2.9

James Becvar

Chemistry - The University of Texas at El Paso

2.9
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
35%
Would Retake
121
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
2.9
Clarity

35%

Would Retake

121

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

34

4

17

3

16

2

23

1

31

What Students Say

The class itself is not challenging, his existence just makes things more difficult

CHEM1306 - 2.0 rating

If you decide to take Dr

CHEM1306 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

76%

Textbook Required

4%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 69 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (23)
A (17)
Not sure yet (7)
Grade Distribution
A(40)B(5)C(9)D(13)F(3)A-/B+(5)
Based on 85 reported grades
A+: 23
A: 17
Not sure yet: 7
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
Common Tags
Test heavy (33)
Get ready to read (19)
Lecture heavy (19)
Skip class? You won't pass. (18)
Tough grader (15)
Graded by few things (13)
TEST HEAVY (10)
EXTRA CREDIT (10)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.73 avg change
Apr
May
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Aug
Sep
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM1402

5.0

(1)

CHEM2325

5.0

(1)

CHEM 1305

5.0

(1)

CHEM1305

3.5

(31)

1305

3.5

(2)
+7 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM1221

5.0

CHEM

4.0

CHEMISTRY1

4.0

1306

3.8

CHEM1306

3.6

Reviews (121)
1.0
3.0
CHEMISTRIES
Oct 5, 2005

No Comments

2.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Dec 22, 2005

Makes little sense when giving lectures. WAY too much bouncing around.

3.0
3.0
CHEM1305
May 31, 2006

I had the highest grade in my high school chem. here I barely passed. And this was only half of what I learned in high school.

2.0
4.0
CHEM
Aug 5, 2006

hey guys grow up. I took dr becvar's class in 97 and he was hard. you needed to pay attention in his class to get ahead. he once told us "i am not here to teach you, you are here to teach yourselves" at first i was upset, but now 9 years later i understand. you the student must make the effort, not him. please grow up you're no longer in HS!

3.0
3.0
CHEM1305
Dec 15, 2006

His lectures are very jumbled. Not very clear when working out examples. Tests are hard if you do not study! If you go to his office he is more than happy to help you,but come prepared. He used to make the final, but now they use the ACS Standard exam which is hard. Take him if you want a challenge. Definitely read the book.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Jul 8, 2008

hard. but read and do HW and you should get at least a B

2.0
5.0
CHEM1305
Aug 27, 2008

I did not like him at all.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Feb 22, 2010

Do the assignments, work to understand the material. I got an A, and honestly, there isn't a reason why an honest effort in his class wouldn't get you one. Yes, tests are hard, but people who know what they're talking about pass.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1221
Jul 24, 2010

The material is hard and this guy dosnt make it easier take it with some other teacher

5.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Aug 2, 2010

Dr. Becavar works to invigor students with a drive to learn, and and to think critically. His course was well worth the difficulty, because it will show you your capacity to perform thought necessary for relevant scientific endeavours today.

5.0
1.0
CHEM1402
Nov 2, 2013

Dr. Becvar is a great professor, he makes his lectures enjoyable and with humor on them! If, of course, you are intellectually inclined. I found this class an easy A, his tests are fairly and the way he grades makes it almost impossible for anyone to not pass. He is a great teacher, if you strive for excellence, take his class you will be satisfied

4.0
5.0
CHEM1305
Grade: C-
Jan 16, 2014

extremely difficulty if you weren't good at chemistry in high school. I suggest getting a tutor if you are taking him for honors. Doesn't teach the material and expects you to learn it yourself in the book. You MUST read.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Mar 17, 2014

This professor is horrible. This material is hard enough and he does not teach well. He is too busy with his own research to care or give any form of extra credit. Good luck tracking him down and if so good luck going in his office that looks like it needs to be on a hoarding show. I work my butt off and am failing.

4.0
3.0
CHEM1306
Apr 8, 2014

VAGUE. THIS CLASS IS HIS LIFE. TRICKY WORDING ON TESTS. STUDY EACH DAY.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Apr 8, 2014

He is an annoying old man who will fill up the class with 10 min of "Did you take note?! You should be!" each class, You pretty much learn by yourself and from your peer leaders. This class is bringing me down and I am a straight A student. He has daily clicker questions that count as your attendance. Taker Dr Noveron if you can.

4.0
3.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Apr 21, 2014

iclicker quizzes at the beginning are part of attendance and are very important to him! if you care he cares! pay attention, study hard, take notes and study them, seek for help, ask your PL, go to his office hours and you will be fine!

2.0
3.0
CHEM1306
May 14, 2014

iclicker quizzes every day before class and sometimes during class. His exam consist of about 18 multiple questions and around 3 free response questions. The class is hard not because of him but because of the material in general. If you want to pass study, know the concepts and practice as many problems as you can.

3.0
3.0
CHEM1305
May 25, 2014

If you read the chapters ahead of time you will be fine in class. His lectures can be jumbled but easily understood if you have some idea what the class is going over. Dr. Becvar is a good teacher but you have to make the effort to be there in class on time and taking notes. If you need help go to your Peer Leaders, they will try to help you.

4.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Jun 2, 2014

Dr. Becvar is an amazing professor. In order to do well in his class you need to take good notes and listen to his lectures again. If you pay close attention he practically tells you what will be on his exam, he will repeat important concepts over and over again. Practice the problems from the book and review notes before exams.

4.0
3.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A-
Sep 14, 2014

Good professor, knowledgeable and willing to help

2.0
3.0
1308
Oct 12, 2014

Instead of teaching you what you need to know he'll spend the entire course saying what you should learn and then going off on a tangent about something. It's basically a self teaching sort of class

3.0
4.0
1306
Grade: A
Oct 23, 2014

As long as you read the book and do the practice exams you should do fine. His lectures didn't help much but the workshops did.

4.0
3.0
1305
Oct 28, 2014

If you have a good previous basis of understanding of general chemistry, this class is quite reinforcing. Also his exams are much shorter (that's goodbad, depends on you). If you don't (which I imagine is the case of most raters here), well it's not that great. You will have to read, and read thoroughlyin addition to lecture to get a good grade.

3.0
4.0
1305
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 29, 2014

Dr. Becvar is a hilarious profesor. His tests are tricky and the fact that he teaches gen chem doest help it is a tough subject. Be prepared to read and study study study!

3.0
2.0
CHEM1305
Nov 17, 2014

I came to college with a great foundation on chemistry, so I found Chem 1305 quite repetitive except for a few things. On the things I knew, I felt he didn't tell the class everything. He goes over the easy stuff a lot, and doesn't get to the harder stuff much. Tests are WAY easier than my high school chem teacher's. Easy peasy. He's quite funny.

3.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Dec 4, 2014

Dr. Becvar is extremely confusing. I suggest you read the chapter he's going over that week before you go to class. That's seriously the key to this class and understanding what he's talking about or else you will be very confused. Overall his exams are not too bad if you understand everything during the lectures then you'll be fine in the exam.

2.0
4.0
CHEMISTRY1
Jan 8, 2015

He is more focused on the math then on the specifics. He is very confusing, but what he goes over in class is on the test.

4.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A
May 21, 2015

Dr. Becvar is an amazing professor. Material is easy if you study. Class average on exams was apparently in the 50's. His teaching method is a little confusing, but if you go to his office hours, he's more than willing to help you understand, Just make an appointment. Just stay on top of your studying, toys isn't a class where you can slack it.

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jun 19, 2015

I took this guy for Chem 2. He's awesome! He is old but very nice. He gives pop quizzes. lectures are clear.

5.0
1.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A
Jun 19, 2015

Best professor ever had. Passed this class with 98- A. Highly Recommend

5.0
1.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Jun 20, 2015

Class is tough. Becvar is old but very kind-hearted. First test failed for not studying but grades went up to As on next tests for coming to his office hours. He's willing to help students. He's the best! 3

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jun 22, 2015

Easy A. Love this guy. He's old and very nice, willing to help students understand Chemistry and prepare for Medical school.

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jun 22, 2015

To pass study study study. If don't understand, come to office hours. Ended up with A. Not a hard class if study

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Jun 24, 2015

Would definitely take again if teaches Ochem. He's very funny and nice to students. No extra credit but easy A if read the book and come to workshop. Definitely recommend

5.0
1.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Jun 24, 2015

Kind and cordial. Well explanation. Quizzes every day. Be ready to get the i-clicker at the bookstore. Class average 75-89% after each test. Got 99 for the average

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jun 24, 2015

Love this guy. Funny and hilarious. Willing to help students. Don't take notes, just read and do hw yourself.

5.0
1.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Jun 25, 2015

Amazing guy. He's like an old and kind grandpa. Very nice and willing to help students. Smile all the time. Well explanations. Got an A for chem 1305 Spring 2015. So happy. Textbook Chang chemistry 11th edition

4.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A-
Jun 26, 2015

Good but not perfect. Some lectures are unclear. Sometimes refuse to help students due to busy schedules. Passed with 90. He curves a little bit. Never take notes, just read yourself

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Jun 28, 2015

4 exams and final ACS exam. Self-study, read and do hw in the book better than come to class. Quizzes every day before class. Ended up A. Fairly recommend

5.0
1.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Jun 28, 2015

Really cares for students. Just finished fist chem class spring 2015. Phew, easiest class in first year of college. Will definitely take him again

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jun 28, 2015

Wish he teaches Chem 2324, definitely take him. He's very nice. He helped students prepare for medical school well. He graduated from Harvard. Highly recommend

5.0
1.0
CHEM2325
Grade: A
Jun 29, 2015

At first two weeks, very tough time. After that, easy for coming to his office hours. Great guy

5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Jul 3, 2015

Well explanation. Easy pop quizzes. Just read the book and google information and pass class easy.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A
Jul 8, 2015

Great professor. He's very nice and kind to his students. Just come to his office hours and pass easily

5.0
1.0
CHEM1305
Jul 16, 2015

Love this old man. He's very kind and caring for his students. Easy A

4.0
2.0
CHEM1305
Oct 8, 2015

The lectures are interesting, he only covers 1-2 new things each time so its easy to follow. I read the textbooks (used for the class and the workshop) a lot because there was a lot of information that you need to know but was not covered in class.

5.0
3.0
CHEM 1305
Oct 23, 2015

I had to take this course twice but I honestly would procrastinate a lot. Just get it together and you'll do fine. He's super funny and quirky and will help you out if you visit office hours, he's understanding. Many people don't go but I recommend you do because he states things that you can't find on his online homework.

5.0
3.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Feb 17, 2016

Dr. Becvar is a great professor! He is hilarious and cares about his students learning. He is old and admits to not being perfect and making mistakes. He is extremely helpful during his office hours. He doesn't cover absolutely everything, but he covers a lot. If you actually study and read the textbook, you should pass with an A.

4.0
3.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Mar 29, 2016

Such a sweet guy. Workbook required for homework assignments. Lectures can be a bit long but his personality makes them interesting. Attendance not mandatory but go to class. Tests are a bit tough if you don't know the material completely. Don't put off studying until right before a test, it'll be too much.

1.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: C
Jun 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Not a good lecturer and worse at grading. There were students who later let me know they went in person to ask grade changes because they found discrepancies with their scores and the grades they got. I honestly don't believe the class was hard but the tests are very unforgiving.

3.0
3.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Sep 7, 2016
Wouldn't take again

His classes are sometimes boring. The grading is made by the TAs. There is homework every week as well as lab and seminary. Ttore are 5 exams and the final is cumulative and it is sort of hard. The lowest exam was changed for the highest grade. You have to study well, read and ask questions.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
CHEM1306
Nov 27, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He doenst explain at all. His tests are really hard, even if you study, try to read the book and go to the workshops. He is not very aproachable outside the classroom

Tough Grader
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Nov 30, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Becvar was the toughest class I had my first semester, he does not explain the material properly and bounced around topics all the time. He would always assign homework on material that had not been covered in class or he never went over certain topics that were on the homework. He made chemistry more difficult than it needed to be.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A
Dec 3, 2016
Would take again

He's a great Chemistry professor, sometimes he can get lost in his own thoughts. If you go to his office he will explain anything that you didn't understand and will go over your exam with you to make sure everything is correct. Best chemistry professor by far.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Caring
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: D-
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Do not take him if you want someone who helps you. He's one of those professors who knows what they are talking about and expect you to know too and when you ask for clarification goes on a tangent.. And lectures were long and hardly helpful. He would care too much about calling people out for not taking notes than on chemistry. Do not recommend.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: C
Jan 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Becvar's is a tough professor. He does point you out if you are not taking notes. His test are really hard. He doesn't allow make up, if he does then it is tougher than the original test. He is tough but you will somewhat survive. Read the book and rely on workshop because his lectures are not helpful.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
4.0
3.0
CHEM1305
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2017
Would take again

I really enjoyed taking Dr. Becvar's course. His lectures can kinda be all over the place sometimes but he's good at explaining concepts. If you really study and really apply yourself you should be fine. It's obvious that he cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Workshops help so much and his exams aren't that bad. Don't skip class!

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
4.0
CHEM1305
May 5, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is an intelligent man but not a great professor. If you struggle in class and try to talk to him, he is not willing to help. Rather than helping you scolds you. Chemistry is a hard subject as it is. Lectures are long but he is all over the place so he occasionally skips out on explaining things. Rely on workshop and out of class self learning.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
CHEM1306
May 8, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Chemistry is hard enough, but he makes it even harder... The class is frustrating enough with the early class time and the material alone, but the professor is everywhere and doesn't cover what is actually on the exams. He cares more about taking notes and you being awake than he does teaching... Also grades for exams don't match up for what you do

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Not sure yet
May 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The Material is pretty hard and he's all over the place with his lectures making the class harder. Biggest difference between him and other 1306 professors is that his exams always include a free response section that is usually worth half if not more of the points of the whole examination so if you mess that up there goes your exam score.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A
May 30, 2017
Would take again

This class was a pretty challenging one, you really have to earn your grade for this one. Dr. Becvar may be a bit frustrating at times, but at the end of the day he's a really kind and caring man if you talk to him, and he is very willing to help during his office hours. Take this course if you actually want to LEARN about chemistry, not an easy A.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A
May 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If I had to do Chemistry again, I don't think I would take Dr. Becvar's class. You really have to work to pass the class and he can be difficult to work with most times. Everyone has different experiences with him, but he always came off as arrogant and rude especially when I went to his office hours. Word of caution-- he yells a lot in exams!

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 5, 2017
Would take again

Clear instruction. Best professor. Great teacher. UTEP is always the best university in the USA. Highly recommended

Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Oct 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

tough very tough!!!

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Mar 6, 2018
Wouldn't take again

If you decide to take Dr. Becvar's CHEM 1306 course, I wish you good luck. His lectures are confusing, his pencast notes are illegible at best, and if you go to his office hours for help, he will respond with arrogance and nonsense, leaving you far more confused than you were, to begin with.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
May 5, 2018
Would take again

Dr.B started off being a little strict, but as the semester went on you realized that he just wanted all of his students to learn. ALL of his tests had extra credit, with some allowing you to get 125 points. No HW! It's a shame he's leaving.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
3.0
CHEM1306
May 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The class itself is not challenging, his existence just makes things more difficult. His lectures consist of him repeatedly wailing random nonsense and then vaguely covering topics. With the complete atrocity of so called chem "labs" and the russian roulette of having a good peer leader, I would not make my life worse by taking this professor.

1.0
4.0
CHEM1306
May 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

GET READY TO BUY A CHEGG SUBSCRIPTION!!! Oh and did I mention you teach yourself everything, all you learn from him is, are you listening, are you taking notes? So if youre good at teaching yourself everything this class will be a piece of cake! His tests were pretty similar to previous tests he gives out, good luck to yall!!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
May 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

If you are taking the class with Dr. Becvar, get ready to by Chang (any edition) and Chegg. There is no way of passing only if you go over his notes and past exams, you need to study and learn by yourself. He relies WAY too much on peer leaders, who don't even know what's going on. Be ready to teach yourself and to be yelled at during lecture.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Aug 28, 2018
Would take again

Are you listening??? Are you taking notes??????

1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

His lectures make no sense, you generally leave more confused than you started with, and that's not to mention that he essentially tells you that you'll probably fail. Peer leaders are pretty much useless unless you get the only good one, I didn't. If you're able to take CHEM classes anywhere else, do that. This class is impossible.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: F
Sep 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

You won't learn anything from his lectures, yet he has a no absence policy. Workshop is were you learn from if you are lucky to get a good peer leader, because there are some really bad ones (like mine). Basically, you have to teach yourself the material, which is a lot. He is implementing ALL free-response exams, and the final is hard.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
3.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Apr 9, 2019
Would take again

grades are based only off of exams, always makes himself available, cares deeply about his students, if you want to pass you have to do intense studying before and after, cant be afraid to ask for help or you'll fail, dont skip this class, passionate and funny older guy

Accessible outside class
Graded by few things
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Not sure yet
May 9, 2019
Would take again

So what's to say about Dr. Becvar? Honestly, his lectures are pretty pointless and I always wanna fall asleep at 7:30 in the morning because he makes everything so complicated than what it needs to be. If you honestly just go to the workshop and review the module and study at least a couple days before the test, you should be more than fine.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Not sure yet
May 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Definitely doable but you will have to work very hard for it. His lectures are basically pointless and really learn everything in workshop. Do all practice exams that he puts up and you will do fine on tests. Most of his tests have a a maximum of 120 points 20 which serve as extra credit points and he drops the lowest test grade as well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
CHEM1306
May 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

he depends a lot on the workshops, so pay attention to that if you don't make it to his lectures. try and not miss lectures before and exam because he does review what to expect on the exam. do his past exams before each exam and you'll be good... don't really need the textbook, I prefer reading off the workshop book

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Rather not say
May 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His lecture notes are very vague and he goes over it quickly because he assumes either you've covered it in workshop (highly unlikely) or that you will (but the truth is you don't go super in-depth there either). Tests are free- response so if you mess up early on, you lose A LOT of points. Take it with Juan Noveron in the summer, he's much better

Lots of homework
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: B+
Jul 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The lectures are pointless, there will be a few good discussions here & there but do not expect much. You will be lucky if you get a good peer leader, workshop is where you will learn most of the material. Be prepared to work extra hard to pass, & harder for an A. Highly recommend going to review your exam with him, the graders miss a lot!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: D
Aug 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If you have the time and don't have a personal life, take this course. His lectures are pointless and he makes everything harder than it needs to be. His exams are short but they are extremely hard.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: B
Oct 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Going to lecture is pointlessl, you have to learn everything through youtube or chegg. He's more worried about us taking pointless notes then actually covering what is on the test. Based off my workshop classmates experiences I will say he is the better of the two chem teacher, the other being "Dr." Narayan. UTEP CHEM ADMIN GET IT TOGETHER

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
2.0
CHEM1306
Oct 24, 2019
Would take again

I recommend this course! Attending lecture is important, he will drop you if you skip class often. He thoroughly explains and allows you to ask questions. Tests are easy if you study.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: C+
Nov 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He relies on peer leaders to teach you(not all of them are helpful) and assumes you already know the material so does not explain the material. Lectures are boring and useless all he says over and over is "are you taking notes" but you cant be absent more than 3 times.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: C
Dec 20, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Becvars class is pretty tough, it is not a walk in the park, his exams are TOUGH and his free response questions are hard to earn all the points, make sure to do good in the workshop, its 20 percent of your grade, his exams are 50 percent, he drops the lowest one, and the final is the ACS, 30 percent of your grade. His exam reviews are trash

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Grade: B+
Jan 14, 2020
Would take again

I will start by saying that he is the best of all of the chemistry teachers. He is not, however, the best he could be. This class is a mandatory 3 part course, involving the lecture, lab, and workshop, all of which occur at different times of the day. He relies on workshop TAs to teach, but the tests don't reflect this. The reviews are horrible!!

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Grade: C+
Apr 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are useless. You have to learn the material yourself or in the workshop.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
CHEM1305
Grade: B+
Apr 16, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Becvar was a good professor but has very sophisticated vocabulary. You need to understand what hes taking about before class so that you can understand the lecture. He is nice and easy to contact outside the class. I would go to ACES and it helped me a lot throughout the class, also the workshops helped. Overall just make sure to practice.

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
May 15, 2020
Would take again

He is an amazing professor. He understands if you have an emergency and will set up times for you. The only reason for why people would not like him is that they want everything to come easy. As long as you put up an effort for doing work and studying, it won't be so difficult.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
CHEM1306
May 31, 2020
Would take again

If you are taking CHEM 1306 I would recommend Becvar 100% than Naryan. You do have to put in the work to learn chemistry but I with the workshops and the ACES helped me a lot understand. I would recommend going to the lectures because some times he would help you with what is going to be on the exams.

Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: C+
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class requires your full attention and you need to stay on top of it because it will get confusing in the beginning the concepts were easy but his teaching style is not the best for me because he is very monotone and not that engaging. Attend workshop and participate because the will help your grade go up.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
3.0
4.0
CHEM1305
Grade: A+
Apr 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Ended up with an A, but it was tough. I learned more in workshop and tutoring centers than I did in his lecture hours. He's very fast-paced, and his notes are not very helpful. He recommends learning material and reading the textbook before class, and I couldn't agree more.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Oct 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Pretty bad overall, his lectures felt like one big run-on sentence. You learn more from workshop than you do from him. Hell spend an hour on 1 thing and not get to the 20 others on his exams and he usually spends the most time on useless concepts. Hope for a good peer leader if you want to pass. Exams are also nothing like what he teaches/homework

Lots of homework
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: C
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Overall this course is tough. His lectures werent helpful at all. Where you learn from the most is the workshop. We are assigned to do homework every week from the workbook and his exams dont even reflect what is on it. For a perspective all of the exams averages were 40%. To pass you will need to rely on the peer leaders and outside resources.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jan 16, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Becvar is a super nice professor! Don't read the rates below honestly. The class was okay, you do need to study and make the class a priority. Since it has a lot of content Dr. Becvar doesn't have much time to give more examples but he is super nice. Attend workshop, lecture and office hours and you'll get an A+:) It's hard but not impossible:)

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: B-
Feb 15, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Be ready to set up to fail. This professor is openly proud about sabotaging his students. He is proud that his class is extremely difficult to pass. Forget it if you need any sort of accommodation for any disability. He will make it harder on you by giving you inaccurate information, not sending your test in on time, and will not follow CASS rules

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: D
May 20, 2022

DON'T TAKE!!! This professor is horrible. Don't listen to the people saying that if you really study hard you'll pass, because you won't. If you have a life outside of this course, don't bother because he expects you to be able to study as if you don't. He also is rude to students when they ask questions in class and in person he's downright mean.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
1306
Grade: B
Aug 11, 2022

This professor made me wanna drop out. Hardest class ever!!! Your grade is based off of 4 exams!! And they are the hardest exams ever! He is very strict and hard. His lectures make no sense. Only way I passed was by spending hours in the Chemistry office hours. Avoid at all costs!!

Test heavy
4.0
4.0
1306
Grade: A+
Aug 31, 2022
Would take again

Chem 2 is difficult in general and Dr. Becvar tries his best to make it "easy." There are people saying you won't have a life if you take him, but you will. If you doing the practice exams he puts up, ask for help from the peer leaders, and just do the work it isn't that difficult. It's a lot of math and memorizing equations but it's not that bad.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
1.0
CHEM1306
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 1, 2022

Lacked in every way possible and depended heavily on the peer leaders to do his job.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
CHEM1306
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2022

He relied heavily on the peer leaders to teach his course. In workshop you learn a good amount of the subject, but it also depends on the peer leader and how well they teach. During my time 3 out of the 5 exams, including the final, were open-ended questions, no multiple choice at all. The final is worth 30% and the other 4 exams are 50%.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
1306
Grade: F
Mar 29, 2023

I took Professor Becvar in Fall 2022. All im going to say is that his class is test weighted. I learned more from my peer leader than I did attending his lectures. Overall, he is a great person but I wouldn't recommend taking his course if you need to pass it. 3 of 5 of our exams were strictly open ended with not one single multiple choice question

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: D+
Apr 1, 2023

Dr. Becvar is a great person, he is really funny and a wise man, but I personally will not take his class again, his class is really weighted on exams, and if you don't keep up with the lectures you will be so lost, also his exams are really hard if you don't know one formula you are done, if you want to take an easy class choose another professor.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
1306
Grade: D+
May 21, 2023

Please do not take this professor for chem 1306 o any class. Honestly no matter how hard I studied what you see in class will not be on the exam, it will be harder. Do not recommend at all if you want to pass or even learn.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
May 24, 2023
Would take again

Okay, the class is not easy, it will require a lot of work. The lectures consisted of him hand writing notes in a composition book; he answers questions if you raise your hand. For me, most tests were open ended but graded fairly and he allowed you to fight for your grade afterward, and they all had extra credit. The final is comprehensive.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
1306
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 20, 2024

Becvar is a nice guy. However, does not know how to teach. Do not expect to learn anything from his lectures as you are expected to know the material before coming to class. He sets unrealistic expectations for his students and the peer leaders don't help- just read straight from the workbook. Do not take unless you have the time to self-teach.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
1306
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 16, 2024
Would take again

Overall, he was an amazing professor. Very knowledgable, was a clear expert in his field. Not only that, but he was hilarious. Test heavy, so study a lot. He also gives a handful of extra credit, rewarding those who attend the lecture. I would encourage every major to take it, you truly learn a lot.

EXTRA CREDIT
Hilarious
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: D
Apr 20, 2024

Dr. Becvar is undeniably smart but his lectures are not very helpful in terms of notes, and he relies on you reading a lot on your own. His exams are all written and are rarely multiple choice. He also administers random pop quizzes during lectures on random days. PLEASE do not take unless you are a very good student and can teach yourself.

Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
1306
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 21, 2024

Most of the class grade is based on exams which are 15 questions and mostly free response.

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
1306
Grade: A+
Dec 10, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Becvar is a great professor, but everyone in here just doesn't study. As long as you study you can pass with an A. The questions are open ended, but are only 6 questions, not 15 like stated previously. If you put in the effort and not seek an easy A like most pre-meds, then you should be fine.

Respected
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
1306
Grade: A+
Dec 10, 2024
Would take again

You are told from the begging this will be a tough class and you will be required to study a week in advance before your test to do well. For many people Chem 2 is the first hard class they have to take and aren't prepared to put in the effort. You are given extra credit on each exam and final is curved. Take advantage of the resources given to you

Inspirational
Caring
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
1306
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2024

Dr. Becvar gives extra credit on exams and through pop quizzes. You mostly learn through the required workbook on your own and through workshops. To do well, you absolutely need to study and read on your own. Exams are mostly open ended, but if you keep up with the content and review frequently, you'll do well. And as he says, take notes!!

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: F
Dec 20, 2024

The worst professor in all of UTEP. He is the person that puts your entire academic career in a trajectory because he thinks we all want to be chemists. I have absolutely not one nice word to say about this course. EACH WEEK: 3 hours lectures, 3 hour workshop, and countless hours in Aces and studying. ALSO WENT TO EVERY REVIEW. Horrible.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
5.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A+
Jan 17, 2025
Would take again

The class is HARD. The professor isn't bad,he CARES about students actually LEARNING and not memorizing. There are 2 1 hour lectures for you to attend and learn, there are 1 2 hour workshops to attend to build on the lecture. Everyone needs to put in effort and learn, not just memorize. The person from Dec 20th, 2024 just aint built for stem.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
CHEM1306
Grade: A
Mar 6, 2025

I got an A in Becvar's class, but no thanks to his teachings. The workbook can be everything you need to learn if you apply yourself and go to workshop prepared to ask questions. His lectures never made any sense to me. He never explained the basics of what he was talking about and expects you to know all the material before lecture.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
1306
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 28, 2025

If you're taking this class for credit and chem is not your career this will mess you up. He is a tough grader and your grade is all based on exams. I do not recommend it.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
1306
Grade: A+
May 8, 2025
Would take again

CHEM 1306 is a difficult course, the amount of hours you need to put in to get the grade you want will be standard with ANY professor. Dr. Becvar, prioritizes understanding and his exams are all based on the fundamentals of chem 2. He grades very nicely so it's hard to fail. Not to mention, you can go to him after an exam and argue for more points.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
3.0
4.0
1306
Grade: A+
May 17, 2025
Would take again

He is nice and genuinely cares about students learning the material,but his lectures are unclear and he often expects you to know the content beforehand.I had to spent hours at tutoring,the peer leaders were the only reason I passed.The class is hard but doable if you are willing to self-teach or ask for help.He will let you fight for your grade

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
1306
Grade: C
Jun 7, 2025
Would take again

The class was difficult and on the first day he reminds you constantly of it. It is built off of chem 1 so he expects you to have a good grasp on those concepts through the semester. Gives extra credit in the form of quizzes that apply to exams. His exams were open ended but gave partial credit and lets you argue your exam grade during office hours

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
5.0
CHEM1306
Grade: D
Aug 4, 2025

This is a difficult course. If you're taking Becvar be prepared to manage your time and dedicate most of it to Chem 2. I failed this class simply because lack of critical thinking skills when it came to the workshop homework and the test. Do LOTS of practice problems and be prepare to teach yourself concepts. Good luck! :)

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
1306
Grade: A+
Aug 25, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Becvar is an amazing professor! Chemistry 2 is a difficult course, but he's knowledgeable and always available if you need help outside of class. The Workshop helps a lot, but Dr. Becvar does curve his exams and drops one at the end of the course. No textbook per se for the course but he does reference the Workshop one. Reviews before midterms.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
1306
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 25, 2025

If you want Helen Keller as a professor go ahead and take him, because you won't be seen, nor heard. He thinks every one wants to be a chemist, and refuses to understand that he doesn't know how to teach. Don't take this class if you want to have a will to live. I fr started crossing the street without looking both ways, or one way for that matter

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
1306
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2025
Would take again

This class only relies on the four exams plus the final for 80% of the grade. Honestly was very difficult and took a lot of outside-class studying. He does offer extra credit, which can be helpful! Workshop is with a peer leader that requires homework, but I learned a lot by myself. I walked out really good at chem tho…lol

EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

76%

Textbook Required

4%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 69 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (23)
A (17)
Not sure yet (7)
Grade Distribution
A(40)B(5)C(9)D(13)F(3)A-/B+(5)
Based on 85 reported grades
A+: 23
A: 17
Not sure yet: 7
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
Common Tags
Test heavy (33)
Get ready to read (19)
Lecture heavy (19)
Skip class? You won't pass. (18)
Tough grader (15)
Graded by few things (13)
TEST HEAVY (10)
EXTRA CREDIT (10)
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