CHEM 1810

Harman is a great professor and the course material is very interesting. It is a tough class, but Harman makes himself available to answer questions. I am very happy that I chose the 1800 series because it has been a good challenge.

Tips: ALWAYS do the practice exams before the test, go to office hours, and check your problem sets with the TAs before you turn them in.

If you took AP chem in high school, take this course. But even if you didn't, and you're up for a challenge, take it anyways. Harman's class isn't general chemistry--you learn in a completely different style that I really loved. I heard nothing but complaints from my friends in 1410 all year while I felt that this was one of my easier classes. You really have to put the time in with the videos at the beginning of the class but after a month or two they're done and you really don't have much work. There are three problem sets that you do with a group, so get a good group the first night of discussion. Tests are hard, but all he really cares about is that you learn and understand the material so he gives half points back on the two midterms, and curves the final. I had about an 86 raw score test average and ended up with an A so its not very hard. And of course, Harman is fantastic--you will not have a professor that has such a love and understanding for their material. Bottom line is that if you put the time in, you won't regret taking this class.

This class was incredible. Professor Harman was absolutely amazing. He is a wonderful professor. Loves what he does, and is really enthusiastic and helpful.

My favorite course for my first semester. Professor Harman is literally the best teacher I've ever had. He makes the material exceptionally interesting and understandable. If you're either talented in chemistry or well experienced in it, I highly recommend it over 1410.

I don't know if incoming first years even read The Course Forum. But if you're out there, here's some advice: don't even consider taking this course if you didn't get a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam. I got a 4, worked my ass off in this class, and then got it handed back to me. It's hard work and the class is full of really smart kids. I had a much better time in the 400's series for second semester.

I'm sure some people with 4's can handle it, but I couldn't. And I didn't have anyone giving me this perspective. Take the class if chemistry is really your thing. If you're doing it for the "honors", it doesn't matter .

Most engaging class I've ever taken. Take it if you have any interest in chemistry. The best part was being around so many motivated, intelligent people and listening to the connections Walter Harman makes to biochemistry. Take 1810!!!

This class is not easy, but Professor Harman is by far one of the best professors at UVA. He is so knowledgeable about the topic, and will spend as much time as you need on a specific example to make sure everybody understands it. That being said, this class requires a lot of outside work, and the tests are tricky. However, he sends out the past two years worth of practice exams, a study guide, and allows test corrections for half credit. They adhere to their point that kids should be "rewarded" for choosing the higher path; this was true. Would recommend for any science majors or chemistry majors, Harman is awesome and you really do leave this class with a fundamental understanding!

Dr. Harman is a very knowledgeable and helpful professor! The class is challenging, but is very much worth all the effort you put in. I have learned so much in the course. My favorite class I have taken so far!

The class essentially teaches you to understand concepts. How well you comprehend these concepts and how you apply these concepts in situations that you haven't seen before will ultimately determine how you fare in this class. This class doesn't involve a whole lot of memorization, but will really test on how well you understand the material. I cannot emphasize this enough - to do well, you have to fully grasp and be comfortable with the material. That said, there is a generous curve, with around 40-50% of my class getting an A/A-, and Professor Harman is indeed an excellent lecturer. If you are looking for a truly intellectually stimulating course that stretches your chemistry knowledge to its limits, and pushes it even further, do take this course. The studying methods and the way you think will change for the better after taking CHEM 1810.

This class was the best! It involves very little memorization and is entirely conceptual. You don't learn anything without understanding the reason behind it, which is awesome! The things we had to memorize in AP Chemistry are explained thoroughly in this class and it makes everything make so much more sense. Professor Harman explains high-level concepts in such a clear, understandable way and really makes sure everybody understands before moving on. He is very approachable and willing to take time to answer your questions. However, the class is definitely challenging. The exams are fair, but they require that you thoroughly understand the material. You have to apply concepts taught in lecture to problems very different from what we went over explicitly in class. You will do fine on the exams if you understand the concepts well and can apply it to any type of problem. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who is willing to work very hard, took AP Chem, and wants to have a better understanding of chemistry.
Advice:
- Take thorough notes in lecture. Record the lecture if you are a slow writer or don't think you will catch everything the first time through.
- Carve out time after each lecture to re-write your notes so they are legible and in your own words. While you're doing this, make sure you understand what you're writing and try to make connections so that you make sure you understand the concepts. You will not regret this!! It makes studying for the exams a lot less stressful.
- Do the problem sets (you meet weekly in the evening for 2 hours to work on problem sets in small groups) and understand how to do every problem! They are a big grade boost, but they are also crucial for your understanding and they help you apply concepts from lecture to other types of problems.
- Go to office hours if you have questions because Professor Harman will make sure you understand.
- Start studying for exams a week in advance. Read through your notes a little each day, focusing on the big picture concepts.
- Do the practice tests (Professor Harman emails out the 2 previous years' tests) the weekend before the exam as if it were the real thing. Also, don't panic if you struggle with the practice tests because the material covered in the course changes a bit year-to-year so last year's test might feel slightly harder to you. But still take the practice tests very seriously because they help you practice applying concepts. If you want more practice before the exam, re-do the problem set.
Overall great class!! Highly recommended for people motivated to learn!!