material on the test. If you are taking Chem 1, you probably need Chem 2 and maybe OChem also. IF you can pass his class, you will be ready for Chem 2. Bottom line, take him if you need to know Chemistry.

Swieter is difficult if you didn't take a hard high school chem like AP. He is a nice guy, and will help but you HAVE TO ask. He doesn't feel bad if you are failing, and he will just tell you to work harder. He is NOT for the meek, or faint of heart. Material is hard, and if you work hard and study everyday it is possible to pass him.

I am going to be direct, he does care about his students, but does not tolerate lazy students. You have to attend his office hours and class, it is a MUST to pass his class. No textbook is necessary, the tests are based upon his online homework sets and notes. Only 5 labs, so not much room for mistakes. I feel as though I have learned a great deal.

This mans class, although difficult, is great if you're going to be a science major. He knows his stuff and he explains things well. If you pay attention in class and if you're not understanding the material he's willing help you understand it. He may seem a bit off putting with his methods, but he's attempting to get you thinking for yourself.

Class is HARD but its chemistry. He knows everything to the point. Although its a demanding class he'll help you understand what his teaching. Labs are easy if you know your stuff. Must read handouts and notes. Class shouldn't be missed. Book is not required but its good to have. Overall this teacher is sweet and kind no matter what grade I got.

Truly one of the best teachers i have ever had. Not only did Swieter help me understand the material, but he inspired me to become passionate about chemistry. His class was by no measure easy, it required effort and was time consuming but I still pulled and A and come the final exam, i felt prepared. Only advice actually work through the homework.

Started the class with about 40 students, down to 18 in the last week (8 got an 80 or above on the last test). Very time demanding. Must do the HW, labs, and visit his office. He wants you to know the material and its a Very hard class. Tends to ramble but most of the time can manage to get everything covered. Good luck, you are going to need it.

This is one of the best professors in the chemistry department. Do not be intimidated by what you have read below. This man sincerely cares about his students and he wants you to learn the material the right way. He is always helpful and willing to stay after class to answer questions. Take this teacher you will not regret it!

He grades hard and expects you to know how to apply what you study, but you really learn chemistry in his class. He is extremely helpful as well, I started going to his office hours after the first test and he went over everything I had trouble with, even if it was stupid, like how to use my scientific calculator. Definitely recommend him.

Very tough professor. However, you will learn chemistry in this class. He will prepare you well for CHM2045 and CHM 2046. Tough grader, but he explains everything that will be on a test, and expect anything that has been covered to be tested.

His course is hard, so I recommend you do not to take many other classes with this one. He will help you as much as you need. Measurements will be on 2 tests, so make sure you know it. And do the homework sets, it will help you a lot

Dr. Swieter is a tough professor, but he is very helpful. Chemistry in itself is difficult, If you attend class and office hours regularly and do the homework sets, you should be fine. If you're motivated and actually want to learn chemistry, I would seriously recommend him. He is the BEST Chemistry professor at SF hands down. Good luck!

Dr. Swieter is definitely a difficult professor, however he is the best. Students who aren't willing to work for their grade should steer clear. This course time consuming. Dr. Swieter is always willing to help, if you ask for it. He prefers that students want to learn Chemistry and put forth effort to do succeed. Overall, an outstanding professor.

Dr. Swieter is hands down the best Chemistry professor at SF. If you don't have an interest in learning (and learning to work on your own) take someone else. If you are only interested in doing the minimum, take someone else. Dr. Swieter is helpful but he can't read minds so you must ask for it. 3 exams + final. Does not use any specific text.

Hands down the best instructor I've ever had for any class ever. High school included. Regardless of what some comments below say, if you go to class, pay attention, and take notes you will do well. I did all of the suggested homework sets and studied only the notes I took in class, and I got an 86, 99, and 100 on the the 3 exams. Earn your grade!

Don is the cream of the crop. Hands down the best prof I have ever had.

Took for intro 2 chem and pretty much relearned everything I already had my 2 years of high school chem. Needless to say, I thought I knew it until I took this class and I ended up overestimating myself. DONT BUY THE RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK! He will tell you the first day to use any book you want. Somewhat easy to talk to but he expects you to study.

Harsh grader but grading scale is curved to make up for it. Explains material thoroughly and clearly. Delves deeper than other teachers. Helpful when you have questions. No surprises on the tests. Do the homework sets, study your notes and you should be good. Many people dropped but I didn't see theirfaces in office hours if that tells you anything

Hands down! Professor Swieter is INTELLIGENT! He definitely knows the real meaning of Chemistry. There's lot of work to be done independently, but that's because you're in college not high school. There's office hours if you need help and he definitely helps out. His class is not hard, it's just Chemistry that is time-demanding. Highly suggested!

I took 3 test. When I received test back with wrong answers, I wasn't fully competent to check if they were actually wrong or not. After studying and studying and studying to improve my grades, I reviewed test and realized that there were more than 6 questions throughout all test marked wrong that should have been correct. Thats more than 10 points

Great Professor, extremely challenging class. I took no chemistry in high school and this class took all my effort to pass. But I will say I actually learned something rather than just knowing the right answer on the tests.

Do the homework sets. He's an either you know it or you don't know it type of guy. He's clear with his teaching and will answer questions no matter how annoyed he gets. He gives interesting tidbits so class isn't boring.

Oh well, Sweiter is one of a kind. How can you not love a professor who can solve 80.99/4 logically in his head? Come on!

Having Don as a teacher is like having a walking talking textbook. They guy knows chemistry forwards and backwards. He's a real old-school guy. Don does not use Powerpoint, works out problems on the board, and explains things as many times as you need. He also has tons of office hours. He really wants you to be a chem genius. Best class ever.

Keys to doing well in Don Swieters classes. 1) go to class ya dingus 2) do his homework sets and 3) go to his office hours in the H building (7 hours per week). Awesome teacher even though I can't stand crossword puzzles.

Great teacher, hard class. He values his students and puts in considerable office hours. I wish I had taken Don for 1025 and 2045. I went to his office hours each week and that makes a world of difference. He doesn't take attendance but I would suggest not missing any classes. Do his homework sets and ask him for help, he will give it to you.

Awesome! Awesome!! Awesome!!!

If you want a professor you can be friends with, admire, and feel like you can talk to, Swieter is not your guy. However, if you want someone who will give you your best fighting chance at navigating Chemistry, you really need to sign up for his class. If you're mature, diligent, and able to put up with not a small amount of abuse you'll be fine.

He definitely is a very tough professor to take regardless of what class you're taking with him. No partial credit. You have to actually know chemistry to get high scores. Highly recommended for chemistry majors and engineering majors. If not these two majors, you should probably choose someone else.

No chem knowledge going in and A coming out. Be committed to doing the homework sets and going to office hours because this is pretty much your exams. Take all class notes because he'll make you check them when you ask something. Ask the stupid questions, he will abuse you with the answer but you will remember it forever. Memorize whatever he says!

If you want a good grade in this class you are actually going to have to study every day even though it's intro chem. I thought going in it would be easy because it is intro chem, but with swieter it is NOT easy. His tests are tricky on purpose and he is a very harsh grader. You need to know everything for the tests. Most people got D&F's on tests

Don't underestimate him. DO the homework sets, GO to office hours and definitely DO NOT miss class or labs. Unless you're a savant you will be working hard to pass. He is a tough grader and there is a lot of new information to absorb. He can be very intimidating but if you go to his private office hours he is very helpful and a lot kinder.

First thing you need to realize going into this class, it's hard af. Unless you have extensive knowledge of Chemistry already under your belt, you absolutely need to put in the hours to study, or you will not pass. That being said, he gives you homework sets, do them. He can drift during lecture but clearly knows the subject very well

Dr. Swieter embodies the thought of being outside your comfort zone in order to grow. Yes it is a challenge but you will walk out a better student, guaranteed. If higher chemistries are in your future, do yourself a favor and take his class. There's no question he that he will prepare you, the only question is do you have what it takes to pass?

This man is by far the best professor I have had thus far. He really forces you to learn. The course is definitely tough, however, if you put the time into the material outside of the class you should have no trouble passing. I highly recommend going to his office hours. If I could take him for Chem 1 & 2 I would. Don't let others discourage you.

Okay, so starting off the semester I really disliked Swieter. I felt like he was unhelpful and very difficult. But as the semester progressed I realized that he really did care about all his students, and really just wanted me to learn the material. I started going to office hours, and he was very helpful and friendly. Honestly, great professor

Swieter is the definition of old school. He teaches from a yellowed binder of hand-written notes that he still brings to class even though he has it memorized. Don't bother buying a textbook, but take good notes. If you are going into a science field: 100% would recommend: Study. If you're just looking for an easy A, avoid his class at all costs.

Swieter was a VERY difficult, especially if it's been a hot minute since you've taken a chemistry course. That being said, I still learned a LOT from his class. Take thorough notes and DO THE HOMEWORK SETS. Go to office hours because he's a lot more accessible then than in class. If you want to excel in your further chemistry courses, take him!

I took swieter for Intro chem a few years ago and I am now done with Orgo 1&2 at UF. It is only now I realize and appreciate how hard he was. He is hard, but if you do well in his class you will breeze through Chem 1 and beyond. You'll have a great understand of general chemistry with him. Take it from me, it's going to get way harder at UF anyway.