4.5
Quality3.6
Difficulty94%
Would Retake113
Reviews94%
Would Retake
113
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
83
4
23
3
2
2
4
1
1
What Students Say
“Knottenbelt is a great professor”
121 - 5.0 rating“Especially if you don't have a chemistry background”
CHEM121 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
95%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.11 avg changeRatings by Course
121
5.0
(7)122
5.0
(1)121005
5.0
(1)CHEM123
5.0
(1)CHEM1215
5.0
(11)Difficulty by Course
121005
5.0
CHEM1225
4.3
CHEM121122
3.9
121
3.7
CHEM122
3.6
Reviews (113)
Currently enrolled. Her tests are ridiculously hard. In fact, she just gave us a 2nd opportunity to redo TEST 1 because the average was 53% and the 2nd average was 63%. She just talks, minimum examples (if that's what you want to call them). I did AWESOME in chem121 (B+) and lab (A) and am doing great in chem122 lab (A-) but am failing this lecture
She is obviously very knowledgeable about Chemistry. I don't think it's that she's a bad professor, just a strict one. She expects a lot out of students and the 50 min lecture is nowhere near enough time to grasp the material. She provides many examples, but just has really high expectations. Test averages are very low.
She knows her stuff, but I don't think she is really able to teach it in an understandable way.On several occasions I found the book way more helpful than any of her examples. Also she is rather strict and we are using webassign now, which is never good. In general, I don't think teaching is her thing.
She is a really nice lady but i think she should teach a 400 level class. She does know her stuff, just not how to teach it in a simple and understandable way.
Dr. Knottenbelt is a very easy chemistry teacher, especially compared to Dr. Bellew. Her tests are straightforward and come from the practice test. Even her final came from the practice test. She holds many office hours during the week. Chemistry takes a lot of work and Knottenbelt makes it alot easier than it should be.
The class was quite challenging, but better than High school chem. All I got to say is read the book and mark on it. highlight all over it! Go to the help session if you can and go to CAPS! Study off the HW and the practice test she gives you. Remember chem 121 is the intro to the field you're going to, so it should be hard. Good luck!
She's not the greatest at lecturing but her involvement outside of class is stupendous. She's always willing to meet with students and genuinely wants you to learn. She'll go to great lengths to help you understand. There is a lot of out of class work, reading quizzes daily and other online homework. Just pay attention, do the homework, you'll be f
Professor Knottenbelt is one of the best lecturers and professors I have ever met. She tore the complex concepts into bits and pieces so they're easy to digest. She used a lot of analogies in lecture, so you could understand abstract theories using everyday life examples. I had a great experience in her class.
Her lectures are extremely clear and she does have high expectations for her students, but its not an easy subject and the people unwilling to do the work should not be in that field. She uses clear examples. The lecture is short but if you keep up with the work, youll do well on the tests and in the class overall.
One of my favorites.
A great professor! She focuses exactly on what will be on the test. If you do the readings and practice sheets you're guaranteed an A. She gives a great lecture and the class is very interactive. Her class will definitely prepare you for any further chemistry classes.
WONDERFUL professor. I haven't met anyone else who matches Dr. K in helpfulness, kindness, and dedication to her students. Don't be fooled - this class isn't easy. It takes a lot of work, as there is a lot of information you are required to know. But she gives lots of outside resources and runs wonderful help sessions.
Professor Knottenbelt is SO nice. She is willing to do anything for her students and encourages you to talk and meet with her. However she is not the best teacher. She is obviously knowledgeable about chemistry but she has a difficult time teaching. She does not always convey her message clearly so you have to refer to the book often.
Everyone complains about dr. K but she is an awesome teacher if you do all the aleks homework on time and the reading quizzes are cake cause they come straight from the textbook. if you do all the pie work on aleks and your homework and get at least a B on clickers you can get an A with a 655 test average. I sure did! she is tight!
She is a wonderful teacher. She will provide you with every resource you could ever need to get an A in her course. It's not an easy class at all, but she gives you every opportunity to learn the information and pass with flying colors if you just try!
she is awesome!
She does a great job explaining the material so everyone can understand.
She was a great teacher. I went into the class with no chemistry background whatsoever and she taught in a way that allowed me to follow without it being oversimplified
She obviously takes a strong interest in her students. She offers many opportunities to get help, to ask questions, to work on problems. I had a little bit of a hard time understanding what she wanted from us sometimes, but otherwise, a great teacher. If you have a hard time with Chem I would recommend Chem 111 as an into.
She is a bit stringent about no talking during class-time, but awesome teacher. Very friendly and truly wants students to succeed. You must do homework and reading to succeed, but no big deal. I truly recommend her.
Dr K Was the best teacher I've ever had. I worked hard for my grade it's the material that difficult not the teacher. She goes out of her way to post material that will help you for the class. chemistry's not easy and coming from a chem major many of the teachers in the department don't care wither you pass or not she does.
the class is a lot of work but she really does everything she can to help you succeed and invests all her time. extremely organized as well. one of the best teachers i've had at unm.
One of the most hardworking instructors I've ever encountered. She really does dedicate her entire life to helping students understand the basics of Chemistry. Her tests are somewhat challenging but as long as you stay on top of the material/assignments/note-taking, you can pull off an A. Take advantage of every resource!
Excellent introductory course professor. She works really hard preparing her lectures and expects the same from her students. Quizzes assure reading, and there are always help seesions. There is no reason to fail this class. Only problem is the work seems like a bit too much for a 101 Gen Chem class.
Her class is hard, but as long as you just hunker down and do the work it is easy to do well. She also works really hard to help students, and she's the kind of teacher that if you make a point of meeting with her, she will do everything to help you. Personally I like that she cracks down on people talking in class, since it's about 500 freshman
I had her for Chem 1 and hope to have her again for Chem 2. She gives great examples and gives very fast feedback. While she wasn't always available for help (Class of 350+) her and her TA's always had help sessions. There are LOTS of grades in this class to pad any bad test scores you may get.
Tests can be difficult... But if you pay attention and print out the skeleton slides, it is bearable.
This class is one you CANNOT procrastinate on. She does as good a job as possible considering the class size, and is SUPER dedicated to responding to emails. Really, really nice person, who genuinely cares about students.
Dr. Knottenbelt is a great professor. She genuinely cares about her students and their conceptual understanding of the course material. She will make time to help you! She is always approachable and has innovative methods to keep the material interesting and help her students learn.
Dr. Knottenbelt is the best professor I have ever had. She is dedicated to the learning of her students. She genuinely cares about her students. The class is tough and the exams are tough. You will have to work hard. I would recommend her to anyone who really wants to learn chemistry and is willing to put in the time and effort.
Sushi IS THE BEST CHEMISTRY teacher you will ever have !!! She is very personable and genuinely cares about her students. If you have a question on ANYThing at all, she will answer your email within half an hour with a detailed and helpful response. She makes class really fun and interesting. Only thing. Don't procrastinate! I got an A.
I love how everyone says this class is hard. The tests can be difficult but this class is cake city on the work load compared to prof fields physics. If you took that class, this class takes 1/4 the time if that. Do the work as you should in any class and it's an easy 40% of your grade. The tests are easy just have trick questions to be careful of.
I really like Sushilla. She's been amazing and tries SO hard to help everyone understand and gives so many chances to be helped. I am taking 122 with her next year and I'm looking forward to it. I'm not good at Chemistry, but I might have a chance with Sushilla.
She is a really helpful teacher. She explains the materials really well and knows how to answer questions with clarity. She is by far the best teacher I have had in college.
She is very useful, and clear. All you have to do is do the work, go to class, and not half ass it.
Sushilla is such a wonderful professor. She offers so many extra help sessions if you are not understanding a concept. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you miss out on participation points, which really add up in the end. Take her course, especially if you HAVE to take chemistry!
Dr. Knottenbelt is the best professor i have had a UNM, she truly wants to see her students succeed and is available to help you whenever you need it. The class takes effort but is not hard you just have to do work and if you don't understand something go in for help sessions (:
Dr. Knottenbelt is easily one of the best professors I've had. Her passion in teaching and willingness to help students makes this class less stressful. Although there are a lot of things to keep up with (reading quizzes, clickers, etc.) these are all super easy points to get. Just go to class and do the work and you'll definitely get an A.
Dr. Knottenbelt is a great chemistry professor! I never took chemistry in high school, and she explained the material that students had trouble with to help clarify. She made sure to have assignments to keep you on top of the work. Though the work load is kinda heavy. Either way, she is outstanding and I definitely recommend her to any student.
I took her CHEM 121 class. If I had to describe her with one word, it would be "Okay". Her class was sometimes interesting and sometimes boring. Her tests are easy if you study and do the review she gives out. She has a lot of helpful assistants walking around the lecture hall with help, but you have to get their attention, or they'll pass you by.
She was a wonderful professor. Extremely helpful and provides many review material to study for the exams.
She is willing to go the extra mile and help you outside of class. The class is hard but she wants you to succeed; and even though its a huge lecture class, if you go to meet with her she will help you.
One of the best professors I have ever had! It is a great class to take because you will learn a lot but if you work hard and make an effort it will definitely pay off. She is fair and helpful, a wonderful teacher!
She is a great instructor! really wants you to learn the material. there is a lot of reading. she teaches in a read-first then got to class-second manner. a lot of work but how else are you going to learn the material.
Dr. Knottnbelt is an absolute angel. She reached out to me when I did poorly on a test and invited me to come talk about it with her. I understand chemistry much better than in high school. Her class is so well organized and efficient. Best teacher at UNM!
Online homework quizzes are easy points (you get 3 attempts). If you actually read the textbook this class is fine.
This was a wonderful class. She was very passionate about her students and does her best to help. She also offers tons of extra credit which is always nice. She will reach out to you if you need help and she works with you until you understand the concepts she is trying to teach. Very good class.
Dr. Knottenbelt is the perfect example of a great teacher. My chemistry background was weak but her class made it easy to understand and grasp the complicated concepts. Great class! Heavy work load but an easy class to pass if you read the text and show up to class.
Very nice, helpful teacher. She was friendly and attempted to help her students with concepts, homework, and career advice. She is one of the best teachers that i have ever had. She cared about her students. Definitely take chemistry with her!
Knottenbelt is a kind teacher, and wants her students to succeed. Her instructional method threw me a curveball: I taught myself most of the material, and learned from my group during class, and the TA's were really helpful. I easily passed this class, but I can't say Knottenbelt played a role.
Dr. Knottenbelt is so helpful. She connects with students and welcomes feedback. Though the workload of this class is extremely high, if you complete all work, read the textbook, and attend class, you should be able to get a high grade. I have almost no background in chemistry but learned so much in Dr. Knottenbelt's class.
Best teacher there ever was
She is very helpful, knowledgeable and nice.
Hands down... probably one of the most amazing professors and individuals I have had the pleasure to work with.
Dr. Knottenbelt is an amazing teacher. She is not the easiest in the world, and you need to do the reading she assigns. She is super helpful, wants you to succeed, and is always there for you if you have a question. One of the best professors I've ever had. Dont' fall behind, and ask questions!
She was not the easiest teacher, but definitely worth it. I loveeeddd this class!
Knottenbelt really knows her stuff. Although much class time is used for class work, the little time during lecture is very helpful. Although her tests are challenging, she will always hold a review session before the test date. She is probably the best Chem 122 teacher at UNM.
Professor Knottenbelt is THE best professor I've had thus far at UNM. She cares immensely about her students, and is willing to take time to re-explain unclear topics. Her class format is different and takes getting use to, but the results are worth it. If you put time and effort into this class, you will leave having learned a lot! Love her!
Sushilla is so polite and incredibly smart. She teaches the class very well and the test are okay as long as you STUDY HER PRACTICE TEST! If you ever need help, she's there for you. Take her, now!
Dr. Knottenbelt is a great professor. The harsh parts about this class aren't because of her, but because of the class itself. General Chemistry I is never a joke unless you've taken it in high school (AP, honors, etc.). She makes learning the course material as easy as possible - tutoring, homework, extra credit, TASI tutors... She is my choice.
Dr. Knottenbelt is an excellent professor. She knows her stuff and is always willing to help her students. She takes time out of her day to give great exam reviews and practice tests. However, be prepared to take a lot of notes outside of class and study! Overall, She is awesome! I wouldn't take another chem 121 professor.
Sushilla's class took up most of my time this semester, by far, but she tries as hard as she possible can to make sure students are understanding the material. She gives a lot of group work and attendance is definitely important, but Sushilla's class is worth the extra work.
Dr. Knottenbelt is a very caring professor and grades in a fair way. Study and do ALL OF THE HOMEWORK!
Wonderful professor. Shushilla will help you every step of the way, & offers a TON of extra credit. Chemistry can be difficult, so you MUST work for it. I outlined the chapters, went to every exam review, & did every practice test (those help SO MUCH). This class was by far the hardest and most time-consuming class I've taken, but it's worth it.
Dr. Knottenbelt is the best professor I've had at UNM. She does everything she can to help you understand the material, and her lectures are clear and detailed. Stay on top of the homework (even though sometimes you'll feel like you're drowning - but that's just chem), do the practice tests, go to the tutors if you need help, and show up to class**
Dr. Knottenbelt is an amazing professor. If you read, do the practice test, take advantage of help sessions, don't just google mastering chem questions for answers, you'll do great. Hard work is definitely rewarded in this class.
Yo, Sushilla is the bomb. Her lectures are clear and she's extremely helpful. Genuinely wants you to do well in her class and makes it happen. Above all, though, make sure you get your class in the ITLC building. The learning environment will make your time so much easier and more worthwhile.
By far the best teacher I have ever taken. She will do anything in her power to make sure you learn. If you take anyone else you are wasting your time.
She was a great instructor, but the hard part is that she doesn't teach you. This class is completely based on you reading and taking the quizzes to teach yourself. There are very few lectures. Tests are hard, but she always gives you chances for extra credit.
Dr. Knottenbelt is my favorite professor at UNM and has really made me come to love chemistry. Her class does require a lot of work and commitment, but totally worth it! She offers a ton of extra resources to help you along.
Take her!! Especially if you don't have a chemistry background. She is extremely clear with her grading, course objectives, etc. Her lectures are also extremely clear. When I had this class, in-class worksheets would always reinforce the most important key points. She uses every minute of your time efficiently.
Dr. K is an amazing chemistry professor. She is approachable, caring and inspiring. She is really there for her students and wants to see them succeed. She holds many study groups and even reaches out to students who are failing. This class is not easy, but if you want it bad enough, you'll succeed! Thanks for making a difference in my life, Dr.K!
Had a tough time in this course and attended all her office hours for help. All for nothing, even though I put in the effort and extra time she still didn't give me credit for the course. She's pretty confusing and her group worksheets didn't help that much. She teaches it like it's a math course in the biggest lecture rooms and skips everything.
Dr. Knottenbelt is the best I've had by far. She gives different examples as well as group work. Be read to tackle a lot of homework, but it helps a lot. Take advantage of TA's office hours, practice exams, and ask questions. It's not an easy class, but with help from the TA's and Knottenbelt, it's such a rewarding class.
You basically have to teach yourself but she makes sure all your confusions are cleared up during lectures.
Dr. K is an amazing professor. Take her if you have the opportunity to. I would have failed chemistry if it were not for her teaching and I ended up with an A. Be prepared to work hard though, if you don't put in the effort you're going to fail. Dr. K will present any opportunity to help you and she is great at explaining. Recommend 110%.
She was a great teacher, and very approachable. The class was really hard, but as long as you keep up with your work and study hard you'll pass the class AND learn a lot.
Knottenbelt's class was tough and definitely not for me. You teach yourself all of the material at home by yourself and she will clear up any confusions and misunderstandings in class. Does not take too much time lecturing during class but is super nice during office hours.
Dr. Knottenbelt is the best professor every. Her class is very well structured and organized. She cares a lot about you and will go the extra mile to help you understand the concepts. Very knowledgable. Her worksheets help a lot! They help emphasize what you learned in the previous readings and what you need to work on. Amazing professor! Love Her!
Dr. Knottenbelt is a great teacher! She really wants you to succeed. Her class is not the easiest but if you study and take advantage of her office hours and TA sessions a good grade is in reach. Would definitely recommend her!
I took Dr. Knottenbelt for Gen Chem 121 and 122 and I learned so much from her. She was an amazing teacher and she is very invested in her students. She even helped me to find and apply for a research opportunity.
She is a great professor. She is a must take! The BA/MD program has her instruct for a reason!
She requires a lot of outside reading and problem working, but it's so worth it because it really helps on the tests. If you need to take CHEM 121, do everything you can to take it with Dr. Knottenbelt. She's an amazing professor and she provides so much help outside of class. As long as you put in effort, you'll love this class.
Dr. Knottenbelt is one of the best professors that I have ever had. She really did her best to teach us the material and emphasized the most important matter appropriately. She really prepares her students well for tests. This class is difficult, to be sure, but if you have good aptitude and a diligent mentality, you will do well.
She is an excellent professor! She wants to level the playing field for minority and woman students, ask her about her research. The course work in not particularly hard, however her exams can be brutal at times if you don't prepare for everything! I got an A in CHEM 121 and an A- in CHEM 122 (Messed up on the final, should of had an A+!)
She is an amazing person she is very motivating and offers a lot of help. however she is one of the hardest teachers exam wise. they can sometimes be tricky and confusing but if you study the mock and practice exams a lot and go to her help sessions you will be fine. You really have to put in a lot of work to fully understand it but she offers help
Professor Knottenbelt is absolutely amazing. Her class isn't easy if you don't put in the work. Be prepared to spend some time on reading the textbook, doing so will really help you out! As long as you keep up with the work she assigns you then you should be fine. Don't be afraid to ask for help outside of class as she and PLFs are there to assist
Sushilla Knottenbelt is one of the best professors I have had while at my time here at UNM however, her class is the hardest class i have taken yet. She will go above and beyond to care for her students and set you up with the tools you need to succeed but her tests are ridiculously difficult. Fail the tests, fail the class. STUDY, STUDY STUDY
Dr. Knottenbelt is one of the most amazing professors I had at UNM. I had her for both 121 and 122 and was able to pass because of her willingness to help and her advice on how to study. Take her if you have the chance!
She is an amazing teacher! Her lectures really condense the pre-reading homework! You do have to commit and work outside of class, but they are helpful in retaining the information! Half the class time is her lecturing and the other is working on worksheets in groups. I would recommend going to SI sessions, that is why I did so well on the exams!
Dr. K is the best, take it with her. Her teaching style is so helpful and you learn way more than in just a regular lecture class. So many opportunities to get help if you dont understand and she's always willing to explain. When she does lecture it is not boring at all. 10/10 recommend! She is awesome.
The material was difficult, but Dr. Knottenbelt took the time to tutor me during her office hours. She understands the challenges of the course and is willing to meet students half way, so long as they are putting in the effort.
She expects you to basically teach yourself everything. TONS of homework (due tues, wed, thurs, sat, sun) and goes over none of it. Gives worksheets every class and hardly explains anything. Assigns groups of 3 where 1 person already knows it and basically completes the entire sheet, other 2 never understand it or learn it. Hardest class ever.
This class is WAY too much work for 3 credits. Aleks HW due 2x a week, usually 20+ topics and Smartwork due every night before class (3 times a week, having to read 2-4 chapters). She goes over one thing for maybe 15 minutes in class then assigns a difficult worksheet. She also sends too many emails, Ive recieved 100+ in 3 months. Dont take her.
Dr. K is always trying to find a way to explain a concept so that it makes better sense. This class is one that you get out what you put in. This is true for homework and worksheets. There are plenty of office hours and help sessions for this class so if something doesnt make sense, its most likely a lack of effort.
Wow! Dr. Knottenbelt is absolutely the best professor I have ever had. I pretty much failed the first exam and I ended up scheduling an appointment with her to talk about how to improve my study habits. Well, it worked. I got A's on the remainder of the tests! She is super caring and wants you to succeed. However chem is hard and requires work!
For you to do well in this class, you need to be able to put the work in. However, Knottenbelt is a great professor, she's always willing to help and there's multiple study sessions a week if you ever need clarification. Participation is a big part of your grade. Be prepared Chem-122 is a hard class! Knottenbelt is the best there is.
Dr. Knottenbelt is an incredible professor and is one of the best I've ever had. She does a tremendous job at ensuring her students receive all the help they could ever need. She does an amazing job at explaining the material and reinforcing each topic with homework, in-class worksheets, and numerous help sessions throughout the week.
I totally took Dr. K for granted. Ive always struggled in chemistry, so I had a hard time in the class, but she goes above and beyond for her students. She really cares about students learning and shes a super nice professor. The Smartworks homework and SI sessions help a lot. Dont be afraid to meet with her for help.
Dr. K is the best! Yes, chemistry is hard and you will have to make an effort, but Dr.K shows that she really cares. She was a gem during online school and I am so happy I had her as a prof! Made me actually love chemistry.
Professor Knottenbelt has been absolutely amazing. I took her for Gen Chem 1 and I am currently in Gen Chem 2 with her. She is so kind and approachable and she will help you with anything you are struggling with. She gives excellent feedback and her lectures are super helpful. She covers a lot of material but I never felt overwhelmed. Amazing!
Dr K is amazing. She sincerely cares about the success of her students and will work with you tirelessly to help you understand any concepts. The subject is very difficult and I am really glad I had Dr. K to help me out. The class is structured with reading prior to lecture and homework after lecture. Lots of work in this class. Be ready
Dr. Knottenbelt is the best professor I've ever had. She's one of the most compassionate and understanding people I've ever come across! There's a lot of information to learn in a short period, but she does an amazing job of explaining things and providing extra resources and support.
She is a wonderful teacher, made me love chemistry.
Dr. K is the best chemistry teacher you will ever have. She puts in time and effort for you. If you don't succeed in her class then it is kind of on you. She has plenty of resources, time with TAs, office hours, etc. Gen Chem can be hard, but she really tries to help you succeed. She is one of the most memorable teachers I have ever had.
There is a lot of work in her class, but it is not useless and she is super understanding. She does a great job at explaining chemistry topics and provides a ton of support if you are struggling. A very nice person overall and would definitely recommend her!
Gen chem can be very difficult, but Dr K makes it digestible and even fun. There's lots of support available outside class, and the TAs are incredible. The textbook, for me, was very hard to understand and the lectures were way better. Take good notes and prepare to spend lots of time studying.
Dr. K is a great professor and knows how to lecture very well. She is very caring and believes in every one of her students. With this being said, the exams are extremely hard. As someone who is usually a pretty good test taker, these are some of the lowest exam grades I've received. It forces you to really try to understand the material, though!
For a large class, I was amazed at how much 1-on-1 support and feedback Dr. K gives her students. She has so many help sessions & opportunities for feedback/support. Gen Chem 2 is hard, but if you take advantage of her resources, you WILL get a good grade. If you are pre-health and really want to learn Chemistry for the MCAT/DAT/etc, take her.
Dr.K is a great professor, super caring
Definitely my favorite professor I've had so far. Dr. K is incredibly knowledgeable, organizes the class really well, and offers tons of practice resources and study sessions before exams. Most importantly, she genuinely believes in and cares about her students and their success. Love her!
Gen chem can be challenging, but Professor K makes it manageable. Utilize the ample support resources - TAs, office hours, and study tools like unstuckstudy. The textbook may be tough, but her lectures break down concepts clearly. Consistent effort is key to success.
Dr. Knottenbelt is one of the most caring and helpful professors out there. She teaches the material in a way that is easy to grasp and she will always answer questions or re-explain if asked. She has many review sessions and you should absolutely attend. I would take this class a million times over
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
95%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.11 avg changeRatings by Course
121
5.0
(7)122
5.0
(1)121005
5.0
(1)CHEM123
5.0
(1)CHEM1215
5.0
(11)Difficulty by Course
121005
5.0
CHEM1225
4.3
CHEM121122
3.9
121
3.7
CHEM122
3.6