Best chemistry teacher I’ve yet to encounter.She is so thorough and knowledgeable,that you pretty much don't need the book. She goes though lecture slowly so that people can understand and is never reluctant to help. Dr. Ruder is definitely top notch. A++

Dr. Ruder is one of the best professors I have EVER encountered. She is amazing! You will learn so much in her class. She is definitely the professor to take for organic chemistry! She has lots of office hours and is always willing to help!

Dr. Ruder is a great professor for Organic Chemistry. Organic Chemistry is a difficult subject and her tests are fair but difficult. However, she makes Organic Chemistry easier to learn by her lectures & group activities. Very helpful outside of class.

Great teacher, helpful inside and outside of class. very on top of answering email questions, and posting homeworks and grades. really tries to make this difficult subject easier to learn through many examples and group work. Tests are hard but fair.

Dr. Ruder is a wonderful professor. Her class is structured with class activities and overhead questions. She was always helpful insdie and outside of class. Hard subject, but she's fair about things.

Organic Chemistry...hard subject, but she does a really good job explaining. I learned a lot more compared to my 301 prof. If you have to take organic chem, take it with ruder!

It's a really hard class, but she's very clear on the material. Her tests are difficult and she doesn't curve. It's worth taking her because she's so good at explaining things. Don't fool yourself, you have to study. From my own experience and others, I know she's the best orgo teacher out there.

I hate chemistry but this lady makes it bearable. Clear & structured in the class, outside she's easy to talk to and helpful. The class is worth taking just because you learn so much. She's the best at VCU. Work hard to understand the material, not to memorize, and you will succeed.

I like her. very straight forward and I like her lecture a lot

Dr. Ruder's notes are very organized, making it a little easier to study for her exams. However, her exams are tough. Classtime is not entirely devoted to taking notes, there are group activities to help comprehend the material. The TA's offer many help sessions. Ruder is willing to help and tries to make organic chemistry as fun as it can be.

hard class...no doubt. notes provide about 95% of everything you need to know...study them and your set...i barely got the A. great teacher. great notes. study groups kinda help...if you're a visually perceptive student (like in calculus), you'll be fine...this class is def. easier than gen. chemistry.

she is very organized and really good teacher, her test are harder then any other teacher at VCU but she gives enough material to study for it, however, she or her TA's thinks that every one cheats, so she will basically have TA's standing right by you when you are taking the test which is very disturbing

I think she's really well organized when teaching but you have to but a lot of attention to detail, cause she makes trick questions. If you study and do recommended problems and go to SI sessions you can get an A. NOT an easy class, but not too challenging either. Practice several hours weekly out of class and you should be fine.

VERY organized, structured, knowledgeable teacher. Orgo is difficult, but she breaks it down quite nicely. Frequent quizzes to make sure you're on top of the material; tests are similar to old tests (she gives you them). Do recommended problems and go to class. She's very clear and helpful. She hates cheaters and has TAs to look for them.

orgo will never ever be easy, but she made it a very pleasant experience. there's still a lot of studying to do, but the overall structure of the class is well done. the final was incredibly difficult, so study for it a lot.

ruder is a great professor. class activities, group work and ace organic were all very useful in understanding the material; she also had additional problems posted on blackboard which i stress should be done if you want to do well on quizzes and exams. stay on top and dont fall behind and youll do well in the class. an A in the class is possible

She's not bad as a teacher, but the tests killed me. She skims over the concepts well, but it is pretty fast. Problem is, the test questions are much harder than what she shows you, so you'd literally need a week of preparation to get a B on a test. I got a B in 301 with Minaskanian (Dr. G) and I'd recommend him over Ruder.

I had her for both semesters. She is an amazing teacher. She knows the material and conveys it well. But don't be fooled. Her class is one of the most challenging ones I've ever taken. The key to the class is not to fall behind. To get good grades, you need at least a good four/five days ahead of time, for solid studying.

Dr.Ruder is way better then Dr.G. I had both and yes Dr.G teaches well but its just straight memorization. He doesnt teach mechanisms which are key on MCAT and i assume on DAT, PCAT, etc. Ruder teaches it. If you want an A in her class, DO THE PRACTICE PROBLEMS. Do it twice and understand how each reaction happens and you will get at least a high B

Ruder is much better than Dr. G. Just like the other person said, she teaches mechanisms. You are screwed if you don't learn them. You memorize and don't understand anything. She will help you if you go to her office hours. Really rough class but if you want to learn, take her.

Anyone who leaves negative comments about Ruder is probably lazy and was expecting to coast through the class. She knows her material very well and is willing to help out. Just make sure you actually do the class activities, practice problems, and attend the SI sessions/help sessions. She's good.

Had her for 301 and 302. Heavy on group work in class so pick a goal oriented group that wants to pass the class. Study practice exams and go to review sessions. She is very helpful during office hours and very sweet. She really cares about students and an A is very possible if you try hard enough. You will learn so much if you put in the effort!

She's awesome! We barely used the textbook. Study the old tests (she gives), her powerpoints, and class activity for the test. She makes her points very clear. There are many group works (group activity).

Dr. Ruder is the best! She makes everything crystal clear! This isn't high school, though; you can't expect her to hold your hand throughout the entire learning process! You get out of the class what you put in. Although she is a good prof, orgo is a tough subject, so you need to actively study as well! Ruder is AWESOME!

Had Dr. Ruder for 301 and 302. She is a wonderful professor who presents the material very clearly. The key to succeeding in the class is focusing on her class activities and powerpoints. I cracked the book only once and never had to again. Tests/quizzes are very fair, as is she when you talk to her about getting points back. Definitely worth it!

Ruder is a nice lady, but I don't like the way she teaches. She doesn't lecture, except for a few rare days in the semester. You just come to class, do the group work activity then answer clicker questions about it. Honestly, I learn more at SI where we are actually taught. Test are average.

Organic Chem with Dr. Ruder is a demanding class, but she is fair. I don't recall getting material on tests that I had not seen before. If you do the assignments, clicker questions, go to your SI sessions you, and put the time you need into this class you will do fine. It's Organic Chemistry, and it's not supposed to be easy!

TAKE HER IF U CAN. THE BEST PROF FOR ORGO

Prior to starting Orgo I was scared out of my mind. But I found Ruder to be a wonderful professor and came out really enjoying the subject. Sure, she may just teach the basics in class, but that's what builds you up to the harder problems. Do ALL of her recommended problems and practice tests, it is essential for test preparation.

Her lectures are short and sweet. She is very good at building on concepts so that you learn the general ideas of the unit. Homework is pretty light, and it's not busy work. Attendance isn't mandatory, but there are participation points through clicker responses. She gives sample exams that are good ways to study for her tests.

I found Ruder was a very good choice for CHEM 301. Her daily clicker quizzes force you to stay on top of the material, and the group class activities build up the concepts well (except some mechanisms). The key is to locate some hard-working friends for your group. Her quizzes and exams are challenging yet fair- she posts practice tests also!

Though some complain that she doesn't teach, she does an excellent job presenting the basic concepts of each unit. Her class activities are designed to provide conceptual understanding of the topics. You MUST do HW and book problems to learn how to apply the knowledge, otherwise you will do poorly in the class. Her tests and quizzes are very fair!

Dr. Ruder doesn't necessarily teach like they did for Gen Chem. She expects you to learn this stuff on your own through her class activities - which is hit or miss for some students. I personally found a few of her TA's extremely helpful. Just stay on top of studying and you should be okay.

I got an A in both semesters of orgo with Mrs.Ruder. She is very helpful in office hours and in my opinion makes the class very fun and interesting. Her test are more than fair if you study the notes, activities, and old tests. Its a hard class but far from impossible if you are willing to take the time to understand and not memorize.

I took Dr. Ruder for both semesters of Organic Chemistry, but this rating is for 302. She had fewer class activities this semester, but it's better to learn mechanisms with the textbook anyway. Her quizzes and tests were all fair if you studied well. The final was long, but that prevent the hard ACS part from killing your grade!

Absolutely take Ruder over any of the other options. As long as you study her notes/activities and review mechanisms you should be golden for her quizzes and exams. Her clicker quizzes force you to study as you go, which is in your best interests. Final is hard but she curves the ACS.

Absolutely attend SI/TA sessions, ask questions in class, get help before you fall behind, review class activities prior to clicker quizzes, review practice axams. Great professor- genuinely cares about her students. I enjoyed this class in spite of the fact that I put in so much study time. The "A" at the end of the semester was well worth it.

Dr. Ruder is absolutely adorable. TAKE HER FOR OCHEM!!! Pros: activities (that REALLY help with studying), easy exams (relatively speaking). cons: group work (but also a pro b/c it helps class time pass), ...not much else. compared to dr g/baker/etc, she is so much better. it's great when others are complaining while you're sitting on an A ;)

Attend review sessions, and do the practice exams.This is an upper-level chemistry course. Dr. Ruder is not supposed to hold you're hand throughout the entire course, nor will she. However, she is a great professor and even takes time out of her schedule to hold weekly review sessions. I got a high A in 301 and am on pace to do the same in 302.

Ruder is an excellent professor who will help you with the material if you simply ask her. Her worksheets are aimed at helping you discover the organic chem rules without her lecturing at you. She is a great teacher to have if you are willing to work in groups and pay attention in class. Grading is also very fair.

You get to work in groups, and she's pretty chill. Definitely hottest prof I've had the two and a half years i been here. And some of the TAs are cool too.

She invert helpful, even has an extra class you can go to every week to get additional information

Orgo is a tough subject, but it's pretty fun with her. The way she says tertiary is sooooo hot. I think she's kind of a cougar also.

She's a much better teacher for the 2nd semester of Organic. Her lectures are amazing this semester and her group activities are much more helpful. However, the material is way harder so you will have to study but she really has clear-cut notes and her tests are very straightforward! You must study and go to class though.

She's your best option for organic. I took her for 302 and did so much better than I did in 301 with another professor. Her lectures are clear, the worksheets are helpful, and gives a lot of extra credit. I used the book and her materials to study for the exams and did pretty well.

While I was not a fan of her group work way of learning, I did find her worksheets to be very helpful in learning the material. She was slow to respond to my emails, however. Her practice tests are very similar to the actual tests so utilize those.

Dr. Ruder provides you with all of the resources you need to do well in this class. Study her notes, activities, and old exams and you should do well on her exams. Also try to go to SI marathons before exams. Ruder really cares about her students and wants everyone to do well, but orgo is hard so you do have to work for your grade.

This was my second semester in Ruder's class and be warned that orgo 2 moves a faster pace and in my opinion was harder. She curves the acs final which saves your grade. If you study all of her quizzes and old tests you should be okay for the test. Her tests are challenging but a B in this class is very manageable.

I took both Orgo I and Orgo II with Ruder. Study all her old tests and quizzes before exams, since many of the questions are similar in nature. Write down the reactions at the end of the textbook chapter (and draw out mechanisms) and go over her class activities to ace her class.

To the complainers out there this is Ochem! It's a 300 level class and you're expected to work for your grade. Don't listen to all the complainers. She is a great professor and teacher. STUDY! Nothing worth having in life comes free. Put in the time, get help if you need it, and you'll do well. You can't cheat your way through this class.

Ruder is one of three orgo professors. Everyone on here is complaining because they just expected a teacher to give them everything. A 300 level class requires you to go outside of class and do extra work. Open the book if it doesnt make sense. It's pretty hard not to get at least a B in this class if you have half a brain

Took ruder for 301 and 302. Gives you everything you need to do well in her class. Didn't open the book once and got high A's on all the tests. Her semester 1 final is her own version (NO ACS) but her second semester final is her final + ACS. Study hard and all 3 tests because the final will tank your grade! Also uses POGIL activities easy to learn

Clear grading criteria. Gives you everything you need to succeed. Just go to class, attend SI, and actually put in some effort. Ruder is a great teacher you just need to apply yourself and you will do well. Easy A

Such an easy professor. Just go to class and you'll be fine. If you try, an A/B is attainable. Make sure you and your group work together every class!

Dr. Ruder is one of the best choices to take for Orgo. I took the class before with a different professor and failed. She made me pass orgo 1 and 2 . Attend her office hours for 1 on 1 help - she is very kind. Go to class, review your notes, and do the homework.

A lot of group work, including quizzes with too little time. You'll have to do a lot of learning/studying on your own but she gives you all the tools you need to succeed. Difficult but not unreasonably so - put the effort in and you can get an A. Easy grader. Go to her office hours, she's really nice but she'll talk your ear off.

Dr. Ruder is by far the best organic professor teacher at VCU. She gives you everything you need to succeed. Just work together with your group and actively learn the material. People who get B's and C's are those who don't know what a 300 level course is. Stop complaining and do the work like you're supposed to. Easy A if you put in some work.

This is a 300 level class. Most people complaining on here have never put in real work and expect to get an A just because they want it. You should be spending roughly 20-30 hours per tests to get an A. Orgo is not an easy subject so stop complaining because you put in 30 minutes and got a C-. That is on you, not the teacher. 4 tests w/ cumul final

She's so nice and she wants all of her students to do well. The class is challenging but she doesn't make it anymore challenging than it needs to be. Go to class, finish the activities with the keys she posts online to make sure you understand everything, and find a TA session you like to attend weekly and it's an easy A.

Ruder is a relatively easy to understand professor. She makes the content accessible to everyone with her use of packets, but the class is 100% group work. If that is not a good way for you to learn, then don't take her. Very little instructional time, daily quizzes, but she gives a ton of partial credit on her tests.

She's the best ORGO teacher. definitely take it with her. easy and knows how to teach orgo!

Lots of group work but even if you get a bad group you can get an A. You have to put in work. Finish the activities on your own. TA sessions help. Lots of partial credit on tests. Helpful one-on-one and nice.

This is a great class to take if you're good at teaching yourself. That sounds like a jab at her teaching but I mean it; the POGIL activities make it really easy to learn the material on your own. In conjunction with the practice exams and TA sessions there's no reason you shouldn't get an A in the class if you try. It isn't for everyone though

Ruder is very nice, knowledgeable and passionate about teaching so the criticism I see about her teaching method makes me sad, but it's understandable. I think the issue is that there simply isn't enough time/aid in class to make it effective. Do the activities on your own after the posts the key, understand everything and you'll get an A.

People don't like Ruder because you HAVE to spend time outside of class working with the material on your own. Surprise: you have to do that with every organic chemistry class. Ruder's setup (activities, practice tests) make that time spent outside of class smooth and painless. Bad group / bad grade. Easy class if you put in some effort.

The best orgo professor at VCU. Stresses the importance of active learning NOT memorizing. Has 3 tests and then a cumulative final. She factors in participation, sapling hw, quizzes so that the whole class is not determined by tests. Very helpful in office hours and very knowledgeable. Still have to put in the work for an A!

You do a lot of group work, but very little of it is graded, just 3 group quizzes and 1 bonus quiz per semester that come out to be maybe 2-3% of your final grade. While the class isn't for everyone, anyone can get an A - I detest group work but I destroyed her class. Just put some effort in and use your resources. She's really nice.

I love Dr. Ruder, but I guess her class isn't for everyone. I will say I was terrified going into organic chemistry and it turned out to be one of my favorite classes ever. Ruder doesn't make the class any harder than it needs to be. Everything you need to know is laid out very neatly - if you don't get an A it's on you.

Definitely much smoother for 302 than 301. Just the right balance of her activities and lecturing. Still a lot of work to be done out of class to learn the material, but she does a great job of presenting it and stressing understanding over mindless memorization. Just do (and FINISH) the activities and practice tests and it's a straightforward A.

Yes, group work is important and takes a large portion of your time, we know. Organic chemistry is about grit. Thats just the cold truth. Any professor will be hard. If you have a group of 2-3 other people that have similar mindsets and goals as you, take this with them, get to class early first day, and hold each other accountable to get an A/B.

Ruder's class is a little weird. I'd argue she kind of teaches her own version of organic chemistry stressing the puzzle-like nature of it, turning it almost into a game. Other professors generally just want you to know as much as possible. Doesn't teach to the ACS at all. Her version of orgo was honestly really fun imo, and I'm going to miss it!

I know most hate the group work aspect, but I honestly feel like thanks to her I understand orgo better than my peers who took it with other professors, even Dr. G who everyone seems to love. She really stresses understanding, critical thinking and quality over quantity. Gives you everything you need to succeed, but you do have to put in work.

Took 301/302 with ruder. First off almost all the reviews on here are complete BS. Dr. Ruder gives you EVERYTHING you need to do well in the class. She doesn't lecture because she legit created activities to help you understand orgo. Lying reviews... group work does not affect ur grade. its just to help u improve. People want to cry and want easy A

Dr. Ruder is probably one of my favorite teachers. I was super nervous going into orgo, but her lectures and packets make the material easier to understand! She is super helpful after class/in office hours. Go to class, go to SI/TA sessions and you'll pass the class! DO NOT waste your money on the textbook! 100% recommend

She focuses a lot on group work, but she really understands what people need to know for her tests. She is an amazing teacher, and is very knowledgeable in the subject. She is very easy to discuss your questions to and will make sure you understand everything.

Her teaching style is different from any other prof I've had, but honestly I found it really helpful. It's "groupwork" but really you're just comparing answers which is what you would be doing anyway. She's funny and caring,Attend preceptor sessions, they really help when reviewing for the exams.

Everything needed for success is given to you, but there is a certain time commitment you need to make outside of class. Her activities, powerpoints and practice exams have everything you need for an A. Can be tricky for 302 if you didn't have her for 301. TAs are pretty hit or miss but the good ones (shout out to Jed) are great

Dr. Ruder is your gatekeeper to medical school. A good recommendation from her is like gold to the medical school admissions board. It's organic chemistry - time to sink or swim. She is NOT going to hold your hand. You're not a child anymore. SHOW UP to class. READ the text book. DO the homework. And most importantly - STUDY.

I had Dr. Ruder for both Orgo 1 and 2 and I thought that she was a pretty good professor. I feel like some of the reviews do her dirty, her class isn't easy but none of the orgo classes are. I definitely put the most time into this class, but I still ended up with an A both semesters. Regardless the teacher, you're going to have to put in work

I had Ruder for Orgo 1 and 2, and I honestly loved having her as a teacher. She has a very laid back approach but keeps the class organized so if you are ever having any trouble with a topic she would gladly help. BUT make sure you take the class with at least 2 other people you know who work hard. Class is centered around groups. Amazing teacher.

She gives you everything to learn the material. She presents the material through class activities done w/ your group in class, which works really well if that's how you study. She gives you everything you need to study (worksheets, class notes, homework problems, sample tests, great TAs), you just have to put in the effort to learn the material!

Ruder pretty organized and gives you enough material to knowledge to know whats on the test. Using outside resources and taking the time and effort to learn will determine your grade.

I really enjoyed the structure of Ruder's class, as long as you take it seriously you'll do fine. Make sure you do all the worksheets and homework, those are the main way you'll learn anything. She also cushions your grade with participation, class reflections, and the homework. The final is pretty brutal though.

This is not the typical classroom, but I don't think I've ever learned more. I took Dr. Ruder for 301 and 302. She gives you everything you need and more to succeed in her class. 10/10 recommend going to her office hours - she's literally the coolest prof you'll ever meet.

i would literally die for this woman. she is incredible and so sweet. every class you do a packet along with a little lecture. her packets walk you through orgo and make it so easy to learn. the people who give her bad ratings just don't know how to study on their own and probably didn't put much effort into doing the packets.

The group work isn't too bad. Yes you essentially have to teach yourself, but if you keep up with the activities and the notes she posts, you'll be fine. Seek help if you need it! Tests and quizzes very straightforward. Lectured more in 302, and was great with clear explanations. Online transition was good, didn't really attend zoom and was fine.

Dr. Ruder is a fantastic professor. The people here that complain about her don't know what they're talking about. This is a 300 level course. Stop whining and do the freaking home work! Show up to class! Ask for help! The only person to blame for doing poorly in this class is you. She is an excellent teacher and loves to help.

Do your homework and it will be an easy B. For an A, just make sure to do the team discussion problems as well. All test and quiz problems are very similar to problems found there.

She is a great prof. She makes sure to go in depth with specific reactions that you need to know. However, if you don't learn well with group practice then I would advise taking a different professor. Her tests are hard as well but if you go to SI sessions you will do fine.

Group work heavy, but makes the material accessible. Enjoyed the course; the LAs really help solidify your understanding of the content and can help prepare for assignments in class. Highly recommend (as long as you enjoy working with others.)

I can understand why people have a hard time in her class. But here's how I approached it. Do the packet BEFORE class, do achieve hw right after, rewrite notes base on worksheets, if you fall behind even by one class, you will probably fail the next quiz. Study cumulatively at least once a week, look at sample exams, buy the ACS study guide!!

My biggest tip would be to take 12 credits or less with this course to make sure you have time to do the work. Its a lot but everything is given to you and she drops a lot of assignments at the end. I personally really like the worksheets because they're very easy to understand, my only complaint would be that she doesn't post key right after class

Awesome professor. Some students find the team-based POGIL design to be a nuisance, but I consider it to be a blessing. Although the POGIL method forces you to teach yourself, you ultimately learn more this way. The teamwork aspect ensures whatever your teammates know, you also know. She is accessible during office hours as well.

I actually enjoyed her for 301 and 302. At first I agreed with the bad reviews, but once you know how to study for the class (which is different than any class I've ever taken), it's really fun and you'll get a solid understanding for the subject. If I weren't already a junior, I would definitely change my major to chem. I agree with the comment...

...below, do the packets before class! Even though you're suppose to figure them out in class with your teammates, it didn't work for me because I can't concentrate in a loud environment and I'm a slow learner. Her lectures are designed to fill in gaps that aren't mentioned in the packet, so if you see it the 2nd time it will make a lot more sense.

Hands down the best O-chem professor at VCU! the amount of work you have to do is large and so is the time you have to allocate as in any orgo class. However, her class was engaging in every sense of the word. from her amazing worksheets to group projects and quizzes. Her testing is honest and representative of her teaching as well.

If group work and a flipped classroom work for you, Dr. Ruder is the professor to take! She focuses on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. You definitely have to put in the work, but between her and her LAs, there are plenty of resources available to you. Her class is highly organized and her exams and quizzes are fair.

Class is just mainly Group work and figuring things out yourself and then she'll lecture a bit at the end. Take notes during the lecture after the POGIL and study those notes after. Watch YouTube videos and go to SI sessions. Tests are more lenient and have multiple choice, long answers, and EC. Very similar to the practice exams she posts.

She is without a doubt one of the best professors I've ever had. To all you whiners and complainers - you have to do the work. She takes you through the material but YOU have to do the learning. This isn't elementary school. I aced her class and scored well on the MCAT. She has a say in medical school admissions.

If you enjoy working in groups/POGIL I'd highly recommend this professor. Worksheets were thorough, I never felt blindsided by tests (make sure you check out the sample exams), and the group format makes it easy to address misunderstandings quickly with your peers. Put in the work and you will get a lot out of this class

Definitely depends on your style of learning. If you do better in group environments, then this is your best bet for an orgo professor here. Go to S.I sessions since I found those to be more useful in the long-run. The notes you do in class work more as a basic understanding of the concepts, but S.I. sessions are better for applying whats learned.

Good professor, uses POGIL activities. Interesting class. Be prepared to work hard and dont fall behind.

I loved her. I've never liked a flipped classroom before but hers is not as bad because she actually does teach in class, she just also has you going through an activity that lets you understand the logic behind what you're learning. If you go to class and focus you'll be alright (although it is best if you sit with people who'll let you succeed).

I don't know what everyone is whining about. She was a great professor. This isn't high school. Professors take you through the material, they're not first grade teachers. If you haven't learned how to learn yet, that's on you.

Suzanne Ruder's teaching style takes some getting used to, but if you put in the work, you can get a lot out of this class. The group activities and practice exams are super helpful. I also found Unstuck ai to be a great study tool alongside my classmates.

Ruder is undoubtedly the best Orgo professor. She drops several grades and gives bonus points. Ruder hosts review sessions 2x a week, plus SI and Preceptor Sessions ~10x a week, attending these sessions helped me pass the class. Use her extra questions and practice exams to study, and study often!! Orgo is hard, but Ruder makes it manageable.

Very helpful and caring if you go to her morning review hours and ask questions. The class is POGIL based with small quizzes every day, so make sure you attend class and don't fall behind. Exams were similar to practice exams posted on Canvas. If you put the work in, you will get a good result.

Dr Ruder is an amazing professor who cares about her student's grades. After the add drop week only about 10 people dropped in a 100 person lecture. Do her packets and put in the work and you will pass.

A lot of group work, which is great if that's your thing. Tests are pretty tough, but partial credit is given. Engage in class and go to SI sessions, and you will do ok.