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Don't listen to these people, they're on crack. Great professor, clear lectures.

Dr. Perks is the****!!!!...His exams are very easy! I like him so much I am taking him for Ogranic Chemistry next semester.

I know that this course is hard itself. However, he is well prepared for every lecture, and very helpful when you go his office to ask some problems. Very Good Teacher to prepare MCAT/PCAT/DAT.

Very organized lectures with lots of visuals and examples. Another good thing is his use of groupwork problems. Tests are inpossibly hard (class average was ~45%) and sometimes not approachable. Overall, is nice guy and cares whether or not youre learning

ok, I know some people like hime, and some don't. This course will be very easy of you know his style (lecture, exam). So, first of all, try to find HIS STYLE, then you will have no problem. His lecture will be very clear only when you know how he teach.

Some people knock this dude, but I think he has a great way of teaching. He layed out a good fundamental track for the ACS final in 352. I liked his teaching style better than Smith's, but that's just me. Says hi and actually remembers my name.

His group work and lectures are entirely relevent to the exams that he gives out, his explanations are well done, and he's always prepared for class. Points are given for attendence. And, in general, he's a nice guy.

Dr. Perks is an awesome professor. I took 352 the first time with Smith and he was horrible. Dr. Perks made his material very understandable and his group work reflects what you are to know for the exams. Sure, his exams are pretty hard, but UMBC has one of the top Chemistry programs--so the materia

While extremely difficult and not the best, he's definitely better than any of the other professors who teach these courses. must go to class in chem 102 tho for dumb group assignments each class.

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One of the best teachers Ive ever had. Always helpful and friendly. I had Dr. John Smith for Chem 101 and 102, and he was horrible. Dr. Perks was great. I wish I would have had him for all my Chem classes.

Very helpful. One of few professors who know what he is talking about. Also very nice, will draw strucures and explain reasoing. Also he's on the ACS (American Chemical Society) board - they make the conprehensive test u take at end of 352 so he KNOWS his stuff well, talk to him as much as you want till u get it!

He's not that horrible. He doesn't go by the book so you really have to pay attention in class and take notes. Since u get 15% for just showing up, u can pull off a C in the class if u get aroud 40% on exams. 50+ is a C. Exams are REALLY hard but get ur hands on some old exams, he tends to repeat questions that are older than 2 years.

Dr. Perks will know your name, know how well you're doing in the class and will make himself available to help you as much as possible. His tests are harder than they seem but still not bad considering its organic

perks really knows his stuff and is a nice guy. his curves are generous and he follows the textbook very well. I recommend him for serious chem. students who can dedicate the time to his problem solving oriented teaching style. also good to take for lab section

If you're serious about chem, take professor perks. SLACKERS BEWARE. I didn't do much studying except a few days before the exam where I did ALL the probs in the chapters (about 400+ in 2 days) and pulled an A out of my ass. Do ALL the problems and you will do well in his class.

This professor is great! If I had to choose between him and Hogsmane again, I would choose Perks. He teaches very by the book. As long as you read the book, do the problems, and do the homework, you will get an A. I'm not saying he is easy. The work is hard and time consuming, but it is not impossible. not for slackers.

I had him for Chem 351-352. Very articulate man who loves what he teaches. He is an amazing teacher for the material he has to teach, no one better so far. His only draw back is that he makes the exams very tough (but fair). Take him if you want to learn something, dont take him if you want an easy A (even though curve is ~80% = A).

He is a really good teacher, and if you actually come to class and do the work you will learn it. He does explain things pretty clearly and is very helpful. If you take the lab with him, he comes to all the labs and helps you if you need it. He also does group work in lecture which is very helpful, and he knows everyone by name.

I love Perks! He's such a nice guy and he makes an effort to get to know his students. He's very willing to give help but you need to ask! Perks' lectures REQUIRE prior reading. Or else you're lost. Personally, the main use for his lecture notes was to follow along the examples to get the CPS questions right (they count for accuracy).

Perks is a great teacher, and his exams were all fair. He really tries to get to know his students, which is rare in science classes.

Dr. Perks is so awesome! None of the classes that he teaches are easy, but it's chemistry. It's not going to be easy no matter who is teaching. But he's always willing to help if you ask for it, and he is genuinely a really good person!

Really nice guy and overall a great teacher. He is very smart and teaches assuming you already know what he is talking about, but if you read material b4 going to class you will be fine. His exams are not too difficult. Will curve them a lot.

It took a year to understand his teaching style. Dr.Perks is absolutely a fair professor. This is an orgo, of course it is hard. Don't expect the professor to tell you what to study. He just outlines the concepts so you study by yourself after class. Study the textbook, never get behind; then you can pull out "A" even w/out a curve. Use the textboo

Awesome. Very knowledgeable about organic chemistry. Very charming personality.

Much better for orgo than he was for gen chem. The exams are difficult, but fair. He will answer your questions during class or office hours. He tries to give free points with clicker questions. Make sure you keep up with the reading, as he sometimes skips the details.

He was a very good professor and funny too. He is very helpful. Tied in organic with real life uses (made it interesting for me) and was very willing to help students.

I was really scared of taking orgo 2 with him.However, he really changed my expectations in orgo 2. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about orgo, so he does his best to explain to students. The only problem is that he expects students to read the material before class, so he assumes you have some idea of what he's talking about.

At first when I took Chem 102. It was definitely a bad experience with this teacher because it was his first time teaching it. However, when I took chem 352, he wasn't that bad of a teacher. At times it is hard to understand him. you are required to know material before class and do practice problems.

Dr. Perks is a gifted Professor that truly loves Chemistry and has a true gift for teaching. He takes a lot of tough material and makes it really understandable. I would recommend him over any of the other Organic Chem Professors here.

Dr. Perks is a great teacher. His exams are tough but fair. Organic chemistry is hard; that's not his fault. He cares about the chemistry and his students, and makes an effort to know you. Knows organic chemistry like the back of his hand. I thought his exams reflected the lectures; you don't have to teach yourself from the textbook alone.

I had Dr. Perks the second time I took 102 and for 352. I LOVE THIS HIPPIE. His mandals are the best. But really, this man lives and breathes organic chemistry and was always very helpful. I went in dreading organic chemistry and now I'm an organic chem grad student because of Dr. Perks.

Dr Perks is great but he definitely is hard. His lectures are helpful IF you read the book first. They are not there to teach you the material, but to help you understand it. You are supposed to read before lecture, and then you go over it to conquer what was in the book. He knows who does well and who doesn't and is great with answering questions.

Great professor! I hated Orgo coming into it, but I've really grown to appreciate the subject. Kind of dorky, but he really spends time explaining the concepts you need to understand to move forward. Exams are, of course, tough, and homework + readings are pretty time-consuming, but if you work hard, you'll do well. Try to take Perks! :)

For 351L, Dr. Perks is very unorganized, and not very clear with assignments and class materials. However, he is much better for lecture classes such as 102 or 351. He's a really funny person and will pick on people who aren't paying attention and embarrass them (it's great). He's also incredibly intelligent and sometimes forgets that you arent.

Knows all of students' names! Very cool and funny guy. Labs are definitely less interesting than 102L. Pre labs, post labs, and lab quizzes can be tricky so ask questions!

He knows every person - as in he was able to tell each (of 139) student their full names on the last day of lecture, and he truly is great at remembering who is what major etc. He's funny in class, knows A LOT, and loves orgo. He holds the class to high standards. It's HARD but he's a phenomenal teacher and is very smart, well-prepared, etc.

Dr. Perks is brilliant! Take the class seriously and ask questions. He teaches using the socratic method, so be ready to do a boat load of questions in class. The reading is a must to be able to do well in his class. Also he gives tough exams. They are do-able but give yourself ample time to study everything.

Very intelligent guy. Despite what others may have said, he pays attention to his students. In certain he enjoys teaching, but he will not sure that by making it easy for you. took his class in the summer from another university. He made enough of an impression for me to remember him years later and rate him. Study, pay attention, and ask questions

Great guy. He's really nice and is genuinely interested in chemistry. His lectures were a bit confusing, but he really tried. If you attend every lecture, and make sure you understand the labs you should be fine.

Dr. Perks is the best professor I have ever had. He is passionate about organic chemistry and is brilliant intellectually, as well as being pretty funny. The class isn't easy. Its organic chemistry--tough is what you sign up for. Its not his fault. Ask for help. Dont be intimidated. If you fail, its on you. He does his job.

Extremely smart, almost too smart to teach students. He has high expectations of his students, but still makes an A achievable with hard work. Personally I fell behind in the beginning of the semester and never really recovered. DO NOT FALL BEHIND in the readings, you will be screwed by exam time if you do.

Took him for lab and lecture and he is a nice person but he will put you on the spot to answer questions, is mainly trying to help you.

Dr. Perks is one of the best professors at UMBC! Yes, the material is difficult, but it's ORGO... it's very hard. He's clear cut with what he expects you to know (w/ learning objectives for the readings), and emphasized doing practice problems. He is a bit of a mess, but he's also very funny at times. If you work hard, your grade will reflect it.

He is nice and has a passion for chemistry. He is not too difficult. a Lot thought chem 102 was easier than 101. If you got an A in 101, you will be fine. He curved the final. The final was super easy (90% chem 101 stuff).

Decent lecturer. Exams were fair for organic chemistry 1. I'd recommend doing the Wiley practice problems to help with studying for the exams.

Dr Perks makes you work for your grade, no question. But its clear he cares about his students and puts a lot of effort into making the lab match up with 351 lecture. He makes a point of knowing students names. Even in a 200 plus lecture hall!

He is a bit difficult to understand him, but when you understand the material and concepts clearly, his reading quizzes and exams will be more or less straightforward. His exams are tough though and he will try to trick you, quite like the ACS. READ THE TEXT BOOK BEFORE EVERY CLASS. If you don't understand what you read, you wont be able to answer.

Dr. Perks is a good professor. If you actually talk to him and show him your concern, he will try to help. There are lots of opportunities for help on campus like SI Pass, Math Lab, Tutorial Center, etc. Do recommended textbook problems, the readings before every class, and go through practice exams and you will do fine.

Perks is a good professor. His lectures are okay. Sometimes, I get confused in class and his answers are not always helpful. He is approachable though. The class was not too bad. I felt that everything on the exams were pretty fair. There was nothing we had not seen before. The content for chem351 is harder than that of chem101 but exams are easier

Perks cares so much, so really take advantage of all the opportunities given to ask questions because he'll really take the time to do it well. He is a tough grader, but he's super chill, and his lectures are great. I thought I wouldn't get an A in orgo, but i did by doing the recommended problems, going to SI/PASS, and having a tutor at the CTC.

He co-taught CHEM351 with Gierasch in Fall 17 and I honestly don't understand why he gets such a bad rap. Very solid professor, teaches the material in a logical way, and will push you to the limit by requiring you to have understood the material and apply it in new scenarios. Exams might be a little rough, but nobody said Orgo was easy.

I really enjoyed the class. Dr. Perks' tests were straightforward and he clearly enjoys the material

Hes a great guy and knows his stuff and can be funny sometimes. His exams are not bad at all they're just like the practice exams he provides. If you come to class, read before class and do the recommended problems you will be fine.

very straightforward

Perks is great. By now you should realize every science class at UMBC is a beast. The class in itself is hard but he breaks it down well. The key is to use the learning objectives to study (very important). Then solve a lot of questions and a bunch of practice exams. At least a B will be guaranteed. Also do your flash cards ASAP

Honestly he improved a lot from the fall sem. As long as you do your readings and reach out to LAs and listen to the ICAs he does in class (live), youll do well. Exams are tough since each question are worth 4 pts. Failed pretty much 3/4 of my exams but pulled As on ICA,HW, PCA and still got a B.

Try not to be too intimidated by chem351, at the end of the day its just like any other class and the amount of time you put in will directly affect how well you do in the class. Textbook is a really great resource and try your best not to fall behind.

In 352L now and miss Perks from 351L. He gives you everything you need to succed. He provided videos from the years prior during COVID which set you up for an easy smoother procedure. He also made it very clear what he expects from you. The final was bizarre..but I like him. He's the type of guy that will roast you on spot but tough love.

Dr. Perks was a great professor for me. You may have to be flexible with your learning to understand his lecturing, but if you do that and can learn independently you are all good. Read everything given, do tons of practice problems, ask plenty of questions, and don't cram (the course is mainly tests). He is so sweet and hilarious. Be nice to him!

He's a good professor, that's about all I can say. His lectures and notes are accessible, he mainly just tells you what the textbook will, but in my opinion hearing him explain it is much better than reading the textbook. He cracks the occasional joke and he tries to immerse his students well in the class. Overall a good class experience.

Love Dr. Perks! I had him for 102 and he rocks 351. He is an enthusiastic and respectful chemist. There is so much to learn from him. Pay attention to every detail he says, do all the pre-lecture work, come to class with high understanding, ask questions and practice all the time until the exam. If you live in this course you have this!

Dr.Perks is a great professor! He really does care about the students. PRE READ the textbook or you wouldn't understand the lectures( HE WOULD TELL YOU WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE EXAMS)Lectures are practice problems and very similar to the exam questions. Practice, Practice and it is not that hard. He really does help out in office hours as well.