2.2
Quality3.5
Difficulty25%
Would Retake138
Reviews25%
Would Retake
138
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
17
4
19
3
14
2
33
1
55
What Students Say
“I call this guy Dr Kill”
CHEM123 - 2.0 rating“Class with this guy is a nightmare”
CHEM123 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
51%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
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Declining
-0.69 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM498
5.0
(1)LAB101
5.0
(1)CHEM116
5.0
(1)124
4.0
(1)101LAB
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
CHM123
5.0
CHEM
5.0
CHEMCHEM
4.5
CEM121
4.3
CHEM121
4.0
Reviews (138)
The class isn't too bad if you've had chem before. He's very unorganized. You DO NOT need the text unless you really don't get chemistry. Make sure you do what he says on the mini-lesson, he'll mark off for the littlest thing.
He was not very organized but the lab was an easy A. Mini lesson was also easy, just do what he says.
the lab = most boring hours of my life - read lab word by word as if we truly were elementary students not students taking chem for ele. teachers. not recommended at all.
Follow the coursepack and you'll do great on the tests and he is always available for help after class. Also the homework in the coursepack helps when reviewing.
No Comments
Very helpful, easy to work with, and accomodating. Not an easy prof, but you'll learn a lot. I would highly reccommend him to anyone taking chemistry. If you need help, he will stay and explain things to you until you understand it.
Rude, Rude, Rude. Kolopajilo is Rude. Short with students, unhelpful and uncooperative. Unless you are a ROBOT that doesnt have a life, and wont ask questions, you will inevitably run into some snag with this guy.
I personally think he does well, and his coursepack approach is excellent. He once told me to do the wrong thing on a test, but other than that, he's been very helpful and was a rather nice professor.
Kolopajlo (and kolopajilo-same teacher i think) is a great prof. He has everything in the coursepack, sample tests and homework problems. If you do those, and UNDERSTAND it, you'll get an A!
Great teacher that gives everything you need in course pack! Is straight out with telling you that the text is useless! Gave writing assignments for easy points, these points made test points count less! Ended up with an A-, even with failing a test! Gave curve on final!
I went to his office several times and he just looked at me in blank stares. Never answered my questions and never helped me with the lab work that I didn't understand. Bad teacher.
was very helpful with problems that I had in and out of lab, tried to make lab fun, let us work with partners. Not the best at explaining, but there are TA's who will help. Strict on goggle policy but overall a nice guy and good lab prof!
He's so hard to work with. He doesn't pay attention to his students and he doesn't respect them unless they're a chem major.
great teacher. he knows how to teach. hes very helpful. dont slack off,always do the hw probs and ex. in the coursepack and u'll get an A.
Um-where to begin? He is a chemist, not a teacher. This is the worst 100-level class ever. He doesn't know how to explain chemistry to beginners. Grading is completely inconsistent. This class is ruining my GPA. STAY AWAY!
direct
I worked as a TA with him for 3 semesters. He is a great chemistry teacher for 101. He knows what he is doing, and I strongly recommend him, if you want to learn chemistry.
He was not a very good teacher. His test were hard and the class median was 66%. He was mean when you asked him questions and it scared me when I had to ask him something because he looked at me like I was ignorant.
I took the first part of gen chem with him... he was a pretty good professor and the class was not that difficult at all..everything you need to know is in the coursepack.
He's very hard if you are not a chemistry major. He's tests are nightmares and he's direct. However, if you have questions, he will answer them in class.
There are several assignments worth 20 points each. (One for each time the class meets) There are only 2 experiments that require preparation before attending class. There is a Graduate Assistant who does all the grading. He is frustrated with the students who don't take this course seriously. The lab is poorly maintained.
He is a chemist not a teacher he repeated many times during the spring semester. Take many notes use the course pack (no book needed) and ask questions plus make sure you do all the workpages he put into the course pack they help.
His exams are very difficult, and he is VERY math oriented.
I DO NOT recommend him for lab, and probably not for lecture either. He does not explain anything clearly, and makes the GA's do all the work. He grades unfairly because he will not give you a rubric or any idea of what he wants, and then he will mark you down for random things. Good luck if you have to take him for this lab.
This professor has a strong mathematical background, so his exams are very math based, lots of problem solving. I suggest memorizing how to do certain problems. He doesn't give much partial credit, maybe 1 or 2 points out of a 15 point problem. He does offer review sessions (between 2-3 hours) before the exams.
Really knows his****...but can't teach it for****. There are alot better options out there for Chem, i recommend you choose one. However if you already understand chemistry than this class won't be a problem
I hated Chem in high school b/c i wasn't good and got a C. He explained things really well and I pulled off an A in his class without too much work. He allows his GA's to grade labs which sucks because they grade really crazy, but if you talk to him about it, he usually fixes your grade. I definately recommend him if you're not too good in Chem.
He was interesting to say the least. I did all the problems and examples but his test were very hard. He is not very free with points. Just like all the other teachers in the chem department he isn't really that good.
Nice, guy but a poor teacher, random in his thoughts, and in his grading, if you have another option to not take this class with him, you will lose your mind in his incompetence
Teaching ability is non-existant
I love chemistry but this class was ridiculous. I got an A in the lab but a D+ in the lecture. Do not take him, his tests are super hard and he is not free with his points. You make the simplest mistake the whole answer is wrong not partial points.
He doesnt seem like a professor. He can't teach well and he doesn't show enthusiasm when teaching
Mr. Kpo is a great teacher. His teaching style is rigid, but he is totally hot and charming, even with the stutter.
Makes you buy a "coursepack" that he wrote and is absolutely miserable, some of the facts are even flat out wrong! Makes chemistry harder than it has to be, uses overheads and chalk instead of powerpoints and tech and plays absolutely HORRIBLE homemade flash "animations" that teach you nothing. If you can take anyone else's class, avoid this one.
You should definately have a strong algebra background going into this class. Kolopajlo heavily emphasizes mathematics during lecture and on tests. Very stingy with grading. No extra credit offered. Not going to get a lot out of lecture. Practice problems from the course pack OVER AND OVER. He doesn't bother with the book at all. Good luck...
Dr. Kolopajlo is one of the worst professors I've ever had in college. He is very unorganized, goes on irrelevant tangents that will only make you more confused, and he is hard with his grading. He barely gives partial credit. Other chem professors don't like him much either because he makes the students dislike chemistry.
He's a nice guy, if a little scatter-brained. His grading methods are a little goofy at times, but is willing to negotiate if you feel you have been graded unfairly or if you point out something he missed in your work. He always gives grades/feedback for work quickly, so nobody will be waiting very long for their grades.
He's really not the greatest professor. He treated the class like we were children and gave confusing answers if you asked him for help. He was also very rude and openly blamed the GAs for not enforcing safety rules when he was also present in the lab at all times.
He's really not the greatest professor. He treated the class like we were children and gave confusing answers if you asked him for help. He was also very rude and openly blamed the GAs for not enforcing safety rules when he was also present in the lab at all times.
CHEM 123/124 Unnecessarily hard tests - NO partial credit even if the method was correct. Trails off during lecture and mumbles a lot. Ridiculous scoring on labs. AVOID THIS PROFESSOR
Probably one of the worst teachers I've EVER had. He just reads off of his powerpoint slides and very rarely does examples which is basically all he teaches you on. There are few points of understanding in this class and you'll often feel confused. He makes you buy his coursepack which is identical to the textbook, worthless! AVOID AT ALL COSTS
He is rude, incomprehensible and useless. He is very smart, and does know his material, but he is just unable to communicate to his students. I just don't think he knows how to reach the majority of students. I would highly discourage taking him for any class, including gen chem.
very useless profesor and most of the class failed
Extremely poor professor, no connection with students, no speaking skills, rude and condescending behavior. Avoid this professor!
I taught myself both Chem I and II! He is not good at communication. He freaks out for no reason and is mean!
Seems to have a pretty good understanding of chemistry, but does NOT have the ability to teach it. He is very rude toward students with questions and can be insulting. He teaches everything from his coursepack that you're required to buy, which is just a reproduction of his powerpoint slides that he teaches from. Most of his examples were incorrect
this teacher made it very hard to understand him. he is good at chemistry but can not teach it. he can not out his thoughts into helpful teaching styles. mumbles a lot and has bad office hours. i left before the semester was over
Proceed with caution!!! This professor will not take students seriously if they do not take chemistry seriously! If you aren't prepared to study EVERY DAY you will FAIL his class, and he will not provide assistance to anyone who doesn't show that they do everything within their power to ace the class. Be dedicated if you take him.
AVOID at all cost! He is very rude and condescending to students. He constantly talks about how the class is a joke but wants you to take it seriously. He wants too much for a one credit course. The class itself is not hard he just makes it harder than what it is. He is not good in explaining ANYTHING and is never clear in directions
Get the coursepack because that's what he teaches from. I found his explantions to be clear (in class). BEWARE!: If you get a question wrong on an exam(which I found to be extremely doable), even if you do EVERYTHING right and just get the answer wrong, don't expect much credit, if any. He has sample tests to study from which help a lot.
A few tips: 1) go to office hours, the prof exudes a cold demeanor during lecture, but is nice during office hours. 2) Practice ALL samples exams at least twice, that's what will be on the tests (spend 90% of your time studying the coursepack, focusing on these sample exams). 3) The prof gave us a chance to earn 20-25 extra credit points
Definitely knows about chemistry, but has no idea how to teach it. Extremely condescending when students have questions. Do not take classes with this professor unless you are very good at learning things on your own and don't ask questions. Coursepack is that man's bible, but I don't understand why that material couldn't be on ereserves for free.
I really liked him he's a very nice guy, clearly passionate about chemistry but this is not an easy class and you have to study. i suggest getting a tutor if you arnt super good at chemistry because mine helped me a buttload.
Very unorganized. Teaches from a book he wrote not the required text book. If he didn't have his course pack, he would be lost. He knows his stuff but doesn't explain it very well. He also gives you the look of death when you as a question
Unapproachable, condescending, and ornery with a pompous attitude to top it all off. Quality of instruction is extremely poor; he seems more concerned with making sure enough students get low grades than actually teaching the material. Not a good experience; avoid!
He is clearly a bright man and passionate about chemistry, but he does not belong with students. His presentation of the material is disorganized and incongruous. He is condescending and has a gift for discouraging students. I am an A student who does well in his class, I would never take him again.
Taught second half of semester and it was frustrating. Tests were tricky and some questions weren't even part of course content. Changed expectations from prof that taught first half of class the DAY BEFORE FINAL. Chose not to work with other prof by ignoring her statements to us about test. Compare grades from 1st to 2nd half of class to prove it
Did not make expectations clear, was not willing to help students understand the material, I would NOT recommend him.
Class with this guy is a nightmare. He seems to get a certain satisfaction out of being rude, unreasonable or obstinate. He hates questions, despises collaboration or discussion, and has nothing but contempt for his students and colleagues. Don't take a class with this prof if there is any alternative.
HORRIBLE PROFESSOR. Had him for half of the semester & he came in with the worst attitude, openly badmouthed our previous teacher, Maria Miletti, who was great. Told us she "babied us" & proceeded to give us unreasonable tests/quizzes that had nothing to do with his coursepack examples. Class avg went down at LEAST 2 letter grades when he started.
Don't let all the negative reviews scare you. Dr Kolopajlo is a good teacher in my opinion. he won't walk you step-by-step through the labs, and yes, he expects you to put time and effort in, but he's definitely not unreasonable. Pro-tip: try to not ask him questions he's already explicitly answered in that same lecture and go to office hours.
I call this guy Dr Kill. He is rude in class, but better in office hours. He's likely a good chemist but certainly not an ideal teacher. I did like his use of the course pack. However, his grading is outrageous. He takes off lots of points for simple mistakes. I'm an all around A student, but this guy's impossible. His grading scale is skewed, too.
Dr. Kolopajlo is a very intelligent professor. He knows a lot about chemistry. However, in my opinion, he could really improve on how he instructs the class. During every single lecture he would just read the course pack page by page with very little explanations. Homework rewards you with very little points. Hardly any partial credit on exams.
Dr. Kolopajlo obviously loves chemistry but lectures can be very dry and boring. Grades are based on tough math heavy tests. Very little HW and quizzes that earn minimal points (1 to 3 when tests can be over 100). If you don't put n the work don't expect to pass but if you show you're trying and want to learn, he will help you. Cool guy to talk to.
one of the worst professors i ever had avoid if possible!!!
Definitely need to be there to do the labs, but he ignores you when you ask for help but if you pester him he'll give you the answer. Hardly ever get full credit on labs, but pretty close to it. Gives a lecture before lab that is entirely too long and pointless.
Got a 19.25/20 on my lab. GA graded it wrong (said I had wrong amount of sigfigs, when I had right amount). Asked for my .25 back. Told me no, because one of my papers was out of order. Instead of 8-5, 8-6, 8-7, 8-8, I had 8-6, 8-5, 8-7, 8-8. Asked him why I couldn't get it back even though GA graded it. He said because he was in charge.
Would not recommend.
Was rude to students (threw a pair of goggles at myself), would mark the same answer on 2 different peoples labs as one right and one wrong, said there shouldn't be teachers, wouldnt give us our grades until the day of the final and most of the time was not prepaired for class. Assigned 5 of the 7 projects in the last week and a half of school
VERY RUDE MAN DO NOT TAKE HIM
I really don't have much to complain with this instructor. The content in the course was not all that difficult if you attend class regularly. The only thing I can say is if you ask questions in class, you will have to clarify repeatedly because he doesn't actually listen to the question; he answers on what he thinks you're asking.
He is a really nice guy, don't be afraid to ask for help.
Terrible professor. Does not care about what he is teaching what so ever. Very grumpy and rude and makes you feel dumb if you go to ask for help. Does not check his email ever so good luck seeing him in office hours. The class itself is not too bad, but he makes it miserable. Try to form study groups instead, or see a different professor.
Kolopajlo is not a good instructor and should not be teaching this course, yet alone any college level course. Class is you listening to him read from a course pack that you are supposed to buy, even though he only orders 20 for the bookstore. You are expected to know everything before he talks about it. I had to teach the entire course to myself.
He is extremely boring and dry. You have to buy a $ 60 coursepack that has mistakes and doesn't make any sense. Used the book once for a two point homework assignment and he is extremely rude if you ask any questions. He also teaches way more then needed for the final and does more complicated problems then needed.
I know him personally as well as a prof. He is very passionate about chemistry and his job. (Infact, he has a child with MD who had major surgery and still made sure he made it to his 8AM). TBH I recommend reading the textbook before you come into class. Be a little patient getting help from him (social skills a little poor) but its encouraged.
He reads everything directly from the course pack and does a few examples and that's just about it. He marks you down if you don't do your math the EXACT way he shows in the course pack, even if your answer is right. I say don't take this class with Kolopajlo unless you love chemistry and/or understand it thoroughly.
This guy is amazing. I am so bad at chemistry and he really made me understand it, just need to be willing to put in the work you'll pass with no problem! He even gave random extra credit, i got 13.5 total extra credit point from him this semester!
Share a textbook, you'll need it for 1 or 2 assignments, but everything you need is in the coursepack. Exams take studying to do well but he adds a lot of extra points. He tries to be helpful but lectures dryly so I ended up learning the whole course from the coursepack. His Canvas is messy but actually full of helpful info so check it out!
Honestly, I dont know why people are complaining. This professor gives everything you need to get an A in the class on canvas. His coursepack is all you need study the problems and sample exams and you should be fine! Plus he puts 10 point extra credit questions on each exam cant beat that.
Disrespectful, asking for help can backfire... he will embarrass you. Shows few examples and is the most boring person to listen to talk. He teaches out of his course pack that he wrote himself and is never clear about what information will be on exams. DO THE SAMPLE EXAMS TO PASS!
This professor has to be one of the rudest I have ever expereinced. He is completely demeaning if you ask a question and expects the whole class to already know what they are doing. He wont even give you a well thought out explanantion to a question; like one sentance explaining what he thinks you need to hear when in reality he was no help at all.
He is a very dry professor and not that nice, doesn't really help or explain the lab that great, but if you review the lab beforehand and do the pre-lab, you will do okay.
he is dry, unfriendly, and exams are hard. Does not give partial credit. I am a (former now) 4.0 student retaking the class with a different professor because I am so unhappy with the lack of knowledge I obtained in the class.
He isn't the most enthusiastic professor and has a kind of dry lecture style but he tells you a lot of things that WILL be on each upcoming exam. He does have a tough grading style so if you do dissociation equations, make sure you put the phases. He gives multiple opportunities to get credit on problems that you wouldn't know how to do.
He's a very dry lecturer. He doesn't like when you ask questions and when he teaches, he just reads quickly from his book and moves on. It's very hard to learn.
I think the biggest difference between me and Dr Kolopajlo is that I actually care about the class. He is not willing to help or be flexible with you at all. I took this during a COVID-19 impacted semester and I cannot stress enough not to take it with him online. He only reads from the book for lecture- so you'll be teaching yourself this class.
Grade is mostly based on exams. Do the HW and do well on it also do the class notes for pts, it will help your grade. A solid understanding of chem helps a lot otherwise do lots of practice problems and go to SI or ask him for help, he's more than willing to help you even with lab Q's. Make sure you know how to do the prob from coursepack for exams
Not terrible but not a good teacher and so bad online. Gave us calculations for an online exam after face to face was removed and we were supposed to type them. It would have been fine if he limited the number of calculations or gave extra time for typing calculations. Make sure you read extensively for every exam.
Honestly, I would rate a zero if I could. He was really rude and unwilling to answer questions, to the point where I avoided asking so he wouldn't shoot me a dirty look every time he had to answer me. He acts like he doesn't want to be there and is nice to you only if you sit pretty, do the lab, and leave. If you have the choice, DON'T take him!
His class is based on only 3 exams and 3 homework assignments that aren't worth many points at all. His lectures are very dry. He pretty much just read through the course pack so doing practice problems is a must. His grading scale for the lab is very different from the lecture which makes it tough. He doesn't explain the labs beforehand either.
He is nice professor teaches all details, boring alittle bet but cares about students, 4 exams final is Comprehensive I think 3 hw
The professor himself is probably the rudest, most standoffish guy. The only thing he did right was that coursepack he made. His coursepack setup and exams make it super easy to do well in the class. But, he has a total of like 3 hw assignments, 4 exams, and coursepack checks and that's literally all his grades. Just be prepared to teach yourself.
I'm not sure why the ratings are so poor on here. He makes it very clear and easy to do well in this class -- do the homework, do the course pack problems, and the exams will be easy. Sometimes his explanations aren't the greatest, but if you read the course pack after lecture things click better. He wants you to succeed!
Dr. Kolopajlo's class was easily one of the worst times of my entire life. There are very few homeworks, which makes your grade depedent on on exams. His exams took a very long time, but he did always include an extra credit question on the back. He comes off as very abrasive and unwilling to answer questions or meet with you outside of class.
He really isn't a great professor when it comes to students who have letter of accommodations and definitely has you pay way too much for his customized course packs. His explanation is the easiest to understand but he tries, he takes a really long time to answer an email & his teaching just wasn't or me, his teaching techniques are very bone dry.
Doesnt explain things clear enough so you basically end up teaching yourself everything in this class. Exams are nothing like the homework assignments and are way more difficult. No partial credit and closed notes exams. Graded on exams and homework only and final is worth 20% of the grade with no study guide.
The worst professor I've ever had in my 5 years at Eastern. Had us drive to class every Monday to watch YouTube videos while we had to learn course material on our own using the online course. Huge waste of time. Takes anger out on students in a passive aggressive ways like by grading harsher or giving more work. Lacks human compassion.
He explains in class all the things you need to know for exams. Its usually easier to understand when he talks about it rather than reading the coursepack. He can be a little boring in class but I thought he made it really easy to do well and is a very generous grader. Didnt love paying for his coursepack though.
Dr. Kolopajlo has absolutely no sympathy for your life. He does not give clear directions for assignments and does not care if you couldn't find the instructions. He deducts points for petty reasons. He would rather plan his outreach programs for K-12 students than actually refine his lessons for university classes. Avoid taking his classes.
I felt like I couldn’t ask this professor any questions in lab because his responses were always something around the lines of “you should already know this”. Would recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the lab starts, because he has a tendency to begin early
Ended a lecture 15 minutes in because “we got hacked.” He puts a TON of files into the modules with random labels, lots of duplicates. Very confusing. Had assignments due at 11am on a Sunday?? Slides are usually at least 100 slides. So 200 slides a week. He’s awful at teaching & awful with technology.
Overall, he is kind of confusing during his lectures (even with students asking relevant questions somewhat frequently). His weekly quizzes are a significant portion of your grade and are very difficult. Exams are spread out more, and are thankfully easier, but still hard. Condescending when answering questions at times. DO NOT RECOMMEND
Everything you don't want in a lab prof. There was a day in class where didn't answer questions because he was asked 3 or 4 during the time (3 hour lab). Very rude and condescending tone and treatment of all students. Is not clear with prelabs or lab reports, which can result in grade falling quickly, especially with an F being anything
The absolute worst teacher I have ever had. There’s too many BAD things to say about him so let me list the good things Exactly there are no good things. He doesn’t explain anything. If you ask a question he leaves a back handed remark like you are the dumbest in the world worst class ever
Just don’t take his class. Wait for a better professor. For the sake of your mental health avoid his class at all costs. He makes the simplest of topics feel like rocket science that is being taught in a different language He honestly deserves a -100/5 Just don’t take his class unless you love 3 am breakdowns over Lewis structures
There were multiple times where students would ask questions and he would yell back at us and was very condescending. Most of the lab is doing work on your own. The times he would explain material pre lab, it was more confusing. If you can take someone else, I would.
Please for the love of god do not take this man for anything, it's not worth it. I made an account here just to post this. If you absolutely have to take a course with him, fly under the radar, ask few if any questions, instruct your classmates to do the same. No rubric, made up hw as he went along, added more hw when he got mad OVER NOTHING.
Had him for lab and taught myself everything basically. I was always hesitant to ask him questions because he talked so loud and made me feel stupid sometimes. Overall, it's not a bad class, especially if you need it for your major. He just wasn't a great professor. I learned more from his GAs. Make sure you befriend your lab partner too.
Lectures are long and can be boring. Graded on one short homework assignment a week and four exams. His expectations of you are clear but he is not very understanding. If you have to take his class, keep your head down, fly under the radar, make a study group with others in the class and you should be fine.
Not worth your time or money. If you do end up getting stuck with him, keep your head down, show up to every class, do NOT ask questions, do not talk to him with even a monotone voice or he will get snippy with you, and absolutely do not hurt his ego. I do not recommend...
He was a good professor but very lecture heavy. I appreciated that he made it mandatory to get the gen chem II "workbooks" from the bookstore. they were basically the templates for his lectures. he went over sample exams in class and grades pretty quickly.
I have taken two of Dr. Kolopajlo's classes now and not sure why his ratings are so low. He offered ten points extra credit on every exam and bonus homework at the end of the semester. Yes, the lectures were long and could be boring, but he was very clear and knows what he is talking about. I ended with above a 100 in the class.
Took a lab with him this past semester and based on other reviews here, I was really worried. But he was amazing! Always was available if we needed help mid-lab and usually started the first part off with us so we knew what to do. Often made jokes and friendly conversation. Super nice professor.
I was worried about taking him but his exams came right from his coursepacks; if you know the coursepacks, you know the exams. Extra credit is offered on every exam as well.
I had Dr. Kolopajlo for the Chem118 lab. He was always in a bad attitude. He would be annoyed whenever we broke something. One time I wrote down my name because I forgot my lab goggles and he said "Rewrite that, what is that? I can't read that". Because of his bad attitude, I was apprehensive about asking him for help or questions.
Dr. Kolopajlo is perhaps the worst professor I had in my time at EMU and is definitely a blemish on an otherwise wonderful chemistry department. He does a terrible job communicating both concepts and what is expected in his class. He taught next to nothing, and everything learned in the course was from an online ACS class. Avoid like the plague.
He's HORRIFC. The class is easy if you do the work. This professor is not nice. He does not communicate well at all. I'm not sure why he teaches because it does not seem like he actually like people. The class again is super easy, one lab per week and one quiz. He allows late work but will deduct points which is fine. His attitude need extra work.
Dr. Kolopajlo is extremely rude and very unhelpful in both lecture and in lab. I would recommend you take any other professor but him. He doesn't give you help when you ask and expects you to know everything without him even explaining in the first place. He is also very rude toward his lab assistants and is overall disrespectful.
Dr. Kolopajlo is the kind of professor that dismisses students when they answer questions, and did not even instruct half of my class - his graduate assistants did. He was more often than not rude to everyone. He once yelled at a student when he was explaining a lab procedure for simply taking a picture of the whiteboard to remember instructions.
The professor doesn't go over the labs with enough explanation. His lab was based on the GA's. They helped with the labs and understanding the labs.
He yells a lot and explains lecture/material very briefly. Only his GAs grade the work. He only grades the work if you have an issue. The work is sometimes graded harshly without explanations. It's more fun when you are with a friend though. Good luck.
I've heard mixed opinions about this Professor, but in my experience, this Professor is excellent. His teaching style is highly effective. The course-pack exercises prepared me well for exams; all questions were from it. He also offers up to 10 points extra-credit on exams, a great opportunity to boost your grade!
Dr. Kolopajlo was laid back and pretty easy going in this course. He did not have a plan for most class days though, and would have us complete random experiments/demos to pass the time. The large assignments for this course had very confusing guidelines and expectations, and he hardly explained anything about them. He can be a harsh grader.
bit of a scary dude. very intense class. not a bad teacher but i wouldnt take him again
charges students near 100$ for a course pack for a total of 9 pts of the class. He is also extremely unclear with his rules. refuses to give full points& gave either a full point or 0 on exam questions, even if partially correct. To top it all off, I received my exam back with a booger on the back. Extra credit is offered. Very blunt and unhelpful.
The professor can be a bit intense, but if you stay engaged and use resources like unstuck AI along with the textbook, you can do well. His GAs are helpful, so befriend your lab partner to get through this class.
Probably would not take this class again. Very difficult when it comes to grading and deducts points for anything. Can be unprofessional sometimes and hates when his students asks him questions. But yeah.
He is disrespectful when it comes to getting help. the GAs are more help than he is. I don't exactly know why he teaches because it just seems like he hates people. I once asked him for help with finding the questions on the first day of class and he told me I should already know. That explains how my semester is going!
He should not be teaching anymore, I don't know why but he's very confrontational with students and without aid, all his classes would be a tornado of chaos and confusion. Whoever is keeping him from retirement needs to step aside. My fellow classmates feel so frustrated and confused when we leave any interaction with him.
Confrontation, no compassion for students, absolute menace. Has no idea how to properly teach and any education major could explain the material better
Haven't taken him since 2023, but he is the worst. Needs to retire IMMEDIATELY. Not really sure why/how he is still part of faculty at Eastern.
Needs to leave the teaching industry. Super condescending when talking to you and acts like you should know it. I had to miss a lab from a disability issue (seizure) and when emailing him he tried to argue about it and wanted to talk to the DRC. My absence was further excused. But now that semester is ending he put that lab in as a 0!
Do NOT take this professor, he is one of the worst people I have had the misfortune to meet, let alone be instructed by. He is incredibly rude and frequently insults his students when asking simple questions. All of this criticism also applies to CHEM 122. Kolopajlo does not belong in a teaching position, and needs to retire. He brings shame to EMU
He makes you feel stupid for asking for help. Don't waste your money unless you're prepared to face the consequences. I thought I would be fine in this class, but I wasn't. If you end up in this class sit in the back row and keep your head down. Don't email him, instead talk to him right after class. Office hours are a bad idea.
August 28, 2025, my first lab class with him as my professor, and whatever you do DON'T take him as a professor. AVOID him!!! As there was this other girl in my class and he literally said to her almost like in annoyance or screaming like manor "What?! Are you blind?" As he was cleaning up he would also slam all the doors, and he got annoyed at me.
Kolopajlo is an okay teacher. He gives help for the pre-lab calculations which I find to be helpful. He has an extreme attitude problem. Not sure why he chose teaching, since every question a student asked was a major inconvenience for him. Other than being a diva, he's alright.
I had him last semester for lab; he was rude and crass. I had him for a lecture this semester, and he was less cranky. However, he has very few grades that actually help your grade, offered 10pts of extra credit total, and was snappy if you didn't understand something right away.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
51%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.69 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM498
5.0
(1)LAB101
5.0
(1)CHEM116
5.0
(1)124
4.0
(1)101LAB
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
CHM123
5.0
CHEM
5.0
CHEMCHEM
4.5
CEM121
4.3
CHEM121
4.0