2.6

Edmund Tisko

Chemistry - University of Nebraska Omaha

2.6
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
25%
Would Retake
120
Reviews
2.6
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.6
Clarity

25%

Would Retake

120

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

26

4

12

3

21

2

28

1

33

What Students Say

Tisko will make you hate chemistry and life

CHEM1190 - 1.0 rating

Just choose a different Chem professor

CHEM1180 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

55%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 45 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (8)
B (8)
A (7)
Grade Distribution
A(15)B(10)C(11)D(10)F(1)A-/B+(3)
Based on 57 reported grades
A+: 8
B: 8
A: 7
C: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (27)
Tough Grader (13)
Skip class? You won't pass. (12)
Test heavy (12)
Graded by few things (10)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (8)
Participation matters (7)
Lots of homework (6)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.22 avg change
Oct
Nov
Feb
May
Jul
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1140002

5.0

(1)

CHEM11801190

5.0

(1)

GENCHEMII

5.0

(1)

CHEMII

5.0

(1)

1180AND1190

5.0

(1)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1180

5.0

2240

5.0

CHEM002

5.0

CHEMCHEM

5.0

1180AND1190

5.0

Reviews (120)
5.0
3.0
CHEM
Apr 12, 2005

Tisko is a great guy! he knows his stuff and knows how to teach. His tests can be hard, but he still teaches very well!

5.0
2.0
CHEM1190
May 18, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
CHEM
May 22, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
CHEM11801190
Sep 16, 2005

Tisko is very willing to help as long as you are willing to put in the time. He knows how to explain things and is willing to explain them in a lot of different ways until you understand. If you study his chapter objectives you will do excellent in this class.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1180
Oct 24, 2005

Tisko is the best professor to have for Chemistry, take him if you have the chance. He puts all notes online, and tests are very similar to practice tests.

5.0
3.0
GENCHEMII
Apr 25, 2006

Dr. Tisko is a good professor. He explains things well in class and puts the notes online. He tests are somewhat difficult. You have to do the practice problems and understand all the chapter objectives to do well on them. He definitely makes you earn your grade. He has quizzes every week to help boost your grade. Overall, very good. I recommend.

5.0
3.0
CHEM1190
Nov 3, 2006

Genuinely wonderful guy. So helpful funny, and interesting. Possibly the best teacher I have had in college.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1180
Aug 24, 2007

Dr. Tisko is very helpful and excited about what he teaches. He made a great Freshman year teacher and a good way to start out college at UNO.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1190
May 2, 2008

Good teacher, highly recommend.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1180
May 11, 2008

Many like this professor, but I just could not understand his style of teaching. I thought he was very arrogant. Said he would show respect if we showed it to him, but he was constantly late to our class and made us stay after 15 minutes to cram info. in before a test. I don't know what the story was this semester, but I did not enjoy his class.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1140
Aug 17, 2008

bad at teaching a basic class. tries to explain a high level concept when it is not pertainent to the test

4.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Nov 13, 2008

Tisko definately his stuff. If you are looking to continue in chemistry after 1180, good teacher for that but if not, don't take his class. Tests are very hard and class requires excess work.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Aug 3, 2009

While difficult, the material presented by Dr. Tisko was interesting due to his ability. He is obviously an expert in his field, but is able to relate to his students. If at all possible GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS.

4.0
3.0
CHEM1190
Dec 6, 2009

Dr. Tisko's tests contain a lot of the stuff in his lectures as well as homework problems that you do not have to do. Although I got pretty good test scores, I bombed the final which forced me to retake the class. If you get this guy, be prepared for that final. That right there determined my grade for the class.

2.0
5.0
CHEM002
Nov 30, 2010

extremely hard tests. BE PREPARED... if possible study in groups. most likely half the class will fail.

3.0
5.0
CHEMCHEM
Apr 25, 2011

Requires multiple hours of work outside of class, far more than a 1000 level course should have. Tests are difficult and often times far too long. He's consistently late to class, has quizzes every friday, crams in material. Do not take unless you have a passion for chemistry.

5.0
3.0
CHEM1190
Apr 26, 2011

Great instructor for those majoring in chemistry. Provides students with everything that is needed to receive an "A" as well as learn. Quizzes are grade boosters (top 11 used). Always available. Also teaches P.Chem

5.0
3.0
CHEM1180
Apr 26, 2011

He loves his job. I learned a lot from him. His tests are hard. He made me earn my grades but it all worth it if you'd go further in Chem. He's very helpful, if possible, go to his office hour. Once he spent a whole hour with me just to explain a concept that I didn't understand and wouldn't stop trying until he knew I got it. Highly recommend.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Aug 16, 2011

He has his favorites make sure you are one of them.. Test are very hard and long!! Don't take if you are planning for an A

5.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Nov 11, 2011

He's enthusiastic about teaching and cares for his students. The course needs a lot of work. But his lectures and notes prepared me well for the ACS which is a good thing.

5.0
2.0
CHEMII
Dec 2, 2011

He's very nice. His class is hard, you have spend a lot of time for it. But gen chem with him was a great way to start college experience though. He's very helpful if you bring up concerns and questions. Study his notes and his practice exams hard, you'll be fine.

4.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Dec 20, 2011

Extremely hard class. Only take if you are planning on continuing chemistry and are willing to study many hours outside of class. If you are a chem major and want to learn as much as possible and don't really care about getting an A, take Tisko. You are forced to learn every little detail and it will really help you. Otherwise avoid like the plague

5.0
3.0
CHEM1140
Jan 31, 2012

Nice guy

4.0
4.0
CHEM1180
May 11, 2012

He will make you earn your grade. It's not impossible but work extremely hard!!! He told me the class average for each exams were 75/60/56/60. He starts off pretty easily but you better study for the second one. Through his class, I changed my program from pre-med to pre-pharmacy. If you don't like Chemistry, then good luck getting an A...

2.0
5.0
CHEM1180
May 12, 2012

Very hard class. Tests were very difficult even when you studied. Test averages were low he would criticize our study habits instead taking responsibility for his test or teaching.I had other kids in there who already failed who were retaking it. His printed notes were helpful, questions on tests would be heavily weighted Ex.one 22pt question

4.0
5.0
CHEM1180
May 30, 2012

totally agree wid the person below.u go into the test thinkin u hav it all figured out and you'll ace it but its an anticlimax.Im retakin it right now wid Richter-eggar, AND BOY im I seeing a tons of familiar faces !

2.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Jun 11, 2012

I would not advise anybody to take Dr. Tisko, not even a Chem major. He blamed the low class averages on us "not studying", disregarding the fact he tested us on things we were never taught, with questions that even tutors couldn't figure out. No amount of studying helped. I'm a science major but this INTRO chem class was ridiculous & impossible.

5.0
3.0
CHEM1190
Aug 22, 2012

I don't know what other people are complaining about. Dr. Tisko is a great teacher. I managed to pull A's taking 1180 & 1190 with him. Just read the book, go through the examples in his notes, and you'll get an A.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1190
Sep 13, 2012

Tisko is a fabulous prof. He does his best to make sure the material is clear to students. He is available often outside of class to help students. He is a super nice guy - very approachable and always willing to help. Go to class, take great notes, and do the book problems - you'll do just fine!

3.0
3.0
CHEM1144
Nov 7, 2012

His tests are easy if you know what to study. He has practice tests, but they are very different from his actual tests. He over explains questions to the point of confusion. You kind of have to teach yourself a bit in this class. He is pretty good at teaching this subject. Which is hard. But there will be a lot of effort needed.

3.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Dec 27, 2012

Tisko forgets everything you talk to him about. Make an appointment? He won't be there. That's your problem. He also answers almost any question with the words, "it's common sense." Which it obviously isn't if the entire class is confused and most are failing...

3.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Apr 1, 2013

At the start of the semester he tells you that this class is going to take 9 hours a week. needless to say even if you are a very bright student you will still need to study a lot. On the plus side after about 6 months of not taking the class i still remember most of the things we covered. final was 19 pages long. may the odds be ever in your favor

5.0
5.0
1180AND1190
Apr 3, 2013

All of these people below have no clue what college means. Yes, Dr. Tisko is very difficult. However, he is an excellent professor. If you study your ass off using his notes and the book problems he assigns, you'll be acing his tests. Go in and ask questions! He is not mean at all. I work for him now, and I can honestly say he's the man!

5.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Apr 9, 2013

Great teacher...don't get me wrong, but his tests are very tough. Be prepared to study your tail off. He presents the material very well and has notes already outlined for you. If you're not a chemistry major take this class at your own risk.

3.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Apr 15, 2013

I tried to defend him as an okay teacher, but he does not care about intro classes. His sample tests are from 14 years ago and are completely irrelevant so when I asked him how he would ask the questions he said it did not matter we had to know everything. It does matter his questions are absurdly complex for an intro class! DO NOT take with him!!

5.0
4.0
1140002
Apr 16, 2013

Tisko is a really nice guy, he's super funny too! He is incredibly interested in his lectures. His tests are a little difficult because of the wording however, they aren't impossible to do well on. You will need to study and pretty much MEMORIZE all his notes. If you know the notes like the back of your hand, you'll be fine for the tests. Also, look at his chapter objectives on his website, those help too and so do the homework problems in the book. Even though those are optional.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1140
May 2, 2013

Nice guy but very disorganized. I had a hard time with this class. You kind of have to teach yourself. He also doesn't use Blackboard.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1194
Grade: C
Sep 18, 2013

Tisko is a great teacher. He actually does explain things well, you just need to come to class prepared and read before classes. He teaches how one should, as a "discussion." If anyone is pre-med or anything close to that, get used to this style. If you do what he says and are not afraid to ask him for help outside of class you will rock it easily.

3.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Oct 11, 2013

Whats the pre-req for this class? Chem 1180. WRONG ANSWER ! The only Pre-req for this class is to be a born genius with an IQ of 200 atleast !

3.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Grade: D
Mar 18, 2014

He can be very tough at times. His tests are pretty hard and he does not give much partial credit. Missing a day or two of class will set you far behind.

3.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2014

He's a very challenging teacher, and overall not a very nice guy. He was very condescending towards my class as a whole, and made it seem like putting any effort into my class was a waste of time.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1184LAB
Grade: B-
Apr 17, 2014

Not a very good professor, very disorganized, does not use blackboard at all or let you know if there is an upcoming lab practical coming up. Seems more interested in just getting his hours in for the class and getting out rather than taking an interest in student development. Consistently smells not very good. I don't recommend for lab.

2.0
5.0
2240
Aug 6, 2014

Just an overall mean person I think. Told the people at a study group that our fellow classmates that aren't doing well on tests are wasting their time and should find something better to do. Notes can be wrong because he doesn't look at them before teaching, and they are all stolen from other professors or copied from the book. Very demeaning also

2.0
5.0
CHEM1184
Sep 10, 2014

Don't even try to tell me if you go in and ask blah blah No. He won't even remember what he told you when you do!. Very unorganized, condescending, and not helpful at all. I worked harder in his labs than I did lecture and still didn't get and A in his labs but an A+ in lectures. No idea what your grade is until it's posted on Mavlink, awful!!!!

2.0
5.0
CHEM1184
Oct 28, 2014

He was no help at all, I'm not very good at chem and would go after class and ask him if he would help me understand the material, no help. After the first test I asked him what I could do to help my grade, all he would say to me is "don't worry there is another testquiz" after awhile he told me I should have tried harder and talked to him earlier

3.0
4.0
CHEM1184
Dec 30, 2014

Slow grader and not extremely helpful. Tests are tough and labs overall are rigorous.

2.0
5.0
2210
Grade: F
Jan 7, 2015

Very rough class. Organic Chemistry with Tisko was one of the hardest classes I've taken, and did not pass. His notes are all over the place, too wordy, and he trips up in his lectures all the time. His group assignments are nearly impossible and online homework will require 5+ hours a week. Get ready to devote all of your time to this class.

3.0
5.0
CHEMISTRY
Jan 12, 2015

Tisko was extremely tough, granted chemistry is the class he teaches but for a college entry level class he graded too hard and expected you to devote your life to chemistry. I recommend every other professor except Tisko.

4.0
4.0
2210
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2015

Maybe not meant to teach Organic, but helpful and invested nonetheless.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 31, 2015

Dropped his class mid semester, am now now out the cost of tuition, the book, and the online homework that he makes you buy. Refuses to use blackboard- does not post grades. Horrible helper. Very pompous and rude. Tests are horrible- does not provide study guide. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASSES IF CAN AVOID IT

4.0
5.0
CHEMI
Grade: A+
Apr 2, 2015

I expected Chemistry to be difficult, but this class was a nightmare. He puts stuff on the homework and tests that he doesn't go over in class. He claims that you need to spend 10 hours a week on his class. To give you a perspective, the average of the first test was a 62%. Little to no partial credit. However, he is helpful is you go see him.

2.0
5.0
1190
Grade: C-
Apr 7, 2015

he was not helpful at all and was frequently out of the classroom doing other things, not at all interacting with the students or answering questions. I would not recommend him to anyone!

3.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 18, 2015

The class was fast paced so everything couldn't be covered during lecture. Sapling homework only helped a little. There was no option to redo problems (unlike Pearson) so you get very little practice. Tests were hard. He wants you to figure out problems that you've never seen before but I think an exam is the wrong place to practice to do that.

3.0
5.0
1180
Apr 28, 2015

In concept, Tisko is a good teacher. His lectures are usually clear when he doesn't get distracted and finds a way to make it a bit interesting. If you are there for a good grade and gpa then by all means AVOID THIS TEACHER. Tests and homework don't line up with what he teaches and grades very harsh. Expect low grade unless theres23hours to study.

2.0
5.0
CHEM2210
Grade: C-
May 15, 2015

Took Tisko for Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry. One of the worst, if not the worst teacher i've ever had. The lecture material is fairly straightforward, however he doesn't understand the material and if you ask a question his reply is usually "that's just how it is." Doesn't use blackboard. Won't tell you your grade. Teach yourself, he won't.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1194
May 29, 2015

He took weeks to grade and return labs. Lab quizzes are about every four weeks and for one of them we didn't have our labs back that pertained to the quiz until days before we had to take the quiz. If you ask a question in class be prepared for a degrading an insincere answer. Very disorganized. Would leave the room during lab. Avoid this teacher

3.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: B
May 31, 2015

Unforgiving, unhelpful, doesn't upload grades, barely checks emails, uses an alternative site instead of the one provided by the school for everything.

1.0
5.0
CHEM 1180
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 26, 2015

Ahhh! I am soo relieved that I withdrew this class on time! He's awful, and sucks at explaining things. We have homework that doesn't match what he says in lecture. Thw quizzes were easy, but tests were awfully long and ridiculous! No multiple choice, all questions are short answers, explanations, problem solving, etc. Lectures are long and boring.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Dec 12, 2015

He lectures every class period, does not care about individual students, and does not cover how to do some problems on tests.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Grade: B
Jan 4, 2016

During his lectures he basically just reads you the notes he posts online. His tests are all short answer questions, no multiple choice and he is a hard grader. You have to put in a lot of study time to do well. The one thing that saved me was if you do better on the final than what you have in the class, your final grade replaces your class grade.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: D
Feb 8, 2016

Just choose a different Chem professor. Trust me. You'll do much better with a different professor. He makes Chemistry difficult to learn, and he treats everyone as if they are Chem majors.

4.0
4.0
CHEM3360
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 30, 2016

Tisko teaches pchem 2 well. The load was big but I eventually made it. I really like him as a person AND an instructor, especially for this course. It was miserable, but I don't think it was all his fault.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Grade: D
May 13, 2016

Lectures are sort of muddled. He goes really fast and doesn't explain things in detail. Tests are hard and he expects you to figure out problems on the fly. For someone who has no prior chem experience that is really hard to do. A textbook is required but I didn't find it helpful at all and it's really more of a paper weight.

1.0
3.0
CHEM1180
Grade: C+
Nov 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tisko will test you on information that is in the reading and was never discussed in class. He will not grade your quizzes and tests and a timely manner, and you will not receive active feedback. Assigns too many sapling questions, even if info is not discussed in lecture. Do NOT show up late to class, he will stare you down.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Grade: B
Nov 16, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tisko is one of the most off topic teachers I have ever had to take a class with. He will go into random detail about chemistry that will seem important for the test, and yet this information will never come up again. The actual important information that will be on tests and quizzes will be glossed over in only 5% of the lecture material.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tisko will make you hate chemistry and life. I'm in the honors program so definitely not a slacker. Avoid him at all costs especially for Pchem.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Dec 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Don't know if it was my learning style or the teaching style, but it didn't work. I couldn't learn fast enough. Tests are too long. He seems nice, but gives no leeway to struggling students. Sapling is terrible...

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Grade: B
Jan 12, 2017
Would take again

best prof at UNO chem dept

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
3.0
3.0
CHEM1190
Grade: A
Mar 29, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Got an A. His syllabus states that if your ACS final grade is better than your overall course grade, it will replace your final grade. I skipped every single lecture/exam/sapling. Had a 0% going into the final. I studied for the ACS, which is cake if you study like a month in advance and aced it. Advice: Khan Academy, teach yourself, & ACS.

Tough Grader
2.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Apr 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Inefficient and disorganized. Examples are glossed over so quickly that you'll be lucky to copy them down in time, nevermind actually comprehending or practicing, and don't expect him to give you much heads up about approaching deadlines. Difficult and intimidating to approach outside of class. As a student with ADHD, this class was a struggle.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
3.0
CHEM1144
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Not generally kind to the students in this lab, sometimes impatient. If you miss his 3 hour-long lab, you may miss additional instruction for the next session. If this affects your lab report, which must be prepared before class, in any way, shape, or form, you will be asked to leave.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
CHEM1184LAB
Oct 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tisko us a very deceiving professor, he seems nice at first but if you ask him any question he will turn it around on you and make you seem stupid. Very unforgiving grader and seems like he wants to take points away from you. For lab he pretty much does not teach at all, he is just there to grade your reports and not help you with anything.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
CHEM1180
Nov 17, 2017
Would take again

Dr Tisko is one of the best professors there is. He really does make the material easy to understand

Respected
Participation matters
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
3.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Tisko sets some high standards, but it pays off when taking the ACS exam at the end and in semesters beyond if you're a chem major (if not, maybe think about taking an easier professor). Test averages were high 60s. I did not find him intimidating and he even scheduled two study sessions for the final on his own time for the class.

Tough Grader
Tests are tough
2.0
1.0
CHEM1180
Grade: A+
Feb 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class was super easy. Tisko is alright, if youre not familiar with chem, take it with someone else. Your grade can be the final exam grade, which is pretty dope tbh. His tests were pretty easy.

4.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: C
Jul 17, 2018
Would take again

Pros: - Provides a TON of study material ie. old test keys, study guides, practice worksheets - If your grade on the final (the ACS exam) is higher than your overall class grade, he will replace your overall grade with your exam score - Provides class notes so that you can focus on listening Cons: - lots of homework - Sapling is expensive

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
1.0
CHEM1180
Grade: A+
Sep 6, 2018
Would take again

This class is absurdly easy if youre familiar with chemistry. Tisko is obviously passionate about chemistry. The 4 tests are somewhat hard, based on class average. The ACS exam can be your final grade, so thats awesome because the ACS is easy.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Oct 30, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Tests are far harder than they should be/harder than lecture and homework material.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Dec 8, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr Tisko knows Chemistry extremely well. However, he is not the best teacher. His exams extremely challenging, and you are graded almost completely on your exams. On one of our exams the class average was a 45%. Also, I know my class average at the end of the semester was about a 58%. Not a good instructor!

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM1140
Grade: C+
Jan 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If this is your first Chemistry course, please do not take it with Mr. Tisko (unless you have a good understanding). While he is obviously knowledgeable in his field, Tisko should not have gone into teaching in my opinion. He has a hard time communicating information in a way for students to understand, and is incredibly stubborn/stuck in his way.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: C
Jan 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Edmund is disrespectful to students who don't understand (but are trying to), hard to access outside of class, and impatient. I would not recommend him to anyone, much less a first year chemistry student who is trying to find their passion and learn something new.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Grade: C
Feb 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Didn't really enjoy the class, his teaching style wasn't my favorite (just did a lot of examples, but I don't feel like the material was covered in depth enough for me to be able to do examples on my own). The only grades were sapling and tests, but even if you did the sapling, it didnt help much if you did poor on the tests, teacher/class was ok.

3.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Apr 5, 2019
Would take again

Attendance isn't mandatory, but definitely show up. He tries really hard to get you to understand the material and is really helpful if you ask questions outside of class. He cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Tests are difficult, but if you study you should be fine.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Grade: C
Apr 5, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This class is ridiculous. First of all, he won't use canvas. IDK why he can't just use canvas like every other professor. I ace the graded homework and also complete all the non-graded homework for practice, and I still bomb his tests. He makes them very hard for no reason. He's smart at chemistry, but his teaching methods need an overhaul. AVOID!

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Apr 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His exams are very difficult to study for and his practice exams rarely relate to the actual exam. As a professor, he refused to post grades and recommended that students calculate their own grades.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Grade: D+
May 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This class is unnecessarily hard. Dr. Tisko does not offer clear guidelines as to what to expect on his exams. The exams are awful and have lots of trick questions. Wouldn't recommend this class to ANYONE. Even if this is the only available instructor I'd wait a semester unless you have a very strong chemistry understanding.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CHEM1180
May 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tisko is the most condescending professor I have encountered. He makes asking question uncomfortable, his expectations are way too high. His lectures are easy to follow and he makes his notes accessible so you can print them. We had an exam where our class average was a 49... I am not over exaggerating.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1180
May 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

To be honest I'm not even sure how Dr Tisko is still teaching. Taking his class made me question UNO's quality because they can only be as good as their instructors and he was AWFUL. Half of the students in my class have to retake... we failed. But when it's that many students I think the teacher failed not the students. Try a different professor!!

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Grade: A+
May 21, 2019
Would take again

Very passionate about Chemistry and is pretty funny as well. Answers questions if you ask them. Very tough grader, read the textbook and do all the homework to succeed on tests. Will pull questions from lecture so take good notes. Final grade replaces overall grade, but you will need to study the whole semester to do well on it.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CHEM1180
Grade: D-
May 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hilarious is exactly how I'd describe this professor, he is so rude to his students, his exams never match the material he teaches in class and one time I asked a question and he chuckled at me... didn't feel comfortable asking anything after that. Will be retaking with a new (hopefully better) professor

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
CHEM2210
Grade: A+
Jan 2, 2020
Would take again

I cant speak for 1190 (heard hes tough in that class), but for 2210, hes awesome. Let me also preface by saying I put in at least 1012 hours of studying per week to earn my A. He made is grading criteria very clear and gave practice tests that were similar to actual exams. Always had buffer points on the exams (I got a 109 on one).

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Apr 16, 2020
Would take again

If youre premed and too scared to attempt his course, reconsider what youre doing at UNO. I had always heard poor things about Tisko, but his class is one of the best Ive taken. If you want to learn and challenge yourself, take him. You will only receive the grade you earned and deserved.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
CHEM1190
May 11, 2020
Would take again

All of the hate about Tisko is purely rumors- I was so scared to take his class because of what everyone said. But he was truly a great chemistry professor and never made me feel dumb for asking questions. He listened to our feedback and worked to help us understand. Overall a great teacher - DONT BE AFRAID to take his class. Also very funny!

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Grade: B
May 11, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Tisko is very passionate about chemistry and cares about the success of his students. He makes sure to explain everything very well and is open to questions in or outside of class. This is a challenging class, but Tisko will adequately prepare you. He doesn't appreciate slackers, but that's the nature of chemistry anyways.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
1.0
5.0
CHEM1180
Jul 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very harsh instructor with high expectations for entry level chemistry students. My class had a very low average and Tisko does not curve. His exams are tough. I failed the course and will have to repeat, his lectures are also hard to follow. (i'd have given him a 0 if this site let me)

Lots of homework
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Grade: A
Aug 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Not overly flexible when it comes to various aspects of the course. Not overly prepared. Makes a lot of mistakes in lecture. I didn't feel that he assigned relevant practice for me to actually learn and master the material. Grading was abhorrently slow. While he is an absolute genius, sharing his knowledge proved challenging.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
3.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Grade: A-
Oct 26, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Tisko is given a worse score than he deserves. His class is doable but takes work. He does have high expectations and wants his students to truly know the material inside and out. Lectures and notes are very focused on the material and tests reflect lecture examples. Only major complaint: ACS final is worth 40% of grade.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM1140
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Tisko's Chemistry courses are tough but if you do the optional homework, attend class, and use all of the resources he gives you while you study, you will do fine. The Math-Science Learning Center is very helpful in understanding the lessons.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
CHEM1140
Grade: B-
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

As a freshman, this class was incredibly challenging. The total grade was 5 tests and a final worth 40% of the grade. Practice exams werent adjusted to the online pace of the class, so it was hard to know what was on the test. Either responded to emails after 1 week or never. Took a while for test grades & didnt know my lab grade until November.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1140
Jan 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Out of my four years at UNO, I felt disrespected and failed as a student. He kicked me out of lab twice for something I could have fixed in 2 minutes. He would laugh at us when asking questions that were "dumb" and the only grades were the tests. Didn't know my lab grade until the end of the semester. Was often unprepared and made many mistakes.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This is the worst professor I have ever had. He makes lab reports due the very next day, even when you have classes all day. He is the harshest grader I have come across and he doesnt care about his students. He is horrible at responding to emails and is insanely inflexible. DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR-even if you have a 4.0. He will ruin your GPA!

Tough grader
1.0
3.0
CHEM1184
Grade: A+
Oct 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I cant speak for upper level courses but he neglects his intro courses. I got feedback on like 1 or 2 labs out of the whole semester. I never saw any of the others handed back or graded and just relied on my capabilities. Didnt learn from him. He was rude and embarrassed students for no fair reason. He wont remind/prep you for exams.

3.0
4.0
CHEM1184LAB
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He's more of an old fashioned person, so don't expect a lot of wiggle room with assignments. He can be understanding though and extend deadlines if lecture isn't on the same page as lab. Don't mess around and you'll be fine. If you ask him questions, he is going to make fun of you, but it is his personality. He doesn't mean to harm with his jokes.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CHEM
Grade: B+
Apr 2, 2022

Worked hard on my reports just to get dinged by significant figures and at the end of the semester he didn't even input 3 of my lab reports for grades.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Oct 7, 2022

His class is the only class that I dread and it's very overwhelming receiving lab reports back and seeing that he took points off for a simple error. For example, he took points off for not using a ruler for a graph.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1190
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 13, 2022

I've never had a lab as hard as his. I put in a lot of time and work into my lab reports just for him to remove countless points over small errors like sig figs. He is the toughest grader i've met and taking his chem lab is not worth it. He's not tech-savvy at all and makes it seem like sending an email is the hardest thing in the world.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 6, 2023

He's a tough grader and it's quite hard to get a good grade.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Grade: Not sure yet
May 18, 2023

Had his class for Gen chem II. Very test heavy and is a tough grader. Average test score among the class was always a failing grade. Avoid taking with this professor if you can.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Grade: B
May 20, 2023

First time I am compelled to give a poor score. I got an A+ in gen chem I and then took this with Tisko. I did all suggested readings, homework, and showed up to class every day. He is a hard grader and questions are ambiguous. Class averages on everything were failing grades. He scaled the final insanely. Do not take with him! 4.0 GPA ruined

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
1190
Jul 14, 2023

DO NOT TAKE TISKO! The course is only graded by quizzes/tests. He provides study guides that don't have the same material as what is going to be on the test and says it's only to show how the questions will be asked. The lecture is all over the place. Our highest test average as a WHOLE CLASS was about 55% for the entire semester! Do not recommend!

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
2210
Grade: C-
Oct 23, 2024

The lectures were read almost word for word from power point. When asked in class questions he rarely extrapolated. Rather, he would revisit what the power point stated. Tests were in a more difficult format as they were composed of word problems. The grading was very strenuous.

Tough grader
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
1190
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 23, 2024
Would take again

Dr.Tisko's notes help a lot in following the class content, but the tests are harder than for other classes. Do the recommended homework problems & go to his office hours. He's very attentive and will help you understand the content. Prepare well for the final it covers chem I&II, it is 20% of the grade. The ACS study guide is great for reviewing.

Caring
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
2.0
4.0
CHEM1190
Grade: A+
Nov 5, 2024

Dr. Tisko is a tough grader and is not understanding to students who don't understand material right away. Quizzes are every Friday if you're taking mon/wed/fri, and he does not allow you to make them up, so if you have anything come up and you can't make it to class that day, you're screwed. He is also passive aggressive when you ask questions.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
1190
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 5, 2025

Absolutely awful. He never grades anything until its too late to do anything about them, not to mention at the start of the semester you get zero feedback. I've only ever gotten A's in all of my classes and his I was unsure as to whether I could even pass. DO NOT TAKE TISKO if you actually care about your GPA.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Grade: C-
May 24, 2025

Very nit picker, promises to fix your assignment grades but actually doesn't . BEWARE !!! SAVE YOUR GPA AND DONT TAKE THIS CLASS,

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CHEM1184
Grade: B
May 24, 2025

He is very inconsistent with pretty much everything which is very unprofessional. He has an underdeveloped ability to give feedback both in person and while grading. He will not prep you for any test or remind you of such events. He also doesn't use Canvas. This prevents EVERY student from accessing their actual grade in the course.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM1184LAB
Grade: B+
May 25, 2025

Several assignments were left ungraded entirely, preventing us from receiving points that other classes received. These points would have brought me up to an A. Additionally, nothing is graded until it is too late to do anything about it. He expects punctuality from his students but clearly does not uphold himself to the same standards.

Tough grader
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
CHEM1184LAB
Grade: A+
Jul 10, 2025

I have never quite felt compelled to write one of these, but Tisko was literally a canon event. He is an insanely hard grader, can be excessively rude, and generally inaccessible to students (especially online). I only ended with an A+ because I dumped HOURS into each and every lab to make sure everything was PERFECT.

Tough grader
3.0
4.0
CHEM1194
Grade: A
Aug 9, 2025

He's an inconsistent grader, when comparing scores for labs I worked on with someone else, I would get more points than her for no apparent reason. My friend asked him a question and he scoffed at her but I asked him questions and he was genuinely helpful. Getting him to like you is a bigger part of being successful in his lab than it should be.

Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CHEM1194
Grade: B
Aug 15, 2025

Warning to those taking Gen Chem 2 at UNO in the summer. For a gen chem lab, this class is exceedingly stressful. Cramming three labs with each of their lab reports in each week is not easy at all. Be prepared to spend lots of time out of class. The instructor can sometimes get upset over little things but he encourages questions in the lab.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

55%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 45 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (8)
B (8)
A (7)
Grade Distribution
A(15)B(10)C(11)D(10)F(1)A-/B+(3)
Based on 57 reported grades
A+: 8
B: 8
A: 7
C: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (27)
Tough Grader (13)
Skip class? You won't pass. (12)
Test heavy (12)
Graded by few things (10)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (8)
Participation matters (7)
Lots of homework (6)
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