She is very nice, but extremely demanding on an already hard subject. I think she is out of touch with undergrad. courses. She is new so hopefully she will change her expectations a bit so students can really learn instead of stress about her trickery.

The topics in the class aren't hard to learn and she teaches adequately but the tests require you to manipulate the information in ways you haven't been exposed to before. Only chem majors can get A's but she tries to be charismatic. Class averages on test are 40-65% on tests and quizzes.

I took her gen chem class over the summer and it was great. Very hard, did chem all day and all night for 6 weeks, but I got a decent grade in the end. I dont know what all you are complaning about.

she is very hard, but you are going to get what you want from this class. she is very helpful and organized. do not listen to other people. they are just being pathetic because they failed. if you want to learn something, go for it.

A tough class, but made up for by this gift of a teacher. Material was well presented and I felt well prepared for, yet still challenged by, the examinations. She will nick ya for sigfigs which i hate, but i ended up getting the hang of it finally after years of science education.

Something is very wrong with this class. She underemphasizes concepts and overdive on calculations. Yet her exams are predominately concepts and some questions come out from left field. She offers no tips and no info for studying on the exams. You could spend umpteen hours studying, doing all HW, supplements, past exams and still get an F. ??!

Dr Zabzdyr is a good teacher for not giving the answers away. I think she knows what ity is like to be a student. Lab is easy, but come exam time you beter know the material.

Okay. Her tests are hard that's true. But she is very helpful if you ever have questions and she is a good lecturer. The averages on exams are really low so people tend to flip out and drop her class, but an A in her class is an 85% or something and she gives extra credit to make up for low exam scores. Just be prepared to work hard.

Tests can be a bit hard, but she's really clear in class and it's not hard to understand the lectures at all.

Dr. Z is a great techer. She is always available during her office hours. She even let us copy the solutions to the homework and her sample exams. She set up study sessions before each test- it's not her fault if you didn't participate. If you did the homework then you should have had enough knowlegde to pass her class. She's great!

She is a great teacher, but maybe not for everyone. Loved the way she tought the class, she made it very easy to understand. Her tests were not hard if you go to class and do the suggested problem. I hope she teaches another class I can take.

If you think out of the box take this class. If you're a normal biology major, this is a very hard class. Her lectures are very clear. Her tests fuse concepts in a way the book nor her supplemental problems will prepare you for. She is very nice and have office hours where she will help. An "A" is possible, but it ain't easy.

very clear, very helpful. hard class: hard subject. go to lectures and keep up with the work, not bad at all. lab wasn't very difficult at all.

The subject is hard. You need a lot of studying to get an A in chem, no matter who teaches it. She is straight and to the point, no frills. Spares nothing for warmth. If you understand the concept and have done every hw problem available, you'll be fine. She'll gladly straighten out problems in the most brutally efficient way possible.

She's willing to help, and do any homework problem gladly. Very smart, only problem is that she expects everyone else to be just as smart. Her quizzes were ok as long as you really understood the homework, then you might get a B. If you feel u understand the concept, you probably don't. Only thing i can say is don't be discouraged, toughen it out.

I took her for a summer session and although there was a lot of busy work (copying down every procedure) I learned a lot from her. She was very approachable and willing to help you above and beyond. Plus, she's really cool. She grades strictly, but lets you know what to expect. Overall she wasn't very difficult and I really enjoyed her class.

Really good lectures, as if teaching to a complete newbie, gives good examples of calculations, I don't know why people are saying tests are hard; practice the examples she gives and lab calculations and I would have done better than a 'B'. You only need a 85 to get an A and a 75 to get a 'B'. Not sure if it's the same in Lec. She's cool.

Before coming to this this class I expected it to be hard but her class is ridiculous. She is a good lecturer but when it comes to her test it is completely unreasonable. She put material on the test that was not covered in the lab. Her tests are out of 50 points and she just double the point to make it out of 100, and there no partial credits.

Zabzdyr is not impossible, but you better, at the minimum, know algebra really well. DO THE HOMEWORK! It will help, as well as reading material ahead of time, especially in her lab. I got an A in both her lab and lecture, she isn't impossible, but she is tricky. If Chemistry or Math is a weak subject, you will struggle, make no mistake.

This is a difficult class, but if you are good with algebra, do the homework, and actually study, there's no reason why you couldn't get an A. She is an excellent lecturer and presents info very clearly. My only complaint is she is very reluctant to go over how to do problems algebraically (which is where most of the challenge comes from for most).

REALLY HARD..if you're looking for an easy A then dont take her..BUT IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT LEARNING CHEMISTRY..AND CAN WORK HARD FOR IT THEN TAKE HER...I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND HER.

She's a VERY hard professor that assigns a lot of work, but if you're really passionate about the subject and really want to learn, she's the one you want.

This was probably one of the hardest classes I have ever taken. Dr. Zabzdyr is vey smart and explains concepts well but the tests were grueling and she is a very strict grader. If you are stuck, definately ask for help otherwise you will be lost. If you are bad at chemistry I wouldn't recommend it because its a very challenging course.

Took her for 110L as well. Shows solutions after lab. Doesn't keep her lecture up with her lab so on the pre-lab you are guessing, but you can still get an A on a lab given everything else is solid. Tests are fair and straight from the labs, no major curveballs. If you love Chemistry, a win! Received an A in this class. JUST STUDY! Or else..

She is hard like others say but I still enjoy her class. If u want to learn more then take her. It will be hard with the 1st or 2nd tests/ quizzes but i guarantee u'll learn a lot from that. ps: her notes are very well organized

Whoa! Her class is very difficult. Her midterm is unreasonable. I was unable to finish it. It wasn't a content thing, it was just far too long. She was very organized and graded things promptly, but I would not take her again.

AMAZING! If you are a science major this is the class for you. The material is challenging, but if you do the homework, show up to class, and take advantage of the office hours and SI sessions, you will do just fine :) I took both the lecture and the lab-both are very clear and interesting. Her grading is fair, and she doesn't grade on a curve.

She's really nice, has weekly quizzes, but has NO tests (labs count as tests). The quizzes are solely based on the experiments results, calculations, and pre-lab. If you do the labs properly, you will get an A on the quizzes, and A's in the labs, and an A in the class. BUY THE LAB MANUAL-- you will be using it everyday.

Dr. Zabzdyr is an incredible teacher. She is extremely knowledgeable of the material, explains everything concisely, and has a heart of gold. It is a difficult class, but it isn't usual to find an "easy" chemistry class. Take her, especially if you really want to learn it! :)

This teacher will give you a workout. I would really only reccomend if you come in fully prepared for a ver difficult class...The FEW ppl that passed this class this semester were MUCH more on top of things then I was. However thats because I had a calc class and really didnt have time to pass both. Take her if your a chem major.

Okay here's the deal. Her lectures are great-very clear explanations and organized notes. The knowledge she gives you is a great foundation for chemistry. However, her quizzes/tests are SO HARD-she tests you on the hardest concepts!If you just want a good grade-beware! But if you want a good foundation for future chem classes...tae her! Good luck!

I took Dr. Zabzdyr during summer. I was doubting on taking her or not. Her lectures were very clear. Her tests were hard but they were fair, we did inclass example problems and the format was exactly or nearly the same on tests. If you study and know your material you will be fine. Ovearll she is a good preffessor.

Her notes are very neat and clear. There's a lot of homework that she doesn't even grade. Tests are hard, you have to be an expert in order to get a good grade. Overall, an okay teacher.

She is hard, she is a no BS teacher, won't pretend to like you, which I like. I have her to thank for the job I have. I'm a formulation tech at a biotech, and she gave me the skills to impress, & get me a job that requires a bachelors degree. She WILL help you when you ask. I have her to thank for my livelihood. Taking her again to prep for Ochem.

Do all the homework, all the review, read all the textbook, and do as many textbook problems as possible. The multi-concept problems for each section DO show up on the tests. It's a 75% fail rate, so if you want to pass be willing to put many hours in outside of class! Go to her office hours, she's nice to students when she can tell they're trying!

I'm conflicted. She's funny, and seems like a really cool lady. I like how she teaches the class. The homework is not too much, not too little. HER TESTS are unnecessarily difficult. In order to pass her test, you have to MASTER the subject, and then skip to level 100. Most of her students fail, over and over. If you work, don't attempt the class.

I love her!! Her lectures are clear and she's willing to help you if you're putting the effort into it. The exams are definitely challenging but if you do all of the assigned worksheets and study A LOT, it's possible to do well in the class. You have to put your whole life into it though, so be prepared to work hard!!

I LOVE HER! Dr. Zabzdyr is one of the best professors I have ever had! I had her for both lecture and lab, and I loved every minute. She's hilarious and her lectures are spot on with amazing lecture notes to go with them. Tough tests, they reflect the concepts she teaches and your ability to apply them. Be ready to eat, sleep, and breath chemistry!

Pre-lab can sometimes be confusing but she is trying a new manual next semester. She appears a bit stand-offish but is very nice when you get to know her. Ask for help only after you have at least attempted the problem. A quiz almost every week but no exam. A project at the end but its very easily graded and better than a final.

This is a tough class. Her quizzes (there are lots of them) are very challenging, and you're expected to fully understand each topic. That being said, she's very happy to help you if you show you're trying. Her lectures and lab procedures are always clear and thoroughly explained, and the grading fair. I'm glad I took her lab, and recommend it.

Dr Z understands the material very well and she expects a lot from you. I could not handle it but that's just how chemistry is. Chem is a hard topic and she is only preparing you for what you will expected to to in higher chem courses. I have a lot of respect for her and she is an inspiration. Literal goals. She would be an amazing mentor.

Excellent professor, very clear during lecture (and lab), readily available to help students although she can come across as rude initially. Makes you work for your grade. Her tests have a lot of written problems which are time consuming. Homework is online (sapling). Would recommend if you want to leave knowing chemistry.

I thought that her quizzes are too hard at first and didn't know what to study. But what you really need to do is go to every class cuz that gives you 5% grade, and pay attention to whatever she lectures on for the lab procedures since she quizzes them (even though she doesn't really seem to emphasize those). I wouldn't say that her class was easy, but she gives you what you earned.

This professor is Amazing. She is clear and easy to understand. She takes the time to explain the material in a way that makes sense. She is AMAZING!

Zabzdyr will make you work for your grade. She lectures very well, but when it comes time for the test you will be put in the deep end. The free response questions are far more difficult than the lecture questions; however, she has practice tests and worksheets online that prepare you for the tests. Put in major work and time, and you will get an A

Very well organized and clear lectures with helpful notes and study guides. Prof. is approachable and willing to answer questions and help students outside of class. The material is difficult and so are exams if you don't spend A LOT of time studying and doing multi-concept problems from the book. I left knowing chemistry like the back of my hand

Dr. Zabzdyr is very tough but very fair! She has an ample amount of resources on canvas for her students. Her lectures and clear and well organized. She can come off a little stern or rude but she is very nice and helpful. The ALEKS online homework took an enormous of time to complete and was frustrating. Start ALEKS ASAP!!!

indeed a difficult professor BUT she teaches so well that I fully understand the material. That being said, don't miss class. She moves quickly through material. She is quick about getting grades posted. she may seem to have a cold shoulder she's actually pretty awesome. My favorite Palomar teacher. - pro tip: take lecture and lab with her.

Cool Professor! The lectures where really easy to understand, and her lecture notes are super helpful. The worksheets and extra practice materials are also helpful especially since the key is also provided.

Amazing professor! She is super tough, but an incredible professor! Yes, the comments about her grading and difficulty are accurate. She is a picky grader. She is always happy to help you understand the material. You have to apply yourself, and really understand the material to get an A. I have a lot of respect for her!

Great teacher. She explains the material so well you won't need the book (if you really pay attention). Her worksheets and practice exams are SUPER HELPFUL. She makes you work for your grade but if you know what you are doing even if your numbers are wrong she will give you the credit. Take her for lab and lecture.

Professor Zabzdyr is really good at explaining Chemistry, and she is actually really nice. Her class is hard though, and you'll definitely need to put in a lot of effort. Her quizzes are difficult to say the least, and they're weighed heavily. Overall good professor.

Tests based on lecture and practices exams she gives. Highly recommend do the practice exams. I got 99 2nd exam after I practice the exam. Problems can be so similar to practices exams. For Aleks, she says don't use help to do knowledge check, but I will tell u do it. It will save ur time on this HW. Aleks doesn't help test, just find a way finish

I recommend taking her lab a different day from her lecture day. Her lab is usually faster than the lecture if u take it on the same day. I took her lab on Fri. while lecturing on Mon/Wed. By the time I take her lab quiz, I know everything. I guess that's why I got an easy A than students to take her lab the same day as the lecture.

really really tough class especially just coming off of a rather easy chem 110 prof. the ALEKS is mandatory but is baby busy work compared to the content she tests you on. If you have to choose, spend more time doing practice tests and worksheets rather than ALEKS. (-_-) really tough grader and definitely makes you work for your grade.

Clearly and thoroughly teaching material. Professor Zabzdyr will hold a review session before the exam. Attending those will ensure you what she will give on the exam.

So, I failed this class, but it was purely because I work almost full time and have two kids. This professor is THE professor to take if you love chemistry and if you really want to have a full understanding. It takes a lot of work and if you have a busy schedule, it will be even MORE difficult than it already is. Not an easy A, but a great class.

Hahahahahaha RMP being sus when both classes are still taking the 20% final. Her class is okay. She teaches you basics and posts p l e n t y of practice problems. Take her class if you want to dedicate your time to chemistry!!

About half the class eventually gave up because of the way grades are displayed. It makes me think that its the reason why avgs got lower. If you do look at grades after the extra credit problems, some did great (85-114%). I personally appreciated and hated how difficult this class was.

This class was really tough I'm not going to lie. Professor Zabzdyr is extremely smart, has a passion for chemistry, and will push you to learn the subject to whole new level. At times I thought about giving up but it was totally worth sticking it through. I learned a lot taking this course, especially grit. Don't take if you're weak of heart.

There is a good amount of homework to be done using Aleks and the tests can be difficult and time consuming. Although, her lectures are amazing and very understandable and she loves to answer any questions! Weekly lecture and prelab quiz. Will remove lowest test grade. The difficulty comes not from memorizing material, but applying it differently.

Chemistry in general is a tough class, but Zabzdyr's class was definitely challenging. My advices:come to class prepared, do the sample exam questions/worksheets that's posted on canvas, go to the SI and the exam reviews, do the extra credit challenge problems and classwork, re-do all the questions again and again! She'll drop lowest quiz and exam.

I was scared to take this class due to the the ratings, however I am glad I did. Yes the exams are challenging, but you are given every resource possible to pass. Go to all the SI sessions, go to her office hours, do every single worksheet, and go to every single practice exam. Be ready to put in the work and you will end up loving the class.

For those wanting to learn chemistry at a higher level and pursuing a career in STEM, I recommend Zabzdyr. The class is hard in terms of tests, quizzes, etc., However, the rewards are worth it such as being efficient in studying, actually understanding the material at a fundamental level, and preparing you for harder STEM courses that are ahead.

Professor Zabzdyr is a great lab teacher, but you have to put in the work. She may seem unapproachable, but she wants to help you (only if you seem like you want to learn). The thing about Zabzdyr is that she wants you to become knowledged, rather than succeed. Success in her class is defined by your efforts. One of the hardest classes I've taken.

This class is VERY TOUGH, quite likely the hardest class I have ever taken. I took this class twice, first time I failed, second time I got a B. To succeed in this class, you MUST go to every SI session, do the practice exams, and ASK. QUESTIONS. Zabzdyr is very knowledgable and will help you if you ask, but you gotta put in a LOT of work.

The class isn't that hard IF you use all the resources given. Do all the practice exams, worksheets, take written homework seriously, go to problem solving/SI sessions and you'll be fine.

Dr.Z's class was hard, time consuming, and made me cry at points. GO TO SI SESSIONS, they will help you. she gives classwork the day of that you will NEED to turn in to get your points. Dont miss class, be engaged, dont CHEAT, and you'll be fine. weekends to do exams, class curve, there to help!!!

I took her lec. & lab Fall '19. Those who are complaining about the difficulty and the grading are going to crumble when they make it to upper-division university classes. You will need to work your tail off to succeed in this class, just like you will need to work hard later in your academic career. Dr. Z cares, and this is how she shows it.

This summer CHEM115 course is brutally difficult. That being said she is the best chemistry professor I've had so far and her style of lecturing is amazing. She helped me understand concepts that hadn't made sense for years. Be prepared for studying a LOT to pass quizzes & exams. You can do well in her class but you have to work very hard for it.

Professor Zabzdyr challenges you in the best way possible. There are practice worksheets, practice exams, and she answers any question as long as you ask it. She is a great resource to have and is extremely knowledgeable about Chemistry. She is more than willing to help you as long as you're willing to learn and listen.

Put in the work, go to tutoring, seek help, and know that it is a difficult chemistry course.

Dr. Zabzdyr is an excellent teacher, but her class very much reflects that. The level of difficulty at which she teaches versus how she quizzes/tests students are very different. Outside of her lecture and worksheets, you need to have your own understanding of how this level of chemistry works as it's many concepts coming altogether.

The reviews make her seem very scary. But it's really just a very very tough class. I took it in the summer, glad I did, but wow that was crazy. She is interesting and very very smart. If you actually ask the questions you have she's awesome.

Incredibly smart and will explain anything you have questions about.

Attend class meetings and ask her questions about your lab submissions, and post quizzes. Understand the lab procedures well and you will do good on her exam. Take advantage of her practice exams and know how to read the volumes of titrations. This class was enduring, fun, and she stays after her labs if you need help with any assignments.

Dr. Z is incredibly smart and amazing at answering questions. Chem 115 is not easy no matter who the professor but if you do your work and ask questions to thoroughly understand the material you will survive.

Good grade = time studying + asking questions, she's very good at helping you understand difficult concepts. Your lecture grade is based on a quiz every other week with a cheat sheet and one gets dropped. You also get a cheat sheet for lab exams. It might depend on your class but your grade might be curved up. As a stem major I enjoyed her classes.

She's amazing when it comes to teaching the subject matter, but her course difficulty level is a bit unreasonable. I was able to do well in the class, however, that's because of the hours I spent studying for her class every single week. That amount of time spent studying is a luxury that many other community college students simply can't afford.

this prof is tough. the quizzes are very important to ace AND she gives 2pts max xtra credit/week (ANSWER IN CLASS QUESTIONS). Quizzes are 15mins, 2-3 questions, pretty challenging. to do well, watch videos and review notes. for exams, DO HER PRACTICE PROBLEMS/ANYTHING she recommends!! good office hours. very smart. lab pretty simple, lecture hard.

This class is very quiz and exam-heavy. If you do poorly on the quizzes chances are you won't pass, quizzes are 15 minutes long and out of 10 points. You can get 2 extra credit points per week that count towards your quiz grade by solving problems on the board. For exams,I urge you to do her optional worksheets and homework as your main study tool.

This class is a step up from earlier Chemistry courses.Before first exam I was at a 64-67%. However after I started doing the textbook, lecture,and practice exams problems she gives,its 10x easier. Ending with a 95%. The Owl homework is sometimes ahead of lecture and more advanced, but it shows you how to solve the problems, making it a non issue.

For the lab reports, she requires you to finish and correctly do them before turning it in. Which if you complete every single one is easy max credit on the lab reports. The Lab exams are almost the same as practice exams you do the lab before. Overall fun and helpful if you have any problems.

Professor Zabzdyr is a fast-paced but clear General Chemistry II lecturer. Her slides and prerecorded videos are very helpful for review. Exams are fair but require strong preparation, and quizzes reward showing work. Office hours are valuable if you put in the effort.

Professor Zabzdyr gets a bad rep because this class is difficult and students take this class with too many STEM courses to dedicate enough time to study. OWL hw is annoying but her prerecorded lectures & worksheets helped a lot. Watch the lectures & practice the problems and the quizzes will be easy. She gives partial credit, you just have to try.