funny

Fermann's the best!

No Comments

very funny, makes class very interesting

He tells you not to memorize information. Just know it.

Of what i went to class(which wasn;t Much) he played good music, and taught well

No Comments

i didn't like him at all, i thought he was hard and nerdy

One of the best chemistry professors

One of the best chem professors.

No Comments

Tough, but fair...sometimes nerdy.

No Comments

No Comments

No Comments

Great professor who really knows his chemistry. Exams can be challenging if you don't prepare yourself well. Good notetaking is vital!

Class was fairly challenging, but he was an excellent teacher and really showed interest in wanting us to learn.Also,one of the only science profs I have had that hand-graded all of our exams w/ comments, etc. even though it was a big lecture.

Fermann is the best chem proffesor ive ever had. He really knows his chemistry and he actually makes it interesting. One of the few classes I actually looked forward to going to. (Along with Bio 100 with Randall Phillis)

Challenging class, yet he makes it interesting. He definitely puts in a great amount of effort, which makes you try harder. I'd recommend him.

Justin is a great professor. his class is extremely challenging, but he is willing to take time out of his schedule to meet personally with students and give them the help they need.

Justin is the coolest professor that I've had so far in college. Although his class is real hard, he really doesn't want to fail any of us and he REALLY tries to help! He's real cool and nice too. If something is unclear, he's more willing to help you out

Professor Fermann is an AWESOME TEACHER if ur planning on going to med school and you want to pass orgo take him. you will learn a****load. He's funny and cool. His tests are challenging but study and you'll pass. Plus an 80 is an A. i love fermann

His tests are really hard, he even said he wanted to be tricky, but he's so unbelievably intelligent, helpful, and funny. The final was a breeze. Easy to get a good grade if you show you want to put an effort in: curves.

I only took his entry-level chem course, none of the harder ones, so I didn't find it too difficult. As long as you show up to class you won't have any trouble (and if you do, it's easy to get help). Definitely on of the best professors i've ever had.

This class was awesome

too hard

He's an awesome professor. He is the only person I've known who can explain the quantum mechanical basis of chem clearly. The tests are challenging, but help you think like a chemist. He also has a great sense of humor, and is not condecending like other super bright professors.

way to go Fermann!

He prioritizes his students, which is a quality that I admire greatly. The material is hard,but in the end it's all going to be paid off. Great sense of humor, big fan of elvis, always there when you need him. I think he deserves the Best Teaching Award, big time.

He is an awesome teacher. very helpful. the course material is hard, but he does his best to help everyone inderstand it. don't ve afraid to ask questions! he's always willing to answer them in the best way possible. he has an awesome sense of humor and is very laid back

Not a class where you can slack off, but you shouldn't slack in a foundation course anyway, makes you work but isn't that what you're here for? Very helpful, not condesending even though he could be.

He's HOT

Best Prof at Umass as well

No doubt he is a hard prof, but it is a foundation course and ferman did an amazing job at teaching it. in order to do good in his class DO THE OWLS, GO TO CLASS, and if u'r aiming for an A than do the problems in the back of the book.

He is a good teacher but he is tough. his lectures are sometimes hard to follow but the owls clear it up. exams are tough but if u go to class and do the homework you will be fine.

Fermann is an awesome teacher. He explains everything very clearly and his practice tests are just like the actual tests just a little bit harder. Take this class with him!

He's an awesome teacher and explains everything really clearly and stops to answer questions and make sure everyone understands. The class definetly goes at a good pace but you have to attend class to do well. Exams are okay and he grades very fairly. If you don't like chem, take it with him

Don't understand why this man doesn't have a two digit hotness rating - he so merits one.

Fermann is an awesome teacher. He is SO funny and is always excited about chemistry. His tests are tough but fair, just do the owls and the old practice tests and go to his reviews. Hes hott too.

LOVED him LOVED him!! He is super nice,understanding and helpful!!!AWESOME GUY!

Great teacher. Pick him if you can.

awesome teacher. very clear. i loved this class.

Fermann was the best chem teacher I have had. He incites interest and genuinely loves what he teaches. A good professor to teach a foundation for chemistry- especially if you are going on to more complex chem classes...

He was by far the best professor I had first semester. He is insanely smart and does a great job of explaining even the toughest concepts.

He is an awesome teacher. He explains chem so easily and it's hard not to do well in the class. His tests are pretty much the same every year and last years are posted online. so you can get an idea of what the test is going to cover.

Great Professor. Very good at explaining the material. Just make sure you go to class because some of his exam questions can be a little tricky. Going to class will help prepare you for the harder test questions.

The class is definitely difficult, but he is very willing to help you understand the material. He uses a lot of helpful visual demos. He is very approachable and helpful. If you make the effort, you will do well in his class. In general, he is just a very good teacher.

He is unbelievably intelligent and motivates you to learn the material. Also if you want a good grade, he will make it so you get one, that is if you want to put the effort in. He really portrays the subject well, and is great in front of a class. I would highly suggest him as a teacher. He can be tricky on exams, but he makes you think!

Best chem teacher ever. I usually hate chem, the most tedious of all the sciences. However, I loved this class. I feel like I've learned more in this than in any other science class I've taken. Fermann is funny and will go out of his way to help you. He is currently up for UMass's yearly 'best professor award,' and I hope he gets it.

GO TO CLASS!! very nice, helpful, enthusiastic proffessor. but sometimes a little un-clear and gives alot of un-needed info, so its alot to handle at once. and he moves at a fast pace. owl homework is not always the same as his exams. exams are tricky, and puts complicated probs on them. and PURCHASE the book, dont rely on the ebook

such a good professor!! take chem 111 with fermann if you can...very intelligent, clear with his explanations, gives practice tests similar to his exams. go to class and you will do well.

For me, I need lots of hw practice. Thus, I liked having Botch: worksheets, a billion owls, and 2 hour tests intended for 1 hour w/ notecard (you put whatever you want on them). Fermann gives few owls, a couple take HW that are tough, and in-class exams w/out notecard. If you are more of an auditory and visual SELF learner, he's for you.

I would recommend him to anyone taking this class. Helpful and passionate.

He's a great teacher, I hate chemistry but he tries to keep it interesting. He knows his stuff and he's a really nice guy, willing to help you out if you go talk to him

He teaches the 110 series in a unique order which I find better. He is very kind, and a fair teacher. First half of 111 is a primer on physics which is helpful for understanding the chemistry that follows. Gives a LOT of owl's. Most students find his class tough, yet they are learning more than they think. Tests are fair. I recommend him!

His lectures may seem unclear, but much of the time kids don't put in the effort to study when there is not an exam. He is fair, and I've gone to his office hours and he is extremely helpful. Make sure you study his notes, and watch out for the second exam, it's tough. He makes you think, and you are learning more than what you thought. Hes awesome

This guy is amazing! I have to say, I hated chemistry before and I hate it now, but if you seek his help he will be more than happy to help you. He's hilarious in class, but his exams are hard as hell and you better know your stuff. An 85 is an A but it's still hard to get there. Go to class, do your OWLs, and study! I love him!

He's amazing, and he definately wants you to be mini versions of himself. Although he may seem tough, the material isn't that hard. Just make sure you always ask him what he's looking for. Doesn't go by the book, but make sure you read it. Teaches it like his 121H. Bonus: not so bad to look at. Just do the work (OWLS PRS ETC) and you will get an A!

He is a very good teacher. The material is hard, but he makes it easy to understand as long as you go to class. LOTS of OWLS, but they really do help you learn. I would definately recommend him

Fermann is a very charismatic professor. Personally, however, I had a hard time learning with the way that he taught.

Lectures are really interesting to attend. Not the typical monotone, boring lecturer. Very supportive and speaks in terms students can comprehend. I would go back to him for any Chemistry help in the future. We primarily use OWL for homework.

No Comments

Hard test but very fair grader. Wants to see student learn more than anything. Great class

Has a good sense of humor and makes chemistry interesting. He is willing to work with you, though sometimes he isn't very clear. Added bonus, he's really hot.

He makes the class very intereting to listen to. However some of the things he teaches aren't much related to the book. He wants you to learn more than anything. He's fair and funny. He's memorable and it's just not a typical class. That can be a con or pro, depends.

justin fermann is an AWESOME teacher. if you hate chemistry take it with him..hes really helpful, easygoing, and funny. Tests are very fair and he gives practice ones to help you study. overall, i thoroughly enjoyed this class and am taking chem 112 with him..and realllly cute!!

really great professor. at first i didnt know what i had gotten myself into but if you show up for class, put in effort, and study, then you should have no problem. studying is huge with his exams. He's big on understanding general concepts and applying them. awesome class

Extremely knowledgeable and one of the best professors I've had. Makes you think about what you're doing and makes you work for your grade. Puts extraordinary amount of effort into transferring information to the students in the class, and gives all students an opportunity to succeed.

After taking 112 with Voigtman I miss Fermann. Great teacher, fun to attend class, interesting to listen to. Sometimes he gives the same exams taken in class to take home, and then counts the take home as 25% of the exam. Clear instructions and demonstrations. Definitely take chem with him if you need to take it.

He's freaking awesome. He teaches the material with a passion and goes out of his way to engage the class. He inspired my interest in chemistry.

I want to marry Justin Fermann.

Fermann is the man! All those people who say he is too hard are probably the kids who facebooked in class. He explains the material extremely well and made me love chemistry!

Fermann is a great professor. I had his for 111 and didn't take advantage of his teaching abilities by missing class but now in 112 i'm almost always in lecture. He explains everything vividly (just make sure your vocabulary is on point) and when it comes to test time he has more than a fair/generous testing policy. The best chem professor

I'm glad I'm not the only one who found him attractive... in a nerdy way of course. Judging the class is hard because chemistry was not a subject I ever would have taken by choice. But Justin was an entertaining teacher - funny and did some interesting experiments in class.

Not sure how he is for 111 but for 112 he was honestly the best. I took AP chem in high school so i understood some of the material better. Exams have a few trick type questions but are pretty generous to the practice exam. plus the pyramid testing works like a charm.

Best teacher I've ever had. Learned more from this course than any other.

Great Teacher. he is just very tough and expect you to know a lot. Its tough keeping up with him in class but he is pretty helpful when you ask questions. You need to ask questions to pass the course. He make you think outside th box which is something we are not used to doing. You need to read the textbook to do well.

Honestly chemistry is chemistry and it sucks either way. I think Fermann is good he can just get really theoretical sometime. I liked the pyramid style and he can be funny in class sometimes. I would take he's class!

Not the best teacher I've ever had, but he's very smart and well-backgrounded. Some people just aren't fit for the class, but it's not his fault. The class is by no means easy, but you have plenty of opportunity to learn (SI, office hours, etc). Exams are average. Not too much homework (maybe once ever 1 and a half weeks). I recommend him.

A conceptual teacher and far different than my Chem 111 teacher. Sometimes you'll spend 20 minutes on one seemingly trivial problem and learn a lot about chemistry. Those who are intuitively good with chemistry will fair the best. Very fair grader and his tests are fair as well. The class flies by, so obviously I'm enjoying it. Recommended!

During lecture, Fermann focused a great deal on the concepts behind molecular interaction. He shows a great interest in helping students learn. Tests are evenly composed of conceptual questions and math questions and can be difficult but pyramid exam helps.If you go to lecture,pay attention,and read and understand the book you can get an A

Fermann is an awesome professor. He really gets you to think and to try to figure out things on your own. Really study for the tests because they can be a tad difficult but nothing you cannot handle.

very hard class. do not take unless you are very passioante about chemistry. that being said, he is a really nice guy and will help alot if you go to office hours.. very fair/ generous grader

I think he is a great teacher that really tries to make you think. The class is very difficult and the tests are hard too but he is a very fair teacher. He takes the time to go through all of his topic so his students understand what is going on. You need to be good at chemistry to take his class. Great teacher.

Fermann was a very good teacher. He kept class interesting and engaged students. Very likable and approachable. Homework is not much and easy. Pyramid tests focus mostly on concepts, not as many calculations. SI Sessions were VERY helpful if explaining material. Class notes lack some structure. Looking forward to his 122H course next semester.

Didn't follow the textbook/curriculum very closely. Although I found his tangents to be interesting, the nonlinear approach isn't very well-suited for an intro course. That being said, he's very insightful and helpful, and has a rather lenient testing policy.

He is such a nice guy and really cares about your learning. Attendance isnt mandatory, but you want to go just because he's that nice.

Fermann is my favorite teacher, always there if you need help, whether with his class or anything you need in general. The class is difficult, but he is there to help if you are willing to put in the effort. 8am class is pretty brutal, but he makes it a lot easier to deal with. Highly recommend him for this course.

Super helpful guy. This is my second semester with him by choice. If you didn't have a rigorous high school chemistry course, you'll have to put in some serious legwork. The SI was really helpful for condensed studying sessions before tests, but she's leaving next semester. Makes the 8 am worth it.

I found the exams to be pretty hard.

The man is amazing. He was my advisor (and my actual advisor) for NSO. I knew then that I'd be willing to wake up for his 8:00am WMF. He's extremely helpful, always there during office hours, and is just a really cool guy. I'm 100% taking his 122H class next semester. The tests are hard, but he really wants you to succeed and will help you do so.

I took him in both Chem 121H and 122H. He peaks interest in chemistry. he digs in the materials and helps you understand deeper the materials. Exams are fairly hard but you can get a fair grade if you attend lectures, read book, and study the materials carefully

Good professor. If you have to take honors chemistry, definitely take Justin. Funny, tough tests, but if you prepare for them you will do well. Barely any written homework - all online. He wants you to get an A as much as you do.

Fermann is a great professor and makes his lectures fun and interesting, despite them being at 8am. He can sometimes be difficult to follow, especially if he expects you have already learned about what he is talking about. Exams are tough, but one is a take home, and there are other grades that balance out your overall grade.

Brilliant professor. The course is rigorous (and relatively stressful), but he really cares and you'll end up learning a lot.

My class was science of craft so we learned 4 amazing crafts that he's actually had experience with. He did a lot of in-class demonstrations. However his tests are VERY difficult. only 4 per sem and he grades 20/22 100%, so 2 freebies. BUT some questions are worded awkwardly/unclear. Final is group proj DIY craft and he gives Extra credit.

Love this man. He has a heart of gold. Sometimes his lectures may seem unorganized but it all comes together at the end and they way he teaches is actually super helpful once you catch on to his teaching style. Nicest dude ever.

He teaches chemistry from a physics perspective, because he performed chemical physics work in his post-doc. It makes the class a little different, but he gives you a genuine understanding of the world, jumping from model to model of the atom. It can be difficult because this is vastly different than high school AP. Also, the two exams are tough.

Fermann is the best choice for honors chem. He really cares about the student and makes you work for your grade, but also you learn a lot. He teaches chemistry from more of the physical and theoretical point of view to apply to general chemistry topics so you get a deeper understanding, and it really makes you question and think differently.

Justin seriously was amazing. I took his chem 101 science of craft class and it was great. He was nice and funny and made an 8:30 lecture not as bad as it should have been. It was hard to do poorly on his tests because it was a 50/50 test where you take it individually and then with a group and he averages it to get your grade.

Prof. Fermann is the best choice for honors chem. He really cares about you and tries to explain everything in a deeper level to make sure you really understand the material and phenomena behind the basics of chemistry. He likes the physical/math side of things and teaches that way the most but he will always try to help your grade whenever he can.

Im just going to keep this short and sweet, if it is worth it to wake up for a 8 am class then it is this one

If you're going to take an 8 AM take 121H with Ferman, but you do actually have to go to class to pass. While I felt lost at 75% of the lectures, I left each class feeling like I had learned and that I had just done something worthwhile. The take home exam took me 15 hours, but the other exams were very similar in difficulty to the homework.

He's rad

I rarely attended class because it was an 8:30 AM class. At the end of the semester he really helped out by dropping bad grades, and his office hours were very helpful as well. The classes I attended were interesting and he has great humor.

Science of Crafteasy A. Lectures are all recorded and if you want to show up, and most of the time you don't have to. 4 Exams are 50% group and 50% individual not cumulative. Final project is super easy. Homework isn't hard, just don't forget about it. A lot of extra credit offered. Ask him to change a grade and he will. Most sports teams take it

hands down one of the best profs i have had

He is an amazing prof. He is incredibly understanding, and cares that his students understand the material. Very fair and reasonable (especially during pandemic). An amazing lecturer - I left every lecture feeling like I learned something useful. If you're scared to take him at 8am - trust me, this is a professor that is worth waking up early for.

Justin was an incredible teacher for this class. I think he was wonderful at expressing higher level ideas at a manageable level. Sometimes the information went above my head (integration in chemistry??) but I feel that I really learned a lot. Justin, and Ethan the TA, both really cared about our learning and encouraged us to think deeply.

He's a funny guy, nice enough. The class was confusing for me but I'm not great at paying attention in class. You will do fine if you make an effort to review material outside of class.

Class was fine. I did have to teach myself most of the material but I've had to in every science class I've ever taken at UMass. The exams are pyramid style (which is awesome) and his grading scale is 90+ is an A. I thought this class was a lot of fun and interesting. Form a solid group of friends to study with and take exam with and should be good

Prof. Fermann is funny, knowledgeable, and organized. However, his teaching style can be difficult for some; you essentially teach yourself and his lectures expand on the info you read. Do the OWLs (including optional) and you will be fine. My knowledge from AP Chem made the class quite easy but many people I know struggled. Great Chem111 choice!

Dr Fermann (Justin) is one of the kindest professors at UMass. His lectures are very interesting and he is happy to help. Go to his office hours, they are a gem! His exams are hard and can have some unlearned info in them though. The OWL homeworks suck but those are given by the dept so you can't avoid them. I would highly recommend.

A really caring and wonderful prof, but he's wayyy too intelligent to be teaching a general chemistry class! Sometimes he goes on tangents about complex concepts. I did have to teach myself using OWL on occasion. Nonetheless, he still is a great teacher and explains concepts well. He just gets ahead of himself. I liked him a lot.

Justin is clearly a very knowledgeable professor who has an answer to every question. Great course for chemistry majors who scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Test, which covers the content of both semesters of gen chem at a higher level. Tests were take home.

Professor Fermann is very knowledgeable and very helpful when you go to his office hours. I'm sure he's a great teacher for science majors and upper level classes but chem103 is a gen ed that is harder that is should be, especially for non-sceince majors. Take another physical science class if you're only looking to take a gen-ed.

Everyone should take this class, he makes beer, do blacksmith, blow glass and make ceramic in class. It's the most fun class in umass ithink

Review for 2022 He's an amazing teacher- intelligent, willing to help, and takes feedback from each class to incrementally improve. His lectures give most of the info needed, and then some interesting info + in-class experiments. You'll need to teach yourself rarely using the OWL homework. Four exams, but they're 1/2 solo 1/2 group w/ notes.

His class was my favorite of the semester. While the theory and conceptual work behind the course content was at a high level, Justin made learning these concepts very engaging. He obviously had a good understanding of the material and was open to fun, spontaneous discussions in class. Attendance wasn't mandatory but I wouldn't recommend skipping.

Justin is an amazing professor! His class is work and the concepts are new and difficult, AP Chem will be used and expanded upon. However, Justin is always there to answer questions and will gladly pause the class in order to fully explain a concept so that you are confident in your understanding. His class is more conversation than lecture.

Justin Fermann is awesome, easily one of the best professors at UMass. I have had him for Chem 111 and now 391AH, he's really good for both. Very kind and truly cares about his students.

Justin is a great professor he truly cares about his students success. Highly recommend going to office hours. His lectures are very conceptual and most of the math you learn is self taught from owl. Grace period on all homework.

Fermann is super caring for his students. You can tell he has his best interest in your success, not just for this class, but outside as well. Exams are pretty easy for this course & he is lenient with the grading & time to complete homework assignments. I think lectures are good for visual learners, but not the most helpful. Highly recommend!

Justin's a good guy but he likes rambling and seems to be determined to only use power point default layout slides which are vague anyways. Pros: due dates are very lenient, extra credit, EASY exams (copy of practice test), attendance not mandatory. Cons: LOTS of homework (he assigns OWL books & prac questions), useless lectures (teach yourself).

Great Professor. Good Gen-Ed to take for Physical Sciences. Easy to get an A, but you have to do the work. Tests are done in a group setting, and they are very doable if you study beforehand.

Prof Fermann is just a great chemistry professor. Homework was from the online textbook, but he allowed full late credit and wants his students to learn rather than feel pressured to meet deadlines. His lectures utilize real world applications and were great for learning (beware of chapter 17: buffers if this is your first time taking chem) :D

He allows you to take every test twice to help with test anxiety

take this instead of 112 or 122, if you have ap credit. you will learn a lot and do well in the class. just do all of the owl homework.

Fermann is an amazing professor who is invested in the success of the class. His lectures consist of derivations that are broken up with group discussions on questions he may pose. Exams are taken home and encouraged to be done with others in the class, however, are difficult and time-consuming. Homework tends to be busy work however still helpful.

Justin is a great professor! The class was very interesting, and he's very experienced at teaching it. The homework was some small responses, a few medium-sized assignments, and a big final project and paper. The tests weren't super hard if you study, and he allows you to retake them with any notes or help you need for half credit back.

Justin is really chill, and the tests are pretty easy. You take them twice, and the score is the average of the two. Make sure to take notes on what he says during lecture because the test questions are often based on things he said in class that may not be on the slides.

Chem 190 is worth taking solely because of Justin. He's an entertaining lecturer, although the concepts he teaches are highly theoretical and can be difficult to understand at times. Lots of OWL homework, but the exams are collaborative, take-home, and graded leniently. Overall a great guy who makes chemistry much more interesting.

Prof. Fermann's class is engaging and manageable if you stay on top of the work. The tests are doable with preparation, and the ability to retake them helps. Unstuckstudy can complement your study routine.

An easy and very engaging GenEd for non-STEM majors. There's so much opportunity to bring your grade up, and tests are averaged between an individual and collaborative portion. There's a lot of room to explore with your final paper/experiment, and overall Professor Fermann is very charismatic and seems genuinely passionate about the material.

Professor Fermann was awesome. The way he scales the grading is great so even an 85 is considered an A. The tests are individual and collaborative so you can do well. Hes always making things to give away in lecture. The TAs are super easy graders and let you redo things. There is a weekly homework assignment that you have to pay for though.

Grading scale is really nice. OWL homework takes a lot of time but you can do it as many times as you want to get full credit. I really liked this class, especially the way that it was discussed. Would take again!

Prof Fermann was so great in lectures I'd recommend CHEM123 to any chem/chem adjacent majors. He was super engaging and would realize where he'd lost the class during a board-wide derivation, then back up to reexplain. Exams can be hard but if you go to his office hours he will help you with the questions you're stuck on. Don't get behind on OWLS!!

Prof. Fermann is easily the nicest and most knowledgeable professors I've met. He makes class super engaging and clearly puts thought into how his student can learn best. He lets you correct 2 questions back on exams meaning u basically get a free 10% back. He's so nice and I couldn't recommend him more for chem 112!

Sweet teacher but not a good lecturer. He also doesn't have any control over how many OWLs given, there are a lot but it's not his choice. He is super sweet and accommodating and we can fix 2 questions for full credit. I'd recommend not going to lectures all the time, and instead studying using OWL. Super nice but I don't understand his teaching.

Great professor. practice exams were exactly like the exams, except for the final, which was slightly different. very lenient with homework, accepted late from me many times. lectures were slightly off topic, i had to teach myself sometimes to make it clear. class was enjoyable and engaging. chill guy tbh

Lecture heavy class with weekly problem sets. There were no slides and lots of material covered so it was easy to fall behind. Difficult class content wise but there are no exams, the problem sets can be re-done, and the students wrote the take-home final. Justin Fermann really cares about growing student's learning abilities and I learned a lot.