3.9

Forest Quinlan

Chemistry - Napa Valley College

3.9
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
73%
Would Retake
90
Reviews
3.9
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
4.0
Helpful
3.9
Clarity

73%

Would Retake

90

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

50

4

13

3

14

2

2

1

11

What Students Say

He will curse at you in front of everyone

CHEM120 - 3.0 rating

Do yourself a favor and take anyone else who is available

CHEM110 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

71%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 55 grades
Most common grades:
A (25)
B (14)
C (5)
Grade Distribution
A(27)B(14)C(8)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(4)
Based on 65 reported grades
A: 25
B: 14
C: 5
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Hilarious (24)
Lots of homework (15)
Lecture heavy (15)
Test heavy (12)
Amazing lectures (12)
Accessible outside class (9)
Caring (9)
Participation matters (8)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.10 avg change
Dec
Apr
May
Oct
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEMI110

5.0

(1)

CHEM121

5.0

(3)

CHEM2014121

5.0

(1)

CHEM120CHEM121

4.8

(13)

CHEM110

4.1

(48)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM150

5.0

CHEM120

4.0

CHEM120CHEM121

3.9

CHEM110

3.7

CHEMI110

3.0

Reviews (90)
3.0
3.0
CHEM110
May 15, 2009

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Mar 23, 2010

Definitely take Forest's class! He starts with a little bit of a shock on the first test - you could fail like I did if you don't pay attention with the Significat Figures and all that Math, but it really gets better. Awesome teacher, also very entertaining. I wish he taught other subjects, too ;)

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Jul 14, 2010

Makes lecture interesting. Funny personality. Tests are at a pretty decent level. Not too hard. I would recommend him.

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Jul 17, 2010

So here's the bottom line: this is not supposed to be an easy class! Forest is deeply invested in his students, he wants them to understand the material. I struggled a lot in the class but I worked hard and went to office hours and ended up doing well. Now I am at a CA university taking higher levels of Chem and am doing great because of him.

5.0
4.0
CHEM120
Aug 21, 2010

Smart, energetic, and enthusiastic. Wants you to succeed - not an easy teacher at all, but will help all you need if you ask. Jokes around a lot; don't be scared if he gives you a hard time. Good guy all around. Don't take his classes (or ANY chemistry above 110!) if you're not willing to show up and put real work into it. Be ready to learn fast.

1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Feb 13, 2011

He makes students cry and doesn't really seem to care about it. More interested in boosting his ego than teaching anyone.

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Apr 20, 2011

Although I know of a few students who have taken his course and disliked him, I can say, from my own experience, that was an effective challenging teacher who enjoys teaching chemistry and the presence of his students. Hes very enthusiastic, full of energy, and constantly seeking to improve his teaching. I would rec him if your interested in Chem

5.0
3.0
CHEMI110
Jun 14, 2011

BEST teacher ever!! Forest takes a subject that could bore you to tears and makes you actually look forward to going to class. It will benefit you to take this class with him!

1.0
5.0
CHEM150
Jun 23, 2011

Take someone else!

5.0
2.0
CHEM121
Jul 22, 2011

good teacher. very high energy which was good for a 4 day/wk 8am class. he wrote on the board everything you should write in your notes instead of just lecturing faster that you could write. cares about the success of his students, always encouraged students to go to office hours. expects you to use your brain and never just gives you the answers

2.0
3.0
CHEM120
Nov 7, 2011

Bad teacher. Not helpful at all. Expected you to know everything. He make you feel like an idiot and doesn't make you feel comfortable. Recommend to take Dr.Fawl! he's the best.

4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Aug 20, 2012

He's awesome! He teaches at a fast pace, but do all the chapter homework problems and you'll ACE his tests. He tells the funniest stories and is a good teacher, makes you feel welcomed to his class!

5.0
3.0
CHEM121
Dec 3, 2012

His tests are hard but he gives you all the material you need. Cares abut the success of his students. Makes the class fun with his sense of humor wich makes everybody laugh during lecture while at the same time he is teaching. Its not an easy class but if you put effort then you will get a good grade which IS something he WILL notice.

4.0
5.0
CHEM120
Apr 20, 2013

Don't expect to pass this class thinking you can study the weekend before. He's a really cool person and he cares about his students and takes time to get to know you, but you MUST take time to study and do homework.

5.0
4.0
CHEM120
May 31, 2013

What a nice guy. He makes you enjoy learning such a difficult subject. I highly recommend him.

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Jun 9, 2013

Really great teacher. I loathed the idea of taking chemistry and he made it understandable and even (dare I say) fun. He did a great job of engaging the class, not just lecturing monotonously. He expects students to work, but I expect that from any great teacher. Plus, he was totally available if you needed extra help.

4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Jul 26, 2013

The subect matter did not come to me naturally but he made palatable, even enjoyable. I agree with the other reviews, he isnt easy. But if you do the work, you should be ok.

5.0
3.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
Feb 8, 2014

Really makes a difficult subject interesting. Comes off as unapproachable at first, but he's actually a decent guy who wants his students to succeed. Exams are not easy, but if you need extra help he's always available via email or office hrs. Study lecture notes regularly, work as many problems as you can, always go to class, be ready for quizzes.

3.0
4.0
CHEM120
May 29, 2014

Very funny personality and a great teacher if you loathe chemistry, but he over-simplifies in his teaching which makes things more difficult if you actually want to learn and use chemistry as part of your career.

5.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: C
May 29, 2014

Great teacher. Honestly, he's probably one of the best teachers I've ever had. Bear in mind though, that he is not easy. This is a true college level class that requires a lot of studying time. The exams are no joke. Fortunately, he takes his job very seriously and is very prompt with answering emails and meeting with students. Highly recommended.

5.0
2.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Jul 23, 2014

Funny guy.

4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Aug 3, 2014

Forest is able to make a hard class fun. He relates topics to things that are actually useful in life. He makes jokes and tries to keep everyone engaged and involved. He wants to help you succeed. I would definiteyl recommend taking him!

5.0
1.0
CHEM121
Grade: A+
Dec 17, 2014

Wonderful teacher!! Intimidating at first but if you get past that feeling and actually ask for help he is very willing!!Must do his practice test to pass. Grade based on tests and labs. He is very funny! Text book is only for extra credit homework and extra clarification, if needed.

1.0
5.0
CHEM120
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 26, 2015

DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS. This may sound harsh but seriously he is the worst teacher I've ever had. He is not helpful at all. He rushes through topic and just assumed you understand the material. He makes the tests and quizzes as hard as possible. He doesn't get papers back in a timely matter. Moral of the story, DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!

5.0
3.0
CHEM2014121
Grade: A
Jun 16, 2015

I do not believe that the "easiness" category should be weighted, any class worth taking will not be easy, it will take work if you actually want to LEARN! Quinlan is VERY helpful, passionate, and cares about his students, but like anything, you get out of it what you put in. So if you want to get an A you need to do the HW and study...

5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Jul 7, 2015

Forest is great! Will answer any question you have and WILL help you out. Always ask for more examples or go to the Q&A's and he will gladly assist. Very funny and uses awesome analogies that will help you remember concepts.

4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Jul 28, 2015

This class is hard but its very straight forward. He is so funny and genuinely cares if his student learn. He is a very dedicated professor and is incredibly smart. Its obvious he is very passionate about his career. Show up to class every day and please ASK QUESTIONS. It helps so much more, even if they are super random questions he will answer.

4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Dec 1, 2015

He's the best! His class made chemistry fun. It's not easy by any means, but if you have to take the class anyway, he'll make it the most enjoyable! Plus he's hilarious. Just do your work and be vocal during lectures. If you have questions, FREAKING ASK THEM. He loves it!

3.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: C
Jan 7, 2016

Not nice at first (he prefers that "tough guy"reputation), he knows his stuff, very sharp, can't fool him. HW up the wa-zoo. Doesn't care if you have other classes. Moves fast, Intimidating, Funny and tests are very hard. If you get to know he him does have a soft side.

1.0
5.0
CHEM120
Grade: F
Jan 17, 2016

Forest, does not grade Lab Reports fairly. His tests are based on his lecture not the standard practice in the book. He is full of himself. He knows how to teach, but he doesn't know how to teach a class. His tests are simply garb. He asks the D***mb questions, instead of what we learned. You're grade is based on tests. Don't even bother doing hw.

3.0
5.0
CHEM110
Feb 16, 2016

Tough grader, makes you feel dumb, very fast paced. What more can you ask from a teacher?

3.0
4.0
CHEM120
Mar 5, 2016

He's hard to like because he's rude but also hard to dislike because he has humor. He will curse at you in front of everyone. Asking questions will sometimes get you mocked. I always get anxiety even when I'm less than 5 minutes late to lab because I know he'll put me on the spot and make me look stupid because of it. But at least he can teach.

5.0
4.0
CHEM120
Apr 2, 2016

Forest is a great teacher. His lectures are very clear, and he is there for you if you don't understand something. He loves helping students. If you didn't like him or thought that he was too tough , maybe you should have studied harder. :) His exams are very reasonable, he isn't going to test you on something he hasn't gone over with you.

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Apr 12, 2016

Forest is a great teacher. He might come off as a Hard teacher and doesn't seem to care but don't let his attitude fool you he is a really good teacher. If you put in the effort and ask questions he will help you. You need to study hard for a good grade and the exams are very difficult but if you pay attention and study you will learn the content

5.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

Chemistry was a tough subject for me. However, Forest was extremely helpful. He expects hard work and pushes you, but is ALWAYS willing to help if you get stuck. His lectures were always fun and interesting; he's a pretty funny guy! The material you work on in class will be the material on the test. Be prepared and read your lab manual before lab!

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: B
Feb 7, 2017
Would take again

I took Forest for both chem 120 and 121. I really liked how he teaches. The lectures can be long but they are packed with need to know info. Don't be scared to ask questions if you don't understand. If you aren't doing the homework and the lab reports you will fail. If you want to improve on your lab reports go in and ask him to look it.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
Mar 10, 2017
Would take again

Forest is one of the best teachers I have ever had! The class was difficult and he makes you work for your grade but doing well in his class isn't impossible. Make sure you see him during office hours for help. His teaching style really prepares you for what you will see at a university!

Respected
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
May 10, 2017
Would take again

He may seem intimidating, but he isn't if you just talk to him and participate. Make sure to partcipate! Don't slack off on the HW or studying (2-3hrs/ wk)Tests can be difficult, but he won't surprise you with anything he hasn't lectured on. Read instructions for labs. Always ask for clarification. Reasonable, encouraging, and AMAZING professor.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
5.0
CHEM120
Aug 31, 2017
Would take again

He is a tough grade. Need to study a lot. Do the HW and lab reports on time. He is not an easy person to get to but. just ask question and talk to him about stuff.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Forest seemed intimidating at first, but it's just bc of his assertive personality. His lectures are insightful, clear, and straightforward. They are extremely thorough, so as long as you pay attention in class and take notes, do the labs, and at least get a good sense of the hw problems, you should do well on the tests. Definitely recommend!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B+
Jan 24, 2018
Would take again

Now, I am a new college student. I took him as my first not only STEM class, but also first time taking a college class. It was difficult. He will make you work. If you are expecting to pass by showing up, you have the wrong one. However, he has been one of my fav teachers of all time. As for help and he will give it to you. Worth taking!!

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Apr 21, 2018
Would take again

Professor Quinlan cares about his students success, if you make the effort to help yourself he will see that.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
May 2, 2018
Would take again

Forest is awesome! He makes chemistry fun and really cares that his students understand what they are learning instead of just memorizing lists. One of the very best professors I have ever had!

Respected
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
CHEM120
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 8, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is an awful awful professor. He is really really intimidating. He can be funny at times but can also be carried away with his "humor". I would really suggest not talking his classes at all.

Tough Grader
SO MANY PAPERS
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Aug 22, 2018
Would take again

He is a professor that wants students to succeed and takes note of who does. He is passionate and knowledgeable about chemistry, and will make topics that seem hard, a bit easier to understand. His humor makes the class enjoyable, and he will tease you and make jokes, but it really is harmless! Take him if you are serious and ready to engage fully.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
5.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: B
Nov 9, 2018
Would take again

Good teacher, considering it's a hard class! You get to keep his quizzes for the exams. The labs are kinda hard so you should ask him to review a draft before turning in the final for credit.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
Apr 19, 2019
Would take again

Forest is one of (if not the) best professors that I have ever had. On top of being a genuinely good guy, he is great at his job and he cares about the success of his students. He is super helpful and loves when his students interact and ask questions. He wants you to learn the material! Cannot speak highly enough of Forest.

Accessible outside class
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A+
May 16, 2019
Would take again

He is the best professor I had in chemistry. He is hilarious and makes the class fun for u. If you do the homework and listen during his lectures, you will pass with an A.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not sure yet
May 21, 2019
Would take again

Forest is by far the best professor and teacher Ive ever had. Really caring, helps you understand the difficulty that is chemistry, hilarious guy. His class isnt easy but if you do the homework early, ask for help understanding things and show up and pay attention, youll be just fine.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
May 22, 2019
Would take again

My favorite professor, by far. His class is great if you are looking to actually learn the material. He is so caring and will go the extra mile to help his students. He wants you to reach out for help if you're struggling. If you're looking for an easy A and don't really care, don't take his class.. This class is hard, but very rewarding and fun!!!

Hilarious
Caring
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2019
Would take again

Seriously the best professor, cant speak highly enough of Forest. He is a kind, genuine guy that cares so much about his students. Hes hilarious and makes Chemistry so much fun! Do yourself a favor and TAKE HIS CLASS!!

Respected
Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
3.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Aug 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Great teacher and very welcoming to questions. Very lax when you don't have your manual yet or if it hasn't arrived yet. The tests are hard and I had to take them every week for a summer course. I don't recommend taking chemistry in summer unless you have taken a similar class prior and your memory is still fresh. Helpful TA too!

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Definitely take this class if you have a good understanding of basic chem or else you will get behind unless you study hard. Having the class online just made it 10x harder for me in my opinion, so be aware if you have to take it online as well.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
5.0
CHEM110
Jul 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Forest is a good teacher for fast learners. Chem Is the hardest subject for me and both times I've taken his class it was very challenging for me to keep up. In my opinion, he is an intimidating professor so it was hard for me to ask questions. Definitely had to attend every SI to understand the material. Exams are very hard and stressful!

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Forest is very caring and teaches in a way that is easy to understand. The only problem is that what he teaches in lecture is only 50% of whats going to be on the quiz. If you take notes in lecture, read the book, and do all of the homework youll do fine on the quizzes. Not a easy class whatsoever but if you put in work youll do fine.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: C
Apr 28, 2022
Would take again

Professor Quinlan is amazing. He has his own technique of teaching ensuring students are comprehending the topics in lectures and provides thorough examples for students to try. The homework assignments are not mandatory yet it is best to do them regardless to help practice. Study. He cares so much for his students and passionate about teaching .

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Gives good feedback
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Apr 28, 2022
Would take again

Closed mouths don't get fed! Student's responsibility to go to class or office hours prepared with questions you have; he will not openly offer help if you don't ask. He's nice enough to upload recorded lectures; rewatch lectures to instill the content into your brain and add to your notes. Hw not required, but they are helpful for practice!

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
3.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: C-
May 9, 2022
Would take again

Course is very lecture heavy and the labs to be easy. He can be a bit condescending if he has to repeat himself. The biggest drawback I have with his tests is that there is no study guide. I failed 3 of 6 tests because I had studied certain material more than what actually was on the test. Very Frustrating

Caring
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: B
May 31, 2022

I always hated asking him any type of question cause he would respond back with so much attitude. Especially in labs. You get something wrong, he won't help you at all and if he does, it's a 2-5 word sentence coming out of him. However, when he's teaching material during lecture he's really great at explaining during those moments.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
Jun 3, 2022
Would take again

If you are taking chemistry at Napa Valley College, take Forest's class. Mr. Quinlan was always there to offer a helping hand, and I could tell he actually cares about the success of his students. He's a funny dude too which always helpsThis class overall was pretty difficult at first but just go to the lectures, and do the hw and you'll be fine.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Jul 14, 2022
Would take again

Professor Quinlan was a great teacher! There was a lot of homework, and the lecture was heavy and fast. If you study and do all the homework, the exams won't be too hard. He cares about his students and will help you in any way he can. He expects a lot from you but still will help you through the class. TAKE HIS CLASS

Participation matters
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
CHEM120
Grade: B
Aug 28, 2022

A genuinely frustrating person. Professor Quinlan manages to make a cool subject feel like a slog, and seems more interested in hanging out than in actually helping students. Wait for Hanson to get a much better experience.

5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: C+
Oct 10, 2022
Would take again

Explains things clearly and makes class fun! Best professor on campus

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Nov 7, 2022
Would take again

Chem110 was the hardest class I've ever taken. We had tests every two weeks, and labs due the day of exams. However, Quinlan cares about his students. One time, he pulled me aside and had a real conversation with me about my personal difficulties, and even offered to let me take the test a different date. The class is hard, but he truly cares.

Caring
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
CHEM120
Grade: D+
Dec 7, 2022

Do not take this class unless you want to come out of lecture crying every week!!!!

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2023
Would take again

Professor Quinlan is funny and makes us laugh. His lectures were fast but he explains the material clearly. If you need more help I would recommend going to his office during hours! There was lots of homework but it was worth it to succeed in the class. He's such a great professor.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Caring
1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: C
Feb 9, 2023

HORRIBLE professor. Do yourself a favor and take anyone else who is available. Assigns a lot of homework, makes you feel dumb when you ask questions and is too sarcastic.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Jun 19, 2023
Would take again

Taking this class over the summer was intense but if you stay consistent it won't be that bad. There was an exam every week up till the final with homework due the day of the exam. You will have to go to him about your grade because he doesn't use Canvas but he will always be there to help and has very good advice!

Gives good feedback
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: B
Jun 19, 2023
Would take again

Both semesters were similar regarding workload, always has time for students. Attendance isn't mandatory but if you miss at least once make sure to go to his office hours. He is very sarcastic but funny in class, and always ask questions during lectures, it helps make the lecture more interactive and the material sticks better.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: B
Jun 19, 2023
Would take again

Make sure you interact during lecture, the more you engage the more you'll get out of it. Go to office hours at the beginning of the semester and go consistently especially if you aren't comfortable speaking up in class. There was a generally consistent structure. He can be sarcastic at times but he does genuinely care about his students.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B+
Aug 23, 2023
Would take again

I took this class over the summer so it was only a 6 week course. It was very challenging because you need to make sure that you have enough time to study. I really enjoy going to this class because I like the way Professor Forest taught my class. It's also very important to be interactive during lectures, good way to understand the materials!

Amazing lectures
Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: C
Dec 10, 2023
Would take again

Professor Quinlan was honestly one of the best professors I have had in my college career. He is super caring, super helpful and always willing to go above and beyond if you put in your share of the work. I will say there is quite the bit of homework but it prepares you well for each exam. He follows the syllabus strictly so be ready for that.

Amazing lectures
Lots of homework
Caring
1.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2023

He can be awful at helping the students understand his material and will judge you heavily in labs if you're confused about something you learned five minutes ago in his lecture. He's only able to appeal to students by being some type of social butterfly. I would strongly urge people to not take his class, especially if you're new to chemistry.

Lots of homework
4.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2024
Would take again

Quinlan will seem rude at first, but he is very straightfoward and wants you to be more proactive. He will "teach you to fish". Be comfortable with being called out. His lectures are engaging and sometimes funny. This is not an easy class. 3 exams, weekly lab reports, and 12 chapters of homework. But you will learn a lot.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

Forest barely gives you any help for this class, and you have to reach out to find out your grade. Take advantage of the study guides and start the homework as soon as possible. Doing the homework helps you learn the material on the tests. This class is doable, but you're on your own.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B+
Jun 4, 2024
Would take again

Dr Quinlan is the best professor I've ever had. Hysterical sense of humor, you have to be present in class because otherwise you miss vital info. He's clear in what he wants from you and you should be a participator in his class to get the best out of it. He truly cares about his students and is open to helping you if you ask for it. Forest rocks!

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Aug 17, 2024
Would take again

One of the most funny and best teachers I've ever had. He truly is not for everyone, but he was certainly the best teacher for me. He will let you know exactly what to study for the exams. I was so nervous about a summer chem class but it was the perfect pacing and everything.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 2, 2024

He encourages students to engage in the lectures but if you say the wrong thing, he will certainly let you know. Grabbed and raised my arm twice in the middle of his lecture because no one else wanted to interact with him. Doesn't give students enough time with study guides and doesn't post any grades. Very unprofessional overall.

Group projects
Lots of homework
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Dec 3, 2024
Would take again

His humor is full of dadjokes during lectures. Lectures are fast paced I reccomend doing homework a week before the midterms so you dont juggle them all at once which stresses you out more. He is very old school and becomes very literal.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: C+
Dec 16, 2024
Would take again

Forest has a great sense of humor, but he is not for everyone. His humor can be taken as "rude," so be comfortable with sarcasm and being called out, but he cares a lot about his students as long as he sees that you truly want to succeed and put effort into his class. Make sure to do your homework on time because it is a lot of work.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: A
Dec 31, 2024
Would take again

There is a lot of information to remember so make sure to study and practice frequently. Try not to miss lecture since there is a lot of information you can miss. Communicate if you are struggling and he will help you through different methods. He will not fail to entertain in class to keep your attention. Put in the work and you will do great!

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Apr 26, 2025

He speaks/writes so fast in lecture and it is hard to keep up, let alone study. Even though he says he is there to help you, he loves to belittle you and make you feel dumb. There is a LOT of questions on the homework and his lab reports are very vague. I do not recommend him at all.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
CHEM120CHEM121
Grade: A
May 23, 2025
Would take again

He cares for his students and is mostly willing to help if asked. It is crucial to attend lecture for this class, otherwise, you risk quickly falling behind. He will call you out during lecture, even if you aren't raising a hand, so beware. If you ask a question during lab, he will sometimes make you feel silly. Do the homework and study to pass.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
May 23, 2025
Would take again

Forest is a great professor. People may see him as rude but it is truly just his humor and I can tell he really cares about his students. I recommend showing up to every lecture because even missing one will get you behind. As long as you do all the homework and set a lot of time to study, you will be fine.

Amazing lectures
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Oct 25, 2025
Would take again

Among my favorite teachers ever! Super clear expectations, very engaging, really good at explaining concepts in lecture and answering questions. He's a chill guy and is willing to work with you if you need extra support. Just do your best, ask for help if needed, and you'll be fine.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Caring
1.0
2.0
CHEM120
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 6, 2025

this class was a slog. everyone seems to love this guy. not me. i took it at solano and excelled. he's too immature for my learning style.

Hilarious
2.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 21, 2025

He claims that he wants to help students achieve in his class, but also publicly criticizes his students!! Definitely not a class to take if ur an introvert. cant miss a lecture or youll fall behind, his class isn't for everyone. funny jokes but can be very mean or offputting sometimes.

Participation matters
5.0
5.0
CHEM120
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2025
Would take again

It was a hard class but he has amazing lectures (very organized and detailed.) But his tests are a bit difficult.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Lots of homework
3.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2025

Forest is smart and old-school. His humor can feel rude, but he cares and expects real effort. The class is tough, a lot of ppl drop, but he will go the extra mile to help if you ask. You must study outside class and space out homework. Labs are mandatory. He doesn't use Canvas for grades, so talk to him. Make friends and stay on top of everything.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
4.0
4.0
CHEM120
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2025
Would take again

Forest is a good professor if you put in the effort. You need to study for this class! His lectures contain basically all the information you will need on the tests, but beware that he will put a lot of application type questions on midterms. His humor might seem rude, but he's only joking. Be sure to ask him any questions and you will succeed.

Tough grader
Gives good feedback
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

71%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 55 grades
Most common grades:
A (25)
B (14)
C (5)
Grade Distribution
A(27)B(14)C(8)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(4)
Based on 65 reported grades
A: 25
B: 14
C: 5
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Hilarious (24)
Lots of homework (15)
Lecture heavy (15)
Test heavy (12)
Amazing lectures (12)
Accessible outside class (9)
Caring (9)
Participation matters (8)
Rating Trend

Stable

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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEMI110

5.0

(1)

CHEM121

5.0

(3)

CHEM2014121

5.0

(1)

CHEM120CHEM121

4.8

(13)

CHEM110

4.1

(48)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM150

5.0

CHEM120

4.0

CHEM120CHEM121

3.9

CHEM110

3.7

CHEMI110

3.0

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