2.6
Quality3.9
Difficulty25%
Would Retake100
Reviews25%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
18
4
21
3
11
2
25
1
25
What Students Say
“His explanations are kind of obscure”
CHEMGEN - 2.0 rating“I took chem in high school and got an A”
CHEM111 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
65%
Textbook Required
79%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
C+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.00 avg changeRatings by Course
ANALYTICAL
5.0
(1)ANALYTICALIS
5.0
(1)CHEM252
5.0
(1)CHEM11112
4.5
(2)CHEM111112
4.3
(7)Difficulty by Course
101
5.0
CHEM110
5.0
ANALYCHEM
5.0
CHEMCHEM
5.0
CHM111
5.0
Reviews (100)
No Comments
Tough tests, due to multiple choice part of each test (no partial credit on those). Liked to make up stories to help explain concepts. tough class in general.
No Comments
lecture light-hard tests-no help. ugh!!!!!
Not necessarily the best for those with no and/or rusty chem experience, I got an A-, not a big deal. Tests take-home which is nice, structures the class so that you can learn, show improvement and still get an good grade.
i had a great time in his class. he isn't overly helpful but he gives lots of examples and is willing to answer if you ask a question. i like him.
Dr. Scott is your classic chemistry nerd. Do not take this class if you are even somewhat weak at science and math mixed together. His tests are hard and the final is incredibly hard. He also plays the bagpipes; who wants to see a prof. in a skirt anyway&
Very difficult tests and very approachable, although hard to get a straight answer from him. More or less wants you to figure everything out on your own, and can even make you feel inferior when asking questions. Tells tons of stories.
No Comments
Expects students to figure everything out for themselves. Hard tests, don't like multiple choice question. A bit arrogant.
Nicest guy in the world, but can't teach. He's incredibly confusing. Had to teach myself the whole course. And his tests are killer-- 10 multiple choice and 4 20-point question. If you don't know one thing, you drop a letter grade.
Its chem, its not easy no matter who you have. He is funny and makes class not so serious. That's hard to do with chemistry. The people that complain are probably those that expect A's to be handed on a platter to them. He wants you to learn, get over it
extremely difficult to know what to expect on his tests...a very hard grader...my advice is not to take this course unless you are a chem major-why would you anyway?
This is Chemistry people.It's not going to be a piece of cake,If your looking for an easy A,take chem for kids.Dr. Scott's class that will prepare you for other higher sciences.Eat m+ms w/ him in his office if you have troble, he is happy to help.
dude, this guy learned everything he knows from Bordera.
Scott is the best chem prof at MWC, at least for intro. His tests are fair, lectures are clear and amusing. Overall, he's an excellent teacher for pre-orgo. And the next person to call a kilt a skirt is up for castration--Yeah Scotland!
scott is a very nice person, but he is not a very good proffessor for gen chem. his lectures seem a bit unorganized, and he makes up stories to demonstrate concepts, which can be confusing. it's hard to know what to expect on his tests.
He's a very nice guy and tries to make chem interesting, but he doesnt give clear lectures and he puts trick questions on his tests/quizes. I feel really unprepared for his tests and my first score was a 50!
All the chem classes suck...This one is apparently better than the rest, but the notes are unclear, his analogies take up 1/2 the class and make no sense, no guidance on labs, tests are incredibly hard, but the class is "different", I'll give it that.
i absolutely loved this class, and can't believe the bad reviews i've read on here. he's an awesome guy - my favorite professor so far. if you can do the homework problems, you'll do fine on the tests. i would suggest sitting near the front because he speaks pretty quietly.
It is what you make of it. If you want a quirky professor who loves teaching chem, take this class. His analogies are off the wall. They provide a new way to view a complex subject. Those that daydream will be lost in his class, otherwise his lectures are organized and informational. A funny man.
You either love or hate dr. scott's sense of humor, but i personally love it. it's been a pleasure having him for my independant study advisor. but i hear analytical's gotten too easy...
I loved this class. It is difficult, but chemistry is difficult in general. He is a good teacher and doesn't take himself too seriously. This is the best gen chem class. His tests are straight-forward, but you have to study.
Very unorganized/not very clear. Most people read the book to get by. He doesnt curve tests (but when the average is in the mid-low 60's he lets you retake it.) Definitely do the hw - it helps. (I would actually recommend Sharpless - more straightforward.)
I found this class easier than Sharpless's. Teaches without Powerpoint or notes. Didn't bother reading the text, just came to class and got an A. As long as you are comfy with equations, take notes, and do the homework - you'll do fine. If you are science-oriented, dont be afraid. Very enthusiastic!
Dr. Scott is the best professor ever and he's even a nice person too! Chem is a difficult subject, but he works with you until you get it, his office door is always open, and he's a fair grader. Take Dr. Scott.
I don't like chemistry but Dr. Scott does a good job of explaining it and keeping it interesting (as much as that's possible). He is a good teacher of the subject and is always willing to help students.
Prof. Scott is hilarious, but don't take him unles you have a pretty good understanding of chem already. He likes explaining things with off the wall examples that may be hard to understand for those new to the concepts. He is easygoing and offers help when needed. If you are serious about chem, you can get a decent grade.
very difficult
He says things only once unless you ask him to repeat. He can explain things very well though, so that usually isn't a problem. Just make sure you either know the stuff well or ask a lot of questions about stuff you need to know. He doesn't review for the exams. Other than that, he is nice and not to difficult. I also found him to be hilarious.
Dr Scott is very funny but very obscure at the same time. uses ludacris analogies to try and explain difficult chemistry concepts. tests are also very hard.
Dr. Scott is amazing! Whoever's complaining about him obviously hasn't had some of the other professors in the chem department. He's funny, humane in terms of grading, and makes chemistry interesting. I had Zaccagnino for 111(horrible) and was more than relieved to find Scott's class significantly easier, while still learning everything. Take him!
I had him for a full year now and I can say that he's a relatively good prof. Very fair grading, low-key quizzes, fair enough tests. His lectures can be confusing sometimes without notes. I personally thought he was better one-on-one during the office hours. Chem is a difficult subject with any professor.
I had Dr. Scott for both semesters of Chem and while his class was difficult, he truly wants his students to pass. His analogies may be confusing but if you go to his office for help he will explain everything to you. He makes labs interesting and if you try you will do well in lab.
Dr. Scott is just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He really wants the students to do well- once our class average was low on a test, so he let us all have the option of a re-test. He does use very long, confusing analogies in class, but go to office hours and he'll really help you. Labs are easy grade boosters. Very nice, funny, and fair.
I LOVE DR. SCOTT!!! he is utterly AMAZING! he makes chemistry worth taking! i don't even need a second semester of general chem and i am taking it to see him 4 times a week! so funny, so fair about his work, and very willing to help! HE IS THE BEST
Scott is a nice guy and never mean or cranky. He is a horrible teacher though! uses the worst analogies to convey concepts. Hard grader when it comes to Labs but a fair grader overall on everything else! In order to get a good grade you must teach everything (or most of it) to yourself!
Most ppl say they love Dr. Scott so i thought he must be great and i took him, then i realized the truth:#1dr scott has horrible jokes and thinks hes a funny guy.#2ask him a simple question about coming exam and he will reply "Well you need to know you CHEMISTRY..you dont need to know Geography."#3Hes old & cant teach &needs to retire DONT TAKE HIM
favorite professor ever
He doesn't teach you anything. Why bother paying him when he doesn't explain anything- utterly useless!
A lot of people say that they don't understand him, but those people only come to half of the classes (don't miss fridays). Scott teaches chemistry to you like a running dialogue which keeps you entertained but is hard to catch up with if you miss a class because he won't spend tons of time catching you up during class. I really enjoyed the class.
He is very sweet and helpful! His analogies can be a bit confusing though.
Dr. Scott really saved my life in chem this past semester...and I despise chemistry. If you are willing to put in the time to go get help, he's willing to listen! He's a fair grader and genuinely wants everyone to succeed in his class. He was very open to listen to me and even helped me plan out my major. Highly recommended!!!!!!!
I absolutely love Scott. He has a sense of humour and isn't the kind of teacher who just lectures you. He actually involves the class (impressive considering there's 50+ students in the room). He is INCREDIBLY easy to talk to one-on-one if you have a question and approach him during his office hours. I highly recommend him.
He's a good teacher, but he doesn't always like to answer questions clearly, he often skates around a direct answer. He really doesn't want anyone to do poorly, but his tests can be pretty hard. Good idea to go to class, his teaching style is rather sporadic and full of analogies.
I wish Professor Scott was my grandpa. He is a great teacher if you want to work hard but actually learn the material. He compares chemistry to leaf-raking, making sandwiches, and the 300 pound kid who failed 1st grade 3 times. He really knows his stuff. Take Scott!
This was the worst teacher, he didn't explain anything clearly & when you would ask him a question after class he would look at you like you were dumb. He really needs to learn how to teach students who don't already know chemistry. he favors the students that are already good at chem and looks down at students who try really hard and need help.
This professor was funny at times but his test are hard, and when you askhim certain questions he does not answer them clearly. I wouldn't take him as a professor ever again.
I'm still confused about Dr. Scott. He was really hard to read. His tests were fairly easy and I hardly ever went to class and never read the text book and still passed with a C. He means well, but I don't think people see it that way. Overall, he's pretty cool, take him if you can!
DO NOT TAKE THIS GUY IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO!!! Yes, Dr. Scott is funny, but he talk SO FAST it's hard to write down all he is saying!!! You think that you're prepared for his tests, but when you receive them, you're like what...when did we talk about ths in class? He'll mention something for 1 sec, very unimportant, and that'll show up on the exam!
Avoid this teacher!!! His lectures are funny but since he has tenure he does not care if the students learn the material or not. He is not helpful when you ask for help. If you are not one of his favorites (which are mainly girls) than this will be a tough class for you.
WORST TEACHER EVER... doesn't lecture well.. just mumbles and expects you do well on exams? wow... no words can explain. Went to his office, he was rude & not professional. (ignored me like I wasn't important bc I wasn't getting an A) ... DON'T TAKE HIM!!!! only favors students who do well. ---HARD GRADER!!!
Professor Scott is by far my favorite professor at UMW. Reading the comments below is frustrating because people who work hard will do well, but this isn't just a fly by course. Respect Professor Scott and he'll respect you. Show enthusiasm for the material and you'll be good to go. Yes, studying is a must, but isn't that how school works?
I enjoyed Dr. Scott for Chemical Analysis I. His exams are pretty much just word problems, and, though they can be complicated, they can often be predicted. His laboratory expectations are quite low; it is very easy to get good grades on lab reports. This class was cake compared to CHEM 254 with Sharpless.
horrible teacher...didn't help me even when i went to him for help...had clear favorites in the class...worst experience of my life...dont take him! EVER!
Worst experience of my life. Lectures are all analogies that don't make any sense. No powerpoints/notes/anything to use as a guide for exams. Very low grade averages. Office hours are useless. He is a very smart man, but should not teach.
If you want to lower you GPA, then take him. He doesn't teach in class and expects us to know everything on the tests. The labs are easy though. He's like a grandpa telling stories that aren't relevant to Chemistry.
I really liked Professor Scott... until I got my first test grade back. He's a funny guy, and he tries to make chemistry interesting (which is pretty much impossible in my opinion). But if you want an easy class, don't take him.
Very frustrating teacher. His entire lesson is taught on a dry erase board,there are no notes,ppt nothing.His teaching consist of transcription from his mouth to your paper. Hard to learn when youre writing!He seems to be more concerned with getting thru the material instead of whether his class is understanding the material he gets an F in my book
If you need someone to walk you through chemistry, I wouldn't recommend him. If you have a logical mind and are strong in algebra then you'd do well with Scott. One caveat though, he says he doesn't want you to memorize any formulas and promises he'll provide them on a test but he doesn't. He's also very unavailable for help outside of class.
Dr. Scott is really really funny. He is a great teacher and will go out of his way to help you if you are having trouble with any information. His tests are hard, but fair. Just do the practice problems and you will do fine.
He's a tough professor. Helpful during office hours, sometimes too vague during lecture. Exams were difficult, but fair. Requires problem solving in order to do well. Labs will help your grade if you do a thorough job on writing them up.
Unless you already have an excellent foundation in chemistry, do not take him. He will like you if you get good grades, but if you don't... Well, not so much. As a person, really cool guy. As a professor, hated him. Not helpful during office hours, but then again I'm horrible at chemistry. I know people who have liked him... Good sense of humor.
He's definitely a challenging teacher but I promise if you can make it though his class then you can make it through any other chem class. His test are hard but fair, labs are always easy, and he always offers help when you ask. Take his class!!!!!!!!
Terrible teacher! Does not teach what so ever. He rambles the entire class time about non-relatable topics. You learn nothing then you fail all tests because HE DOES NOT TEACH! do not take him!!
Dr. Scott's teaching is best depicted by a quote. In Gone With The Wind, when the great Rhett Butler sees Scarlet wearing her hat backwards, he describes the look as, "Awful, just awful." That is exactly how I would describe Scott's class and teaching in a nut shell. The man uses food, and not even good food at that, as analogies to chemistry...
Professor Scott is a decent Chem professor but only for a select few, at least in my own class. His explanations are kind of obscure. He tries to be helpful in a way that is not helpful by not answering questions directly,if you can learn that way, great! If not, you should take this course with someone else. It's a very much self-teach course!
STAY AWAY!! He's an entertaining and funny guy but unless you want to lower your GPA, don't take his class. The labs are the only thing that MIGHT keep you afloat. The tests are impossible. Just don't put yourself through it.
If you ever plan on taking more chemistry classes take him, but dont take him if this is just a gen ed for you. He teaches hard so you have a foundation for future classes. He is brilliant and does not give a grade it is earned, this is why he is unliked. I would take him again.
Dr. Scott is a very approachable professor. You really have to have an interest in chemistry to want to take his class. Going to him during his office hours is the BEST thing you can do for yourself. He has an odd way of teaching but if you can catch on you'll be fine. Just review for tests and take the time to learn the material.
Ugh, try to avoid if at all possible. More than half the class fails every single test and he never curves. Tests are difficult and the book barely helps because his test questions are so unique to him. Office hours are pretty helpful, but I would never recommend taking Scott.
Dr. Scott is a very difficult teacher, especially if you only need chem as a prereq. DON'T TAKE. His test questions are very advanced and obscure, and nothing like the lectures. He grades very harshly, and a large portion of the class fails. Would not recommend.
very funny and sweet but still stuck on his ancient teaching style, just rambles during lectures. everything and every concept he made a different way or unique way to present them which is entirely different from any chem teaching method. He is that smart to create his own system. To do well you have to cry tears every night when studying.
Great teacher. I learned a lot in his class and he is willing to help whenever you need it. Tests are reasonable as long as you study and go to class. Yet, on quizzes and some parts of the tests if you get the first question wrong you are guaranteed to bomb the test. (Good thing is he drops 2 lowest scores). I would take him again!
If you are taking CHEM to fulfill requirements for a major other than Chemistry, I suggest not taking Professor Scott. Its not an easy grade. If you take his class I HIGHLY recommend going to Pass. A LIFE SAVER. And visit him. He's very helpful and makes things easier to understand. He's a great professor. You just have to work for your grade.
Here's the gist, he's tough obviously. You'll have 4 tests throughout the semester and a lab report every week plus a Final. New for fall 2015 he's going to require a 3 pt quiz on canvas every night except Sunday. He's doing this so you'll study (because my class didn't)Prepare to devote all your time to this class. I suggest take over the summer.
He teaches it like an honors chem class
His lectures don't make any sense...
Went to see him during office hours and still wasn't helpful.
First off, he wrote the textbook himself. Yes, it made some of the material a little easier to understand, but the examples he wrote in the book were much simpler than the ones in class he gives you. The mental math was by far the hardest thing in his class and completely pointless. His tests are almost impossible and lectures are confusing.
Funny guy but that's about the only good part of him. You will be bombarded with pop quizzes sometimes two in one class. He just stands at the front and talks about random chemistry stuff and it's so hard to follow. Everyday I would leave completely confused and frustrated. His tests and finals are extremely hard. Get a different teacher if you can
I took Dr. Scott in my Sophomore year (2013-2014) as a prereq for the Neuroscience minor. I am no longer in this minor due to the fact that I failed the course, something that has NEVER happened to me. Not only is he extremely hard to understand, he was very uncaring and rude when I had to take a leave of absence due to a family death. DO NOT TAKE.
Dr. Scott's class is incredibly tough, and his lectures often don't help with tests at all. The tests are incredibly tough, and if you aren't a genius in chemistry or meet with him often, you won't do well. There are weekly (not always, but usually) pop quizzes which are also quite hard, not a good teacher at all, and his lectures make no sense.
If you want to pass Chem 111, do not take him. He doesn't answer your questions directly, he has to give some type of story. If you need help with lab, welp better make good friends. There is no homework so you basically teach yourself. He's the type of teacher to make you figure it out for yourself. Your textbook is your best friend.
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in his Chemistry courses. Make sure to pay attention during lecture and take a lot of notes. He does not rely on powerpoint or any other presentation method for lecture. Your best bet is to try to write every word that comes out of his mouth. To survive this class, ASK QUESTIONS if you don't understand something.
Dr. Scott is a very hard professor. He doesn't use power point or any visual aids, other than his writing. He will test you on everything he talks about. His exams and quizzes are incredibly hard. And the majority of his lectures are stories about nonsense that just take time away from him actually teaching the material.
Overall a decent professor. If you have taken AP Chem in highschool youll do great in this class no matter if you failed the AP exam (me). However, if you've never taken an AP chem class this class will be very tough for you.
Worst professor I've ever had. Lectures are all over the place. Does not use visual aids or go over formulas. Expects students to have advanced chemistry knowledge prior to start. Grades very hard and has a weird grading method. Does not dumb down course for summer semester. If you aren't good at math or chemistry, choose another professor.
This teacher is very clear about his expectations and sticks to his outlined schedule on the syllabus. While he is very knowledgeable in Chemistry, he treats this class like a higher level course than what it was. If you are confused, I would look outside of him for help. He does not explain anything and is very unhelpful. He is also pretty rude.
I took this Professor for both Chem101 and Chem 111. I failed Chem101 which has never happened to me before, and I had to withdraw from 111. He doesn't use any visual aids besides a few pictures he might write on the board, he uses stories to explain theories, doesn't give any formulas or clarify what you're actually learning. DO NOT TAKE.
I failed his class hard. When I went to office hrs after midterms to see how I could improve my grade, he told me if I made A's on everything else, I'd still fail his class, then asked me if I'd thought about a career in comedy instead of environmental science! Stuck in the dark ages, rude,condescending to students. Retook with diff prof & passed
Very rude teacher. Went to office hours, he was very condescending. Very picky on all graded materials. I would either take a different prof. or take during summer school.
I got an A in 111 with a different teacher and am failing this class. Do not recommend. He will make fun of you during class if you ask a questions.
I pass Chem 111 with an A, but I currently am failing in this class. Almost 15 people have dropped out of this class and I sadly decided to stay. All of Scott's quizzes and example problems are nothing like what he puts on his tests. If you miss lecture then you miss basically everything. Do not recommend.
I had Professor Scott for Chem 112. He is a very nice and funny man, although he expects you to study every night, that is a given because the concepts in this class are challenging. He is available for office hours and is really fun to talk to.
I took chem in high school and got an A. this guy teaches his own version of chemistry and then gives an exam with completely different information. Take Chinese instead
His lectures don't require a coursepack, and he gives a lot non chemistry related examples to explain certain chemical topics. His Lab reports are really straight forward he tells you exactly what he wants on it nothing more, nothing less, one page max. His test are not too challenging, if you know what you are doing. Office hours are helpful.
Amazing guy, awful teacher. He's such a nice person and is so caring and funny but he is not the best at explaining things. I feel like i learned nothing in this class. Unless you can learn chem by yourself from a book, don't take his class.
NO! No, no, no. just no. no. DON'T take this guy's class. If you're an average chemistry student, you will fail. His lectures are hard to understand and you will leave most days frustrated and with a headache. There is no lecture content posted anywhere so if you want to try harder to understand, you can't. He takes pride in students struggling
Dr. Scott is an awful Professor. So many people have failed his class. I was one of them freshman year. I made the mistake of taking this general chem course with him, and it screwed me over. Do NOT chance it. Even it is the only option. He truly seems like he doesnt care about his students, which is sad.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
65%
Textbook Required
79%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
C+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.00 avg changeRatings by Course
ANALYTICAL
5.0
(1)ANALYTICALIS
5.0
(1)CHEM252
5.0
(1)CHEM11112
4.5
(2)CHEM111112
4.3
(7)Difficulty by Course
101
5.0
CHEM110
5.0
ANALYCHEM
5.0
CHEMCHEM
5.0
CHM111
5.0