Thanks to the good Lord for Professor Gerrans teaching Organic Chemistry at UVA. I have neither met a professor within the chemistry department whom is more qualified and more organized. Plus, Professor Gerrans is so approachable, he will answer any questions asked. He will spend as much time as possible explaining the material when asked to. Plus, his exams are the most basic of any of the professors. Although he grades hard, and the exams are challenging, just do the recommended problems and practice quizzes and you will do good.
Grade Distribution
8 Reviews
Very good class. Lets face it , organic chemistry is not entirely the easiest subject on the planet. That said, its not really as hard as people will make you believe.The trick is to keep good notes and DO the recommended practice problems. Reading the textbook helps if you dozed off or spaced out during a lecture but Gerrans generally tests only what is mentioned in class.
Gerrans is has extremely organized notes and is easy to follow in class. Just copy his notes and study them for the tests and you'll do well.
If you can't get in to burnett's, gerrans is your best bet.
Gerrans is a very organized lecturers who makes his own handwritten slides. He has the coolest stories and has some good jokes. His exams are tough though certainly fair. The averages for the tests were around 70. Do all of the practice tests from previous years and do some practice problems from the book. Mechanisms do need to be memorized, but it is more helpful that you also understand the individual steps. I have heard that he covers more in depth than Burnett, who simply tells you exactly what you need to know for tests.
Very organized, but super difficult. Make sure you know you want to be a chem major/pre-med before you go through with this.
Professor Gerrans is the best! Really clear and makes orgo painless. Unfortunately he is retiring!
Tough