Cute teacher, but the class is a weedout so they are all hard

Great Teacher and nice to look at!

Very thorough in his lectures, forget not that the tests are departmental so theya re going to be challenging....

One of the best teachers I've had in 3 years at Vandy. Lecture was always entertaining, and although I seldom if ever went to meet with him outside of class, he still knows my name and who I am. AMAZING!!

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Prof. Phillips is excellent at explaining concepts clearly and thoroughly. He is by far the best Chem. lecturer at Vandy.

By far my favorite lecturer so far at Vandy. he explains things clearly and prepares you thoroughly for the tests.

Very good teacher, makes a difficult topic very understandable.

Fantastic professor. Very friendly, helpful outside of class. Makes the material very clear.

Nice guy

goes off on tangents a lot, but it keeps you entertained. he doesn't always seem to know what's going on, but the tests really aren't that bad if you know what you're doing. as far as chem profs come, he's great!

just like everyone else says, his class notes are only the barebones. If you don't read you're screwed, not like with 1st semester. He is otherwise very clear and organized. The best science teacher I've had here

Very good prof. Very clear and easy to understand.

Nice teacher. Easty to understand, but often forgets stuff to lecture before the exam. Often goes on tangents in class to keep people on their toes.

Granted i took him both semesters, but that was a mistake (hindsigh is 20/20). Take list(a) and hanusa(b)! They may seem difficult, but you will be the most prepared for a departmental exam. Read carefully and do RECOMMENDED PROBLEMS! Unreliable.

Really nice teacher. He's interesting in his lectures and he always takes a minute to go off on some tangent to keep the class awake. My only problem with him is that he doesn't really prepare you well for the dept. tests- which are what really matter.

I felt that Phillips is a great teacher. He makes class interesting and fun.

phillips is the man. he's a real nice guy both in and out of the class room and openly respects you for coming to him with questions. i had to study just as much as last semester, but still ended up fine. as long as you read the book and do the problems its fine

totally a looker! great with teaching

He was awesome. Had a huge crush on him. Very good teacher. Take him as a freshman.

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Good teacher and easy on the eye...

Professor Phillips is a really good professor. He is an easy, funny professor. Class is always enjoyable, and he is always available for help. He makes chemistry very easy.

Prof. Phillips is extremely eager to help you do well in this class. The material and pace can be difficult, but you will do well if you put forth the effort. I think he's super cute, and he makes an hour long chem lecture *fly* by.

Chem is hard, but Phillips is a good teacher. He does a good job of preparing you for the tests and clearing up anything you didn't understand while reading the book. The one time I needed a test regraded I was more than happy with the points he gave back. He is pretty entertaining and tries to make class semi-enjoyable.

I just went to his lectures and did the online homework and did very well (maybe studying for an hour before each test), so I figure that means he did a really good job. Also managed to keep me awake early in the morning. I think he must have changed from other users' comments and now covers everything on the exam, because I didn't read the book.

Phillips is by far better at teaching the most important topics out of all the chem 102 profs. For the tests (applies to all sections and chem 102 profs), Learn conceptual stuff in and out, then work every suggested problem til you understand the concepts, at which point do other non suggested problems. Your hard work will be rewarded w/ a B+/A-/A

A decent professor, it definitely helps to go to class AND read the textbook. Tests are not that hard as long as you pay attention in class.

Chem is hard no matter who you take, but Phillips is a great guy. Explains everything, lets you ask questions, goes slow. and you'll get a few of his jokes to keep you awake at 9am.

Professor Phillips is great for Chem 102. He always breaks up his lectures with a joke, but still covers the material effectively. Funny guy, good professor.

Keep in mind that the class is Chemistry. Soooo not exactly the most exciting stuff in the world... That said, Phillips has a very minimalistic teaching style. While other teaching have crazy long powerpoints and stuff, Phillips just teaches you what you need to know. Personally, I far prefer it. Good prof, boring material.

LOOOOOoooVVEEE him

Phillips is a good, fun guy. The tests are hard, but they are departamentalized so he does his best to teach all the concepts. He is straightforward, and you must attend class b/c notes are not posted. His jokes and stories make up for the boring material. Best of the chem teachers here.

Professor Phillips is the bomb! I really liked him. Chemistry is a hard class in general, but if you go, pay attention, don't cheat on mastering chemistry, and read the book (A LOT), you should be alright.

By far the most clear and best intro level chem professor here. By just attending his lectures and taking masteringchem seriously, you will do well in this class with minimal textbook use.

Prof Phillips does a good job teaching Chemistry. He goes over examples for all the concepts in class and is very clear in his explanations but most of it is straight from the book. He doesn't post lectures online and can be monotonous at times. I liked him but I would probably recommend List or even Hanusa over him.

He seems kinda annoyed when people go to office hours with questions. His lectures are okay and chem could definitely be worse. I think phillips is one of the more interesting. If you read the book you don't have to go to lecture. Not a bad class but if you don't have to take Chem, don't.

He's a good guy- but I'd rather go fishing or something with him than have him teach me chemistry.

He's ok. Mainly goes over the math of chem in the class. Not many concepts, so you would actually learn more if you just read the chapters in the book. However he is very good in office hours giving succinct explanations. As far as the entire chem 102A class goes WATCH OUT FOR THE SECOND TEST!!

All the sections for chem 102 have the same tests (departmentalized), so I went to Phillips' lectures because the 11 o'clock time was way better than the 8 am one. You can either listen to one of the professors, or learn from the book and you will do equally well. Oh and there will be 800 freshmen taking the class so its always packed.

I wasn't even enrolled in Phillip's class and I started to attended his lectures because they helped SO, SOOO much. He is extremely clear and can answer any question asked of him. His office hours are very helpful. Although you can still learn by reading the book, if you attend Phillip's lectures, you won't need to. I highly recommend him!

One of the better chem teachers. He follows the book pretty well, so I didn't ever have to read. Just a funny guy who would try to keep things interesting. I would definitely recommend him!

He was pretty good at explaining concepts and problems but the lectures were boring. Attendance not mandatory with a good background in chem. The material is difficult and the tests are standardized but fair. Tough class but with some studying and hard work (and putting some effort into mastering chemistry..) a good grade is possible!

I never like chemistry, and I still don't like chemistry, but he is a good professor. I really am glad that he was my teacher, even though I will never do chem again!

Phillips has a very straight-forward method to his lectures and does a good job of providing you with the information. On the other hand, his lectures will put you to sleep so be prepared.

Excellent lecturer, very articulate and composed. However this can work against him, as falling asleep in the class is pretty easy, especially at 9am. Works a bunch of example problems during class, more so than actual lecturing. I took AP Chem in high school but I could tell he was a great prof to have if you had no prior chem experience.

Pretty good teacher, really cool guy.

Dr. Phil was a lecturer who basically taught right out of the book. I sometimes fell asleep during his 9 AM class. But overall, he was pretty personable and definitely not a bad professor. If I had to take 102A again, I'd take it with Phillips.

I actually really liked Professor Phillips! I thought his lectures were really clear and easy to follow. Also, he doesn't have clicker questions which was LEGIT...You don't have to come to class if you don't want to. I know Todd is the hot commodity, but he really does a great job as well. Highly recommend!

Professor Phillips is an extremely nice guy and good lecturer. Tests are standardized but if you read the book, do the homework, go to recitation, and do practice problems outside of class an A or B is easily attainable. No clicker questions so attendance is optional

Although nice as a person, he does an average job as a professor. He doesn't recommend problems like Todd does, and merely provides basic notes & easy example Qs per lecture. He isn't too helpful during office hours and is even passive-aggressive when the class does poorly on tests. Most studying will definitely come from outside-class material.

Very chill guy, always willing to talk with you and a great person to talk with if you go to his office hours. His class always has the highest average of all the Chem 102 classes; however, this is a weed out course and the tests are standardized across all sections and the average is usually a C. He's in my opinion the best Chem 102 teacher

Great Professor! Very cool, laidback guy. Made homemade salsa for our class at the end of the semester (Summer 2012)

Professor Phillips is relaxed and has a dad-like vibe. His notes are a good skeleton of the material, but he expects you to read the book in order to pick up the details/concepts. His in class examples are easier than what is on the test. The tests are standardized and based on the textbook. However, no clicker means attendance is not mandatory.

His lecturing is decent; very brief but he at least goes over almost everything that will be on the test. He's really helpful in office hours, and once you talk to him in person once he'll say hi to you every remaining class you have with him. Overall a very helpful guy and a decent chemistry teacher.

Great guy, very likable. Feels like it's your problem to come to class or not, that's why there's no attendance. Gives you an idea of what you need to be focusing on. Textbook is crucial in this course. Practice problems are SUPER necessary. Need solutions guide. Overall he's a very cool dude. Go to class. Even at 9 am.

very nice guy, if you go to office hours he's very willing to help make things clearer and go over exams. can get off topic when going into analogies in class but relatively clear. exams are hard but theyre that way with all the chem classes. attendance isnt mandatory and you can get all the info out of the textbook and still understand stuff

Phillips is a great person. But his lectures were kinda unnecessary. go to Todd's lectures if possible or get her powerpoints from friends in her lecture. there are questions on the exam that were on those powerpoints. you have to attend class to answer some exam questions correctly, so pick one (phillips or todd) to go to and stick with it.

Phillips is the man. If you actually go to lectures, his sense of humor will keep you coming back. Gen Chem tests are standardized so it doesn't really matter who you take, you have to put in the time. Phillips or a TA will explain something to you if you need them to.

Showing up is worth it, but he couldn't care less Phillips does Phillips, but its worth watching, and office hours will do your grade a solid.

Professor Phillips is a pretty nice guy, and is funny at time as well! His lectures are really helpful, and he writes all the information on the board before explaining it. Does a fair amount of examples in class. Is usually clear in clarifying things if you have a question on it. Good idea to actually attend discussion and do the online homework.

The class was really good, but you really had to put in the effort outside of class to learn the material. Highly suggest reading the textbook in time with the lectures.

Gen Chem is just a really hard class in general but Professor Phillips is by far the best lecturer. He's really great at keeping his students engaged and has a fun sense of humor. He honestly enjoys people coming and asking him for help and doesn't mind people showing up at office hours. Make nice with him to get great research opportunities.

Gen Chem sucks all around, but Professor Phillips did his best to make the class enjoyable. He likes to make small talk with his students, even in the big lecture hall. I wish he would share his PowerPoints with us, but he mostly just pulls figures from the textbook. He focuses more on practice problems than the basic concept.

really tried to make gen chem interesting and fun despite its notoriety. doesn't do clicker questions so attendance isn't mandatory the way some other teachers' classes are. He focuses on the practice problems you need for the test and doesn't bother explaining "extra info" not needed for tests. best prof for gen chem in my opinion

Professor Phillips does a good job in class covering material that you will be tested on. If he doesn't mention it in class, you probably won't be tested on it. He is clear and concise, and is very helpful in office hours. Do the Sapling, make sure you understand it. Do the recommended textbook problems. If you're still confused, ASK FOR HELP!

I definitely recommend taking intro Chem if you're just trying to fulfill the AXLE lab science requirement. Phillips is laid back and funny guy, and he knows what he's talking about. He's aware that no one's super serious about the class, and he isn't either. Show up and take notes and you'll be golden.

Phillips is a chill teacher who, for lack of better words, is like a dad. He makes jokes, brings up conversations to keep people engaged or at least interested, and always does his best to respond to those who are interested in learning. If you read the textbook and go to class, his lectures will be more effective in improving your understanding.

Unless you've taken AP Chem before, get ready to work really, really hard. Chem 1601 seriously sucks, and the departmental tests will trip you up every time (tests make up over 90% of your grade). On the bright side, Phillips has a great sense of humor, knows that no one wants to take this class, and does his best to keep you from dying of boredom.

This is the hardest class Ive ever taken, but Phillips makes it bearable. It is possible to do well, but it takes effort. Study for each test, and pace yourself. Read the textbook, it helps, and its an easy read compared to others. Overall, its one of the hardest classes at Vandy. The material is easy, but the tests are just ridiculous. Study!!!!!!

Professors don't really matter for gen chem since all the tests are the same, but Phillips is a great guy and will answer any question you have. The class is pretty easy if you've taken AP chem in high school and you make sure you understand all the homework (which is like an hour per week), but if not it can be tough because it's a lot of material

I hate chemistry and don't need the class to graduate but Professor Phillips made the class bearable. He was a great lecturer and a very nice and helpful guy. I failed the class cause I don't understand chem and I gave up trying, and it's not an easy A but if you work hard for it then you can definitely pull a good grade.

The tests are standardized throughout CHEM1601. Phillips offers extra credit for the discussion quizzes which is helpful, but the quizzes are not a reflection of the tests at all. The tests are unnecessarily difficult, so studying the online homework isn't helpful. If you want to get a good grade study the challenge problems and read the book.

Dr. Phillips is definitely the coolest guy at Vandy. He makes chemistry (a little) fun to learn and does tons of practice problems. I know Todd is apparently "the best," but Phillips is more laid back, doesn't have mandatory attendance, and gives the essentials of what you need to know without all of the flowery extra details.

Its gen chem so the professor honestly doesnt matter that much. You dont have to go to class if you dont want to but you probably wont do well. Success in the class is mostly based off your previous knowledge of chem in high school in my opinion. Not a bad guy who cracks a few jokes and understands and everyone hates being there.

CHEM 1601 is a tough weed out class no matter who you take. I don't understand the poor reviews on here. Phillips is, in my opinion, one of the best gen chem professors. He makes chem seem not as bad.

Gen chem is overly tough no matter who you end up with. My section had the pleasure of being lectured by all 3 professors for the class, and prof Phillips is definitely the best of the bunch. Explains things clearly, is very personable, and makes lectures as interesting as possible with his stories and mannerisms. Others are not as socially apt

He's a bro, funny guy tries to make class somewhat enjoyable. Chemistry is hard for every class so doesn't really matter what professor you have. Choose the one thats at the best time in your schedule. I know Todd is supposed to be the best but honestly I know a lot of people who don't do well in her class.

GenChem is a difficult course in & of itself, but Phillips made it seem less intimidating for sure. It's without a doubt hard to do well on exams, even when studying a ton, but he is very helpful in office hours and genuinely just teaches the topics well. He was my favorite professor this semester, & I def prefer him to the other chem professors.

Professor Phillips is a solid choice since he gives some of the most hilarious lectures around. Attendance isn't mandatory or taken, but it's still worth showing up to lecture since he does an amazing job at teaching the material. He's also super accessible and helpful during his office hours and loves to take the time to explain tough concepts.

Gen Chem is VERY hard, but Phillips explains the basics of what you need to know well. You have to study a lot on your own in order to do well, but Phillips gives you a solid basis for each topic. He's funny in class and does his best to make the material not as boring and sometimes dismisses early. Definitely take him if Gen Chem is required.

Professor Phillips can be best described as a goofball. Picture old southern dad with a beer belly. But, that isn't to say he doesn't know how to teach the class. He got through all the material we needed to do well on tests, while still finding time to tell weird stories. A little quirky, but all around nice dude.

Professor Phillips is a solid choice for general chemistry (the course material and tests are the same regardless of professor). He doesn't write on the board much or use many powerpoint slides, so you have to be prepared to listen. He will call on random people to answer questions. He's a funny guy and shares personal experiences during class.

Very hilarious professor who made gen chem tolerable and somewhat enjoyable.

Professor Phillips was funny in lecture and extremely accommodating when it came to lab. He doesn't help his students as much as Todd, but he still did a decent job. Read the chapters he's covering in lecture before class. He's not that bad, just general chemistry is. Averages are sometimes in the 60s and tests are hard. Don't take CHEM1601.

Phillips is a decent lecturer. He does less than Todd and doesn't use as many powerpoints so taking notes is important. Gen chem is super hard no matter which professor you get, but Phillips made lectures somewhat interesting. Funny guy and good in office hours. Definitely read the book, do practice problems and study a lot if you want to do well.

Phillips is the man. He is funny and probably the only chem professor that wont make you fall asleep in <5 minutes. Best in the department imo. Obviously you have to learn everything from the TB, and you wont pass unless you do all the textbook problems. But that's gen chem. Good luck. Don't fail.

hes aight.

He's one of the more relaxed, enjoyable professors in the chemistry department. Students in other professor's classes say he's the worst one.

Gen chem is hard no matter what professor you have and Phillips is a funny/ great guy. Tod's lectures are jammed packed/super stressful and since learning the textbook front to back and doing all of the problems is what leads to being successful in this class, might as well enjoy a laidback lecture since they don't ever help that much/impact grade

Chem 1601 is gonna a hard class, so might as well take it with Phillips. His lectures cover the basics (if you pay attention), but you have to read the book and do practice problems on your own to prep for the tests. Yes, Todd writes the tests, but Phillips talks about his chickens & cows, tells dad jokes and asks us if he should go to concerts.

Chem 1601 requires reading the textbook but his video lectures fill in the gaps. Take the weekly TopHat quizzes, it's free points and do the practice problems

Professor Phillips is the man. Yes, gen chem is pretty difficult no matter who you take it with, but Phillips's lectures and especially pre-lecture videos are super helpful. He's a really caring and funny professor, and also great in office hours. If you do what Phillips tells you for this class an A is in reach. Goated prof.

Dr. Phillip's prerecorded lectures were super helpful for the tests, and the questions we did during lecture were good practice. More of a flipped classroom approach. Bonus Tophat quizzes are much easier than other profs bonus point opportunities. Would also say he's one of the nicer and more understanding profs you can take for gen chem.

Professor Phillips really gave students the freedom to find their own learning style. The first exam was absolutely terrible, but he provided the resources necessary to improve from D's to A's. As gen chem is a pretty standardized class, I don't think I would have done any better or worse with another prof.

Phillips is a solid choice for Gen Chem in my opinion. This year he did the flipped classroom which I loved so you could see the material first and then go to class. Whoever your professor is, gen chem is extremely tough. I think Phillips is a good choice though. He doesn't explain things well in class, but is great with individual questions.

Prof Phillips is a funny and charismatic professor. His lectures are all recorded so it is easy to skip class. His examples online and in class are all the same. He is helpful and engaging in lecture. Very accessible and helpful outside of class. Pretty standard chem prof, you get out what you put in

He's funny, makes jokes. Decent lecturer but class material is easily self-taught. Attendance required. Tests aren't easy if u only put in minimal effort, but if u do the reviews and take some notes it's an easy A. Only gripe would be he's strict on his policies. Doesn't reply to emails abt extensions or absences, but ig that's fair.

Currently explaining stoichiometry by discussing chocolate chip cookies. He also has a farm which is cool. Funny guy but I've only been to 3 classes. Doesn't rly matter who you have cuz u need to study for the tests to get an A. Slay. He's good though. Never responds to my emails tho :( still recommend.

If you learn well on your own from the textbook, Phillips is a solid choice. I think it doesn't really matter who you have; everything you need to know is in the textbook and if you want an A you'll need to do lots of work on your own. No way around it. If you need a prof who really teaches, take Todd or Tainter. Phillips is wholesome and funny tho

Phillips was a really good lecturer. Made things easy to understand. However, if you read the textbook then you're fine for the class. After 1st test I skipped a lot but as long as you really study the textbook, aktiv, and all concept questions you should be good. If you learn better by listening then Phillips is a safe bet and at a good time

Gen Chem is a tough class but Professor Phillips did a great job of making sure that we were prepared for the exams. Didn't go to class much after the second exam, but easily caught back up from reading the textbook. Very accessible, and helped me with an accommodation for the first exam. Can't speak on the other professors, but Phillips is a gem.

Dr. Phillips is my favorite professor I've had at Vanderbilt and that is a hard accolade to earn by teaching gen chem. Go to class and go to office hours and you will do well. He is very friendly and helpful, a great mentor to have. I have been in quite a few different chem professors' courses and his has been my favorite by far. 10/10 recommend.

Baby chem was by far the best decision I made to get my AXLE science lab credit. Prof. Phillips is the man and he makes it extremely easy to do well in his class. He's super chill, gives easy homework, and easy exams so everyone does well in his class. Also the chem lab was annoying but definitely way easier than other labs.

Professor Phillips is a mixed bag. If you show up to lecture, read the required material, and put in the work, then you will get the A. But the grade you receive WILL be reflective of the effort you put in. He is not the best lecturer or exactly well-versed, but his personality only makes up for it.

Phillips made Gen Chem lectures something to look forward to. While I will admit that sometimes he can get a bit off track, he's very knowledgeable and the stories and anecdotes he used often helped me remember difficult or counterintuitive concepts. I would definitely take a class with him again.

I took this class for AXLE and would recommend. I am not super passionate about chemistry but he is a great lecturer and easygoing person. Attendance is mandatory but you get 5 excused absences.

I took Phillips' summer session. He was so amazing during the first summer session, I had to take the second one too! He's a really cool, laidback guy who explains difficult concepts in a way that makes them seem simple. For the summer, he dropped one exam score, three quiz scores, and curved our final grades. PHILLIPS IS THE BEST NO DEBATE!

Prof. Shawn is an engaging lecturer who makes Gen Chem more enjoyable. While his teaching style takes some adjustment, going to class and using resources like unstuck ai can really help you succeed. Worth taking if you're willing to put in the work.

Chem at Vandy is very challenging, but Prof. Shawn didn't make it any worse. True, his lectures can be boring (he mostly writes on the board) and you'll be behind schedule (Only Prof. Todd keeps up with that). There's extra credit if you attend lectures (like 2%) . My advice, take AP CHEM and get a 5! Otherwise, Good Luck and Welcome to Vanderbilt!

Tbh, if you're in gen chem, you're kind of cooked if you haven't taken AP chem or chem in general before (its the dpt's fault), but Phillips was a funny and laidback guy that made it manageable. His lectures were engaging, his slides were v. helpful, and he wasn't as emotionally volatile or dry as other profs (todd & tainter), so highly recommend.

Honestly for spring semester gen chem (1601) he is such a chiller. Just do Aktiv and watch the videos and you are fine. Funny guy

Gen chem in general is cooked, so if you want a chill, funny professor, take this guy. One thing tho, asking other people for their professor's notes helped me a lot.

Taking 1601 out of sequence with Phillips was one of the best decisions I made. He has crystal clear expectations and takes no BS but is still a kind dude. Those who don't like him are mostly got stuck there in the Fall and had to take exams written by other professors that didn't align with his lectures, so if you can avoid that, you'll be fine.

Phillips understands this course is for ppl who don't rlly care about chemistry and tries to not make the work too difficult. The course is not that difficult, but make sure you attend class because he will give you answers to exam questions if you are there. If you do not know any chemistry, you may have to self study some

Somewhat dry lecturer, and his slides aren't the most conducive to making up the material if you miss class. Tests are coordinated and not easy, but if you do the homework your understanding will show in your grades. A bit disorganized, especially if you need to reschedule an exam, but he's a reasonable guy and nice if you get to know him.

Arguably one of the worse 1601 profs you could have, but still not bad all things considered. Lectures are a little dry and dense, but he covers everything you need to know for exams. You can tell he tries to make lectures more enjoyable with jokes, though, and I actually really appreciated his humor. Exams are exactly the same as other sections.