Fairly clear during pre-lab discussion, quizzes aren't so bad but you really have to read the experiment beforehand. Very helpful in preparing you for the practi****and a fair grader on the lab reports. I would take him again.

O'Brien is a great professor and person to know. He is more than willing to help but still strict, sorta. I recommend him.

Excellent teacher. Goals were clearly defined. Dr. O'Brien is very helpful. He is energetic, fun, and cares about how well students do. Attendance is mandatory. He is a challenging instructor, but will work with you and strives to give individual attention. Ensure you're not a "chatterbox," because he forbids you talking when he is (obviously).

Dr. O'Brien was great instructor. He didn't baby you, but he would work with you and was generally interested in making sure all the students passed. Follow his rules and you will do fine. I made it out of there with a B, I was very surprised and satisfied. I'll be taking him for 132's Lab.

I LOVED Dr. O'Brien. He didn't baby us, but he was always helpful if we had questions. Obviously show up for lab, and if you have questions ASK them or else he will count off if you are not doing the procedure correctly.

Great professor. He is really down to earth so he is easy to approach with questions about class. The class can be hard but he does his best to make it understandable and fair to all. Would definitely take him in the future. Again great guy that is willing to help anyone even if you are not in his class.

Willing to help at anytime. Eager to see students do well in his course.

Goes out of his way to make sure you do well in his class. If you can get in to his class, you should.

One of the best teacher in south !he is very helpful and care about his students! His quizzes are really easy if u study the experiment before coming to the lab. I really enjoyed his lab. I got an A , I will take him for CH 132L.

Great teacher! He makes sure you understand the information.

Wants his students to do well and is very thorough in explaining everything before hand. Weekly quizzes arent too hard if you study beforehand. He is pretty anal about certain things. Overall, good lab teacher.

Very good lab teacher. Willing to work with you on things and explain in a way you understand. Very anal about safety but that's understandable you work with a lot of dangerous things in chemistry labs. You have to work hard but as long as you put forth effort you will succeed. Would definitely take him again.

If you're wanting to take CH 132, Professor O'Brien's class is the one you should take! He is awesome. His grading policy is clear and when you need help, you could always go to him and he would always do his best to help you understand the concepts. Also, participation DOES matter. Participation points are 20% of your grade. Take him!!

"Doctor" O'Brien explained concepts well, but he was extremely non-approachable. Many students would ask each other questions instead of asking him because of how intimidating he is. He would also state multiple times throughout class, "I demand respect! You will respect me! I am a doctor!" He also picked on one of my classmates almost every day.

Great lab professor. He wants his students to pass and may seem mean at first but he just wants students to respect him. He's very demeaning when it comes to safety. Overall, regardless he is a very caring person and really wants to see his students do well and succeed. Will do a great job preparing you for the practicum.

He's the best instructor for ch131L TAKE HIM

Great lab teacher! Quizzes every week but they are easy. Learned more in the lab than the lecture!

Great teacher!

Go to lab prepared.

Great lab instructor. He is very intense and very concerned with safety, but a cool guy. I learned a lot in this lab. His quizzes are not hard!

Dr. O'Brien is a really friendly man. He's stern and hard-working and sometimes he loses his temper but only when the class does not listen to him when speaking. This class is extremely easy if you read the lab book before the lab. Each lab has a quiz at the beginning of class and they do count towards your grade, so study for them!

I'd take him again for sure.

Dr. OBrien is by far my favorite lab professor. He is helpful when doing your labs, answering them, and when giving you a final grade. He watches EVERYTHING. So if you know what youre doing, hes got your grade covered. All I know is that I bombed my practicum, and he gave me an A for the course.

He is the best lab instructor. Sometimes he seems tough, but thats just because he cares about the safety. He gives you more than the grade you deserve. Take him.

If you show up to class obviously unprepared, he will call you out! However, if you're making an effort he will more than meet you halfway. Pretty sure he bumped up my grade at the end of the semester. Quizzes were easy peasy if you go over the material. Post-labs could be time-consuming but not difficult.

Dr. OBrien was a great lab professor! If you come prepared and actually try your best in his class, he will notice and it will be handy in the end. I had a high A in lab, but completely bombed the practicum. Yet he still gave me an A for the class when I shouldve had a C! Definitely my favorite professor!

I had him for lab during the summer. Shockingly nice and understanding for a science professor at this school. Never had an issue with asking questions or needing more understanding on something. He can be a little hyper and it comes off like its an attitude but he will apologize quickly and does not mean it. His grading criteria was really clear.

He is the best chem prof I have had at South. I got into O'Brien's class and found that he is very nice and helpful, does not make you feel dumb for asking questions or needing extra help. Expect to do book problems, read the slides, and he gives you the instructor resources from the book. Also lots of short quizzes, these are your study tools

Take take take. Dr. OBrien is a good lab instructor. Safety is top priority for him dress appropriate and know what secondary containment is. His quizzes are easy because most of the time, the answers are on the board. Hes intimidating only because he is trying to make you a safe chemist.

He is a cool guy and he does love the subject. I currently have him this semester, and hes great but he does stress me out during the lab and I feel rushed. Ive made 97s and 98s on my lab reports and 100s on my quizzes though so I think if you just do the work correctly, ask questions if you get lost and be very careful, youll make a high A.

He really cares about chemistry, if you need help ask and he will meet and go over everything outside of class and office hours if you need. He holds early review sessions that really help with the tests. Do the assigned HW and you will pass the tests. He is really good at his job. Best chem prof at south by far!

Amazing professor. Dr. O'Brien is a real asset to the chemistry department at South. He gives you more than enough information to easily complete your labs. He's always available to help. Do yourself a favor and take this class.

Wonderful lab instructor! He is a stickler but wants his students to do well. Very helpful if you show you care and need help. He stopped lab one day to go over a problem the class had trouble with. Read the labs ahead of time and do a little studying and you will make an A.

Don't like this prof? - check your heart! I am pretty certain that he carries the entire Chemistry Department on his back! Take his class! His pre lab worksheets are amazing and if you are willing to put in work- he will help you succeed. You don't just memorize but actually learn. He is phenomenal- 10/10. Put in work- you will pass.

Dr. O'Brien was the BEST professor I've had thus far! If you put in the effort, he will make sure you succeed in his course. Unlike most professors, he is always open for suggestions to better his teaching strategies & to effectively communicate with his students. He promptly responds to each & every email, and is always there to help when needed.

Dr. O'Brien made a summer course enjoyable. He made sure we had every piece of material possible to understand the information, not only in lab, but in lecture, as well. He sacrificed so much of his time outside of class to help us fully understand the material. He was always very encouraging & understanding during tough situations. He's the BEST!

My favorite lab professor ever. I wish he would teach Organic. I had him for both 131 and 132L; he was amazing. Always motivated me to do my best and helped me whenever I needed it. He might seem mean, but its because he wants you to be safe in the lab -- he truly cares about you. I am really going to miss having him as an instructor. Take him!

First time taking him overall and had for summer term, very fast paced but he made it so WORTH it. I understood chem because of him and lab. Gave you all material you needed to do well in lab and lecture. Big on safety and actually cares for you. Highly recommended. ALWAYS HUG THE BALANCE AND USE SECONDARY CONTAINMENT!

Don't pay attention to those who say he is mean or unapproachable. I had him for 131 and 132 and I do not regret it. He never forgets your name and take additional time to help you understand the material. Just don't be careless or talk while bunsen burners are going and you will be fine. He truly goes the extra mile to help you succeed.

Dr. O'Brien is AMAZING. Safety is a top priority, and he is one of the few Chemistry professors who wants to see you succeed and actively teaches you for further Chemistry classes . Easy to contact out of class hours as well. I would strongly recommend anyone him to anyone.

Disregard anything negative on this site about Dr. O'Brien! He truly cares for students and wants them to learn chemistry. Safety is a major concern for him, and he gives students everything they need to make an A+! A true gem. I highly recommend him!

Dr OBrien is one of the best professors Ive ever had. He cares about his students, is passionate about teaching, and will bend over backward to help you understand the material. If you make anything below a B in this class its probably because you didnt put in the work and wanted the grade handed to you. I wish he taught organic this year!!

Dr. OBrien was my fav teacher this semester! He was scary at first, but he has a great sense of humor. He tells you EVERYTHING you need to know for the lab practicum and each lab every week. Highly recommend!

He kind of comes off as harsh, but is very kind and really wants the best for his students. If you try, he will help you.

Probably one of my favorite professors so far. He LOVES to teach and really knows his stuff. Accessible outside of class and is willing to help when you're confused or struggling. Labs/reports were, for the most part, straightforward and fairly easy. Prepare for the lab! It will make them so much easier. You will also have pre-lab quizzes.

Cares about his students, when our class was struggling with our online lecture he took time out of his personal life to come teach a lecture to help us! Great teacher!

I absolutely LOVED having OBrien. He is so thorough when teaching, and is an amazing professor if this is your first chem lab. I highly recommend him for any freshman in 131L. He gives a pre-lab quiz, one homework assignment a week (that he hates as much as we did), and grades very fairly. If you tryout best in lab, he will help you out. Love him!

I took him during Covid so it was mostly online. When i went to Lab his TA was teaching but shes very nice, laid back and helpful. If you have trouble with the lab manual you can send it to him and ask for help before turning it in for a grade and he will help you! (P.S. Make sure to address him by Dr. OBrien, or he wont respond to you.)

I took him online because of Covid but it was still great! I have 4 in person labs with is TA who was very laid back, sweet and helpful. And for the lab manual if i ever needed help i simply had to send a picture and ask for help and he would give me feed back so i could make a 75/75 when i submit it for a grade. 10/10 recommended for freshman

Professor OBrien is the best chemistry lab teacher! If he is available take his class. He grades fairly and gives you a week to complete each lab report. Do the work and show up to the 4 in person labs and its an easy A! He responds to emails very quick as well. Most caring professor at south!

I loved Dr. O'Brien! I had a fun time in the labs and he was super understanding when I was sick and had to do an online lab! He is really flexible on most things if you just communicate with him in advance!

GREAT PROFESSOR BUY YOUR LAB BOOK THATS THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL PASS THIS CLASS!!!!!!!

He's a really great teacher, and he's only harsh if you're unprepared for lab or doing a "Darwin moment." He's very thorough and makes sure you're safe and knowing what you're doing. Really great teacher!! I wish I could take him again:((

I absolutely loved Dr. O'Brien's Lab! He is by far the best Chem Lab Instructor you can take. Super cool professor and truly cares for his students. He clearly identifies what to expect for the upcoming labs. Everything we need to succeed in his class is given to us throughout the modules on Canvas, prior to completing the lab. Highly recommend!!!!

Mans is a gift from God. I had lab online last year and it was so dreadful that I didn't even want to go to the in person labs. He blew my expectations out of the water. He's super funny and enjoys a good conversation. He's also always ready to help if you need it. You just need to come to class prepared. Watch the videos so you know what' going on

Dr. O'Brien is a saint. He is hands-down the best professor I have ever had. At first, he is extremely intimidating, but it's only because he has high expectations for his students. He cares A LOT and is extremely helpful in the lab. He is A1 - I adore him. TAKE HIS LAB!

took him for my first lab at south and it was awesome. he can be scary but he knows what he is talking about. he helps and if you prepare you will be fine. one of the best professors ive had. DO NOT SKIP LAB

This Professor is a really good lab teacher. He comes off a little scary at first but you warm up to him. Dont be afraid to ask questions.

He is AWESOME! If you go in there and participate and try hard every day, you will do well in his class. He can be intimidating at times, but he is just demanding respect. He is hilarious and so personable. If you care to get to know about him then he will take time to get to know you too. BEST CHEM LAB TEACHER EVER!

Great guy and definitely will take the time during class and outside of class to help you.

Great Professor! He gives you all the tools you need to succeed.

I have taken Dr. O'Brien for CH 131L and CH 132L, let me just say he is the best professor I have had at South. He has a strong personality so don't be intimidated the first time meeting him but he really cares about every single one of his students and doesn't make you feel stupid for asking questions. He loves his job and is great at it!

He is a great instructor! He makes jokes and is not so serious like other lab instructors. He tries his best to help students and make sure they succeed. Definitely recommend him.

Currently taking him for the Spring and have an A. He makes quizzes very easy and most questions come from the lab book. He post board notes and lectures that you MUST read and watch before class or you will not pass. He is caring and really tries to make sure you do the best you possibly can in his class. He is very encouraging and helpful.

Loved him! The other reviews are def true about him but he's really genuine and truly cares about if you're learning or not he's a tough-love kind of person so you just have to take his tone with a grain of salt as long as you show up and do the lab you will pass!

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST TEACHER EVER!!!!!!!! As long as you participate and listen to his you will guarantee pass the class. He is so funny, and he makes waking up at 8 am worth it.

I was very nervous going into this class, but as long as you are attentive he will always work with you and be completely understanding, he is kind and funny and loves getting personal with his students which makes class enjoyable and makes you excited to participate. He loves his wife and his work and take pride in both. You definitely want him!

He was very intimidating at first, but he really values your safety in a lab setting! Sometimes his explanations of what to do in the lab weren't clear but he was always available to come and show you how to do it.

Dr. O'Brien was fantastic for lab! He seems scary from the outside, but he really wants for his students to succeed. I didn't take 131 at South so I was pretty behind, but he gives so many outside resources that are super helpful to look at before lab. If you spend 15-30 min preparing for lab then you can easily get a 100.

I personally loved Dr.O'Brien's lab. People complain about him being too serious, but it's just because he cares. As long as you don't play around in lab he will be fine. He may seem intimidating, but in reality he's not. Read the pre-lab materials and show up to lab and you should be fine.

Dr Obrien is one of my favorite professors I have taken He can be a little intimidating but once you get past that you see that he just really cares about what he does & about helping students succeed He will literally jump over rainbows to help you succeed He is always available if you are struggling with anything You wont regret taking him. 10/10

took him for ch131 summer lecture - he was clear in what he expected from us and wanted us to succeed. very caring and funny professor; one of my favorites from the chem department as a whole. be sure to attend lecture as he may give bonus point opportunities sometimes. he is an example of what the chem dept should be like.

I highly recommend Dr. O'Brien for CH 131L. Although he does grade a little tough, as long as you read the pre-lab and the manual before showing up to class, you should be good. He and the TA made sure that you understood everything that was going on and gave resources along with it. Being prepared is what really makes you successful in the class.

Dr. O'Brien is very helpful with the lab. He really cares about safety in the lab. He can be a tough grader if you do not listen to what he says. Make sure you read the lab before hand as there is a quiz everyday over the lab.

Quizzes about material before class-make sure to read. He is very intimidating-told us that some of the people in our class do not have what it takes to be a nurse-harsh but fair. The practicum/final worried me the most but he helps you review. Very strict while in lab-don't go against his rules. Work in groups of 4 during labs.

O'Brien is my favorite chem lab professor! He may seem intimidating at first but once you get to know him, he's the BEST. Prepare and read for lab and you'll pass. He cares and wants his students to succeed. He will always encourage you to do your best. He's also hilarious. He made chem labs super fun and easy.

He was extremely chill unless it came to safety. He genuinely cares about his students, but his tone can be a little rough and condescending. He also is willing to help if you show you care about your studies. Overall, he was a great instructor!

O'Brien was a great lab instructor to have! He may be intimidating at times, but he was AWESOME! His labs were pretty fun and entertaining as well.

Dr. O'Brien is THE best in the world. He cares for his students and wants to see each and every one of them pass with an A! He can seem intimidating, but his jokes are very funny! But who wants someone that does not care? He makes the labs very fun and hypes everyone up for the day! I will always continue to recommend him to everyone!

TAKE HIM IF YOU CAN!!! He is the best lab professor I have ever had. He clearly explains what he expects from you in each lab, and his Canvas is very helpful when preparing for the lab. He loves to joke around, as long as you are being safe. The labs are not too hard, and you receive one drop grade.

Dr. O'Brien is the best lab instructor for this course. He is very intimidating for the first few labs, but you will not regret taking his class and will be very glad you did! Mandatory labs, clear grading from the lab reports, and he cares a lot about his students and making them successful.

His labs are amazing, and he makes it very engaging. do your work, read the lab book before the lab, and participate. Talk to him, too, if you need anything because he will work with you on it.

Dr. O'Brien was great, but he can come off as sarcastic at times. He did rush things, but he was clear to make sure everyone understood what was going on. Overall, I would take him again, but his attitude was a little off-putting.

my goat, wants his students to succeed and learn as opposed to always get the correct answer. Builds an understanding of chemistry in the world as oppossed to demanding results.

Dr. O'Brien is actually the GOAT. He brought us cookies every Friday in the summer. Gave tons of feedback and materials to study including past exams, practice questions, videos, and old lectures. He wants every student to succeed. He cares a lot, and he's also hilarious. Take this guy's classes!

Dr. O'Brien is absolutely one of the greatest professors you will ever take. This man gave me a love for chemistry. He is very caring about his students and always wants feedback on how he can improve to help you learn. If you want enjoy chemistry and learn about it in depth, then take O'Brien. Best decision you'll make.

Dr O'Brien is great. He might seem at first very intimidating, but once you start the lab he will make sure you understand every single step of the lab. You can ask him questions at any time, can be a little slow in grading, but he gives bonus points each class. If I could I would take his lab again.

I have never made one of these, but I had Dr. Obrien for both chem labs and he genuinely cares about his students, and if you put in the work and show him you are ready to learn, this class will fly by.

Dr. O'Brien may seem intimidating at first, but he's a teddy bear at heart. Safety is very important to him, so listen when he shows you how to perform lab techniques safely. Looking at the board notes and reading the lab manual before lab is more than adequate preparation. You can definitely walk out with an A. The practicum isn't bad at all!