4.1

Graeme Gerrans

Chemistry - University of Virginia

4.1
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
90
Reviews
4.1
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.2
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

90

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

52

4

22

3

9

2

5

1

2

What Students Say

decent professor for 141/151, great professor for 241, very clear, nice guy

CHEM241 - 5.0 rating

although he writes EVERYTHING on the overhead, if you study his notes you will do well in the class

CHEM142 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

53% confidence
Based on 1 grades
Most common grades:
B- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(0)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 1 reported grades
B-: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
May
Mar
Apr
Dec
Mar
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM121

5.0

(1)

CHEM2412

5.0

(2)

CHEM14122412

5.0

(1)

CHEM140S240S

5.0

(1)

CHEM241242

5.0

(2)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM121

4.0

PSYCH220

4.0

CHEM1410

4.0

CHEM241

3.4

CHEM242

3.3

Reviews (90)
2.0
5.0
CHEM151
Dec 3, 2002

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CHEM241
Dec 16, 2002

decent professor for 141/151, great professor for 241, very clear, nice guy

5.0
2.0
CHEM142
Mar 28, 2003

although he writes EVERYTHING on the overhead, if you study his notes you will do well in the class

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Apr 17, 2003

Agree with bellow. Good notes and lecture though a little bit slow.

5.0
2.0
CHEM151
Apr 17, 2003

No Comments

4.0
3.0
CHEM151
Oct 29, 2003

Go to lectures, take notes, read the book, keys to success

5.0
4.0
CHEM121
Nov 6, 2003

very friendly and easy to talk to, explains best out of all available professors

4.0
3.0
CHEM141
Nov 24, 2003

Boring but apparently the best. All notes are on an over-head.

5.0
1.0
CHEM141
Nov 27, 2003

He's good. Take him if you want chemistry in simple terms. And he's easy ... very easy (no tricky test questions.. only things he teaches and the sort of examples he does appear on test) Funny at some times..

2.0
4.0
CHEM151
Dec 12, 2003

often talks off subject, throws personal political views into lectures. what he recommends to study does not show up on quizes.

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Dec 18, 2003

He's a real nice guy. His lectures are clear and his quizzes are okay. You still have to do alot of outside prep on your own but overall he is really good. Has lots of office hours and is willing to help!

5.0
2.0
CHEM142
Feb 12, 2004

soo much better than some of the others. very clear and easy to understand- speaks slow enough and is organized. does random cute/funny things. tests are based on the bk and his lectures (doesnt throw in crazy ques like the others)

5.0
3.0
CHEM142
Mar 24, 2004

Definetly the best out of the chemistry professors. He is easy to follow and understand and writes everything out on overheads. (Plus he has a cool accent)

2.0
4.0
CHEM241
Apr 6, 2004

boring, i've had good chemistry teachers, he is NOT one of them go find one who is

5.0
2.0
CHEM2412
Apr 14, 2004

Really good lecturer, clearer notes than the book. If you go to class and go to office hours, you will do well in the class. Get to drop one quiz, unlike other orgo professors.

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Apr 19, 2004

He's extremely clear in his lectures and they're really worth going to. I learned a lot simply by copying down what he wrote on the board. His tests are fair and well-balanced.

5.0
4.0
CHEM142
May 1, 2004

He's one of the best I've had here. He writes up his lectures on the overhead so you can follow along without stressing out about missing stuff. Great teacher!

5.0
2.0
CHEM142
Jun 8, 2004

Easiest Intro Chem teacher.

5.0
3.0
CHEM241
Oct 31, 2004

I am going to be a chem major and I have had this professor for all my chem so far (141/2 and 241 and going to take 242). He is NOT easy; however, the way he covers the material is ever understandable even to a snail, which makes it easy. If you dont try understanding the material, it's hard!

5.0
1.0
CHEM151
Nov 11, 2004

Gerrans provide very clear examples and logic for this class. The tests are easy if you go to class and read the book.

5.0
1.0
CHEM151
Nov 11, 2004

He is famed to be the clearest teacher and to have the easiest tests--great combination!

4.0
4.0
CHEM142
Nov 18, 2004

i didn't find him to be as easy as everyone else did, i actually did much better with bryant in 141 than with gerrans in 142, i felt like his quizzes contained a lot of off-topic material, but i did find the final to be easier-i got a 95 without much preparation :)

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Nov 21, 2004

Covers lecture material slowly, but not always in a way that will help you on the quizzes. If chemistry isn't your favorite thing, there are lots of options for extra help.

4.0
3.0
CHEM141
Dec 9, 2004

He goes over material slowly, so people can get a good grasp on it. However I find that the quizzes usually have something that we didn't cover well or didn't show up on the posted past quizzes. He does hold a lot of office hours and review sessions to help you though. Overall a good professor.

5.0
4.0
CHEM241
Dec 9, 2004

You WILL have to work hard in this class, but Gerrans is a clear, friendly, funny teacher. I found the book to be very clear also, so staying ahead of him in the reading will help you understand his lectures a lot better. Let's you drop 1 of 4 tests which is veeery helpful.

3.0
3.0
CHEM141
Jan 6, 2005

his intro chem class isn't that easy. youll have to work hard. second exam, average was a 61. ouch. everyone says he lectures slow, but how many times are you scrambling to take down notes before he switches gears? his accent is sweet, but it'll put you to sleep. alas, i recommend his class.

4.0
3.0
CHEM241
Jan 13, 2005

Gus is the clearest chem teacher here, period. Not only is he clear, but he allows you to drop a test which reeeally helps. But people looking into taking his class solely because a portion of it is multiple choice unlike other professors', beware: It isn't easier at all. MC hurts you in orgo.

4.0
3.0
CHEM141142
Jan 23, 2005

out of the rest of the chem department, he is the easiest to follow in lecture. plus, he has a south african accent so that isn't so bad. he is tricky on his tests but gives old ones with answers to practice.

5.0
3.0
CHEM241
Jan 28, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
CHEM2412
Mar 28, 2005

Papa G is the best chemistry teacher out there. While his tests may seem hard, they are quality tests - they only test you on what you need to know. Also, he is EXTREMELY clear and a wonderful professor.

5.0
2.0
CHEM14122412
Apr 5, 2005

I have had this for all my chemistry. He is really clear. Forget any other professors if you have a choice to take him. Though do not mistake him for easy. It is easy if you understand his very easy explanations, which even a snail can understand. He is funny, and relates chemistry to outside work.

5.0
3.0
CHEM140S240S
May 16, 2005

I love Prof Gerrans!!! I took his 141&142, 241&242. He reminded me of my grandpa. =) His lectures were very clear. He's kind and was always there to help. All his 141&42 tests were multiple choice and orgo was a mixture of multiple choice and short answers. Try hard and you should be ok getting B or above in his class.

5.0
3.0
CHEM241242
Aug 2, 2005

Gerrans is a very nice man and really helpful during his office hours. He really tries. Lectures can be really dull but what do expect from organic chemistry. Tests are hard but fair, study your notes and do the practice tests because they really help you prepare.

4.0
2.0
CHEM141
Oct 9, 2005

Professor Gerrans is a sometimes boring lecturer but makes up for it with his accent and his humor. A must have!

3.0
4.0
CHEM141
Oct 31, 2005

gus is hard

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Grade: B-
Nov 17, 2005

Fair (but sometimes difficult) tests, doesn't rush through material, explains it clearly, and a nice man. Really, just look at the number of students signing up for his Chem class in comparison to other available section b/c that says it all.

5.0
2.0
CHEM151
Dec 9, 2005

cool accent and real nice guy. class can be real boring, mostly sleep through his lectures, but he takes his time and doesnt rush through material so that all the students can understand. probably best of the 3 chem prof, i would def take him again.

5.0
3.0
CHEM241
Dec 14, 2005

I LOVE GERRANS!! extremely fair, fabulous/clear lectures, cool accent. really is a great man and amazing professor

3.0
4.0
PSYCH220
Dec 15, 2005

Lectures=boring. I taught myself most of it from memory of high school. Sense of humor=not funny. Supposedly better than other professors.

3.0
2.0
CHEM151
Dec 16, 2005

Incredidibly boring lectures. Prior to this class I wasn't aware that a teacher with an accent could be monotone. This entire year I have learnt nothing, the reason I did not fail is due to my IB chemistry class. If you can, avoid Gerrans at all costs.

3.0
3.0
CHEM141
Jan 23, 2006

nice guy but i didnt learn anything from his lectures. specimen quizzes were very decpetive and did not cover what was eventually on the test! has a great TA though and she is very helpful. i learned everything from thinkwell and linh (the TA)

5.0
3.0
CHEM142
Mar 24, 2006

Gerrans is amazing. A must-have for Chem 141/142.

5.0
3.0
CHEM142
Mar 28, 2006

He is without a doubt the best Chem 141/142 teacher there is.

2.0
4.0
CHEM142
Apr 4, 2006

What he goes over in class is very deceptive, along with his problem sets, the quizzes are different and require you to learn more than what he is teaching.

1.0
5.0
CHEM142
Apr 6, 2006

you can think you know the material, but once you get to the quizzes it's like wtf?!

5.0
2.0
CHEM141142
Apr 18, 2006

Gus is my boy. ive had him for 2 semesters and ive joyed him right from the beginning. he is very clear and on the whole the quizzes are very fair. IF YOU DONT WANT TO ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK THEN TAKE GUS. i never read and got an A- in the class. be sure to visit him at office hours- hes a really sweet old man.

4.0
2.0
CHEM151
Apr 21, 2006

Uses transparencies. Tests are mostly based on things covered in class. Cool accent!

4.0
2.0
CHEM142
May 17, 2006

Read the book. Do the practice problems from the syllabus. That's all I'm saying. If you base your entire studying on lecture notes, you will be in poor shape for quiz time. I got an A- BECAUSE I did the practice problems. Take the time. Do them.

5.0
2.0
CHEM241242
Aug 1, 2006

Incredibly organized, clear, knows exactly what he's covered in lecture - to succeed, you must read the book and lecture notes well - sometimes tells funny stories to spice up the lecture

5.0
2.0
CHEM141
Nov 15, 2006

Love the accent! His lectures are very clear and I hardly ever need to read the textbook. Do the homework and the practice quizes and you should be fine!

1.0
4.0
CHEM141
Nov 16, 2006

EWw.... He uses his transparencies - but they don't help for the quiz - quizzes? nothing from the lecture or thinkwell hw problems or from the old quizzes... i didn't like this class... the only way to succeed is if you learned a lot from high school

5.0
4.0
CHEM141
Nov 29, 2006

Prof. Gerrans is wonderful. I was intimidated at first because i came into his class with a very weak background in Chemistry and a lot of my classmates took AP or IB Chem. But that's ok because Gerrans is very clear with his lectures and I love this class. It's challenging if you haven't had chem already but an A is definitely obtainable.

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Dec 13, 2006

Prof Gerrans is a very good proffessor, and man, are his notes the best or what.. definitely take hmi for your 142/141, he'a awesome, but study well for the quizzes, he might make them tough once in a while, and i love his accent. His flaws are only that he's a lil bad with electronics, but who cares.. he rocks

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Dec 13, 2006

People who say he's really hard didn't study enough. His tests are based a lot on your actual understanding of the material and his class notes, though it does help to do the problems in the book for practice. He's also very approachable and helpful at his office hours.

4.0
2.0
CHEM141
Dec 17, 2006

Gerrans gives fairly easy tests if you know the material and do the practice tests. His lectures are organized and easy to understand. Often lightens up the class with an amusing transparency.

4.0
4.0
CHEM141
Dec 17, 2006

Really boring lectures, about 1/4 of the class came on Fridays. He's helpful during his office hours, but his quizes are pretty random and requires you to read the questions very very carefully. I recommend taking him since the other two proffessors seem to be worse.

5.0
4.0
CHEM241
Dec 17, 2006

If ur going to take Orgo, take it with Gerrans. U don't need to read the book to do well. All u need are his notes, the recommended problems, and practice tests. The curve is also a big help. Tests are consistent (12 multiple choice, 3 free response) and if you've had him before he's almost predictable. Much better than the other 2 professors!

3.0
4.0
CHEM142
Apr 5, 2007

Chemistry sucks. BUT, if you must take it, GET GERRANS. He has a sense of humor and has a british accent. I know that has nothing to do with his teaching, but he is the cutest old man i have ever met. But seriously, hes a good/clear teacher, and fair.

5.0
2.0
CHEM142
Apr 12, 2007

Great teacher; he presents his lectures very clearly with handouts and examples. However, being the weedout course that it is for premeds, this class is not easy. Halfway into the semester, I stopped going to class. The information in his lectures is chem you learned sophomore year, but his quizzes are extremely tricky and often irrelevant.

4.0
4.0
CHEM141
Apr 27, 2007

Nice guy with a cute British accent. Chem 141 is a killer, whoever you have. Supposedly Gerrans is one of the lesser evils. Quizzes are VERY specific. If you have to take this class, take it with Gerrans or Harmon. If you don't have to take this class, then definitely don't take it.

5.0
3.0
CHEM142
May 9, 2007

Amazing professor. Very organized, nice, and helpful. Tests are hard but fair. Do optional problems and study his notes & Oxtoby carefully.

3.0
5.0
CHEM242
May 12, 2007

Orgo Chem is no joke...especially the second half. If you don't understand something ASK! Correct your tests within two days after you get them, and review your notes a little bit everyday. Trust me. This will save you a lot of heartache throughout the semester. By the way, the multiple choice are what will hurt your grade.

4.0
2.0
CHEM142L
May 13, 2007

This guy sucks compared to Harman, his accent put me to sleep every class, he's not funny either. If you like copying overhead notes all class then he's your guy, i don't take notes however. Got an A+ in 141 and 142 (its possible if you stop taking notes and try to understand the concepts), he's alright, not as cool as Harman though.

4.0
2.0
CHEM142
May 29, 2007

Gerrans is a only a decent lecturer, but he's a very nice guy who is very helpful to students (go to his office!). Tests are fair and test important concepts without requiring specific memorizations. However, I had more success simply watching Thinkwell tutorials rather than going to lecture. Take Harman if available, but take Gerrans over Metcalf.

4.0
2.0
CHEM151
Jul 6, 2007

boring, but a good teacher. quizzes come from lecture so go to class. love the accent!

5.0
4.0
CHEM242
Aug 13, 2007

Amazing professor! His notes are incredible! He makes it easy to succeed in his class if you work hard and study his notes. Although orgo was difficult, I am so glad I took it with Gerrans.

4.0
2.0
CHEM141
Oct 23, 2007

He is a good teacher; however, he doesn't have powerpoints which means 3 pages of notes everyday. It's not too hard as long as you put in a little effort.

5.0
4.0
CHEM141
Oct 26, 2007

Professore Gerrans is a good teacher with a great accent but very boring. The class is so large that coming to lecture is almost pointless and sleep always ensues during lecture. The quizzes are fair and adequately test one's knowledge of chemistry.

5.0
2.0
CHEM141
Nov 14, 2007

Gerrens methodically covers the material, explaining everything you need to know for the quizzes. His accent is really fun to listen to.

4.0
1.0
CHEM141
Dec 21, 2007

Not GREAT but very clear about things you need to know for exams. It's hard to stay awake at 9am to copy off from transparencies though since he's a bit boring...i heard he has easier quizzes compared to the other 2 lecturers though. Funny accent.

5.0
1.0
CHEM242
Jan 26, 2008

Extremely helpful! You must go to his office hour!

4.0
1.0
CHEM151
Jan 28, 2008

Very clear and straightforward professor. Known to be easier than the other chemistry teachers. I'd say you can't go wrong with Gerrans.

4.0
3.0
CHEM141
Apr 3, 2008

He's a pretty good teacher. Shows you EXACTLY what to take notes on. You'll be writing notes ALL class, so get a notebook big enough. Tests are better than Metcalfs. Never had Harmon, but I hear he's better.

3.0
4.0
CHEM142
Apr 18, 2008

Tough not to fall asleep -- he's really boring. When I did manage to get to class and also pay attention (rarely), he did explain things clearly though. Absolutely take Harman for 141, he's sooo much better.

5.0
2.0
CHEM142
May 13, 2008

He is no Harman but Harman doesn't teach first-years anymore so boo. Do take him over Metcalf and read the book! Specimen quizzes don't really give good idea of real quizzes. Go to office hours too and he will do any problem you give him.

4.0
5.0
CHEM142
May 13, 2008

Like others have said, he is no Harman. However, Gerrans does give notes and presents the basics in class. Read the textbook, go to office hours, and do practice problems to really understand the concepts.

3.0
2.0
CHEM141
Oct 27, 2008

For the 2008 year, Gerrans has been the easiest of the three chem teachers (Metcalf is the hardes, Grisham in between). His quizzes are the easiest of the three, but keep in mind they are curved, so you are competing against others. He is a pretty good teacher, but you can probably get most of it if you read the book.

4.0
4.0
CHEM151
Nov 19, 2008

His classes can be a little boring at times, but he's really helpful when you go and talk to him. I once bubbled wrong on a quiz and when I talked to him about it and showed him my work, he gave me the benefit of the doubt and gave me my points back! It's a huge class, but when you talk to him one on one, he really seems to care about his students!

5.0
2.0
CHEM241
Nov 30, 2008

He is so cute and enthusiastic! His South African accent is adorable and his notes in class are very organized and easy to follow.

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Dec 12, 2008

He is an awesome lecturer and professor. Take him and you will not regret it. Much better than metcalf and grisham from what i heard.

4.0
3.0
CHEM141
Dec 17, 2008

gerrans is a great professor--the best out of the gen chem teachers at UVa. His quizzes are easier than the other professors quizzes and he's just an awesome guy. it's too bad he's not teaching next semester :( take him and you won't regret it!

5.0
3.0
CHEM141
Jan 3, 2009

Good professor, quizzes weren't absurdly hard but if you didn't study a solid amount you could get below the class average. Had really helpful TA recitations and gave out previous quizzes, although they were always much easier than the actual tests. Good professor, definitely the best one but it didn't seem to me like anyone of them were superb

5.0
5.0
CHEM241
Jan 4, 2009

Like a lot of students, I was worried about orgo at the beginning of the semester. Yet after I took practice quizzes, attended lectures, and spent time studying the lecture notes, my work really paid off. Although orgo is a difficult class, it was reassuring to know that with time and effort, it was not impossible.

5.0
3.0
CHEM241
Mar 16, 2009

Gerrans is an excellent professor whose notes and lectures are crystal clear and easy to follow. his notes are extremely organized, and he is available outside of class for extra help. great for gen chem too.

5.0
3.0
CHEM203
May 28, 2009

Best teacher I have ever had.

5.0
3.0
CHEM241
Mar 16, 2010

Take orgo with Gerrans! His notes are very clear and he's always willing to help if you're confused. The class is not a breeze, but what you learn is invaluable. Comparatively, orgo with Burnett was too simple and rather uninteresting. Go to class and you won't need to read the book.

5.0
3.0
CHEM1620
Apr 4, 2010

Extremely organized and lecture notes are crystal clear. Quizzes aren't terrible but you need to study.

2.0
4.0
CHEM1410
Dec 22, 2010

He's a very smart and lucid Chemistry teacher. He helps students who find it hard. He keeps class alive by showing cartoons of scientists and funny comments here and there. He is the teacher built to teach CHEM 141/142!

5.0
3.0
CHEMFALL
Mar 20, 2011

Very Good!!

5.0
2.0
CHEM1420
May 11, 2011

Professor Gerrans was a great chem teacher. Will miss him!

Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

53% confidence
Based on 1 grades
Most common grades:
B- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(0)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 1 reported grades
B-: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
May
Mar
Apr
Dec
Mar
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM121

5.0

(1)

CHEM2412

5.0

(2)

CHEM14122412

5.0

(1)

CHEM140S240S

5.0

(1)

CHEM241242

5.0

(2)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM121

4.0

PSYCH220

4.0

CHEM1410

4.0

CHEM241

3.4

CHEM242

3.3

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