Who should I choose for organic chemistry next semester?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice of a professor for the second half of an organic chemistry course. Participants are weighing the importance of teaching expertise versus personal compatibility, particularly in the context of the participant's intended major in chemical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for a professor they get along with, suggesting that any qualified organic chemist can teach the introductory material effectively.
  • Another participant points out that the alternative professor has a master's in biochemistry and may not be as strong in organic chemistry, while the first professor has a PhD and extensive teaching experience.
  • Concerns are raised about the second professor's ability to teach the course effectively due to her limited experience and background in organic chemistry.
  • Some participants argue that the second professor may still be capable of teaching the course well enough, emphasizing that the organic chemistry curriculum is standardized.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of personality and teaching style in the learning experience, with some suggesting that a good rapport with the instructor can enhance understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which professor is the better choice. There are competing views regarding the importance of expertise versus personal compatibility, and uncertainty remains about the second professor's qualifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of confidence in the qualifications of the professors, with some highlighting the potential impact of teaching style on learning outcomes. There is also mention of the second professor's limited teaching experience.

member 392791
I am taking organic chemistry, and I will be choosing who to take next semester for the 2nd half of the class. I am taking it with someone (I've made a previous post about it) that I am not too fond of his personality. However, I cannot deny that he is an expert in the field with accolades etc.

However, the other professor is much less skilled in the field, but is a much more pleasant person to be around.

Do I take the jerk that is knowledgeable or the nice lady that isn't as knowledgeable? Organic chemistry probably isn't too important for my intended major (chemical engineering).

What would you guys do?
 
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Woopydalan said:
I am taking organic chemistry, and I will be choosing who to take next semester for the 2nd half of the class. I am taking it with someone (I've made a previous post about it) that I am not too fond of his personality. However, I cannot deny that he is an expert in the field with accolades etc.

However, the other professor is much less skilled in the field, but is a much more pleasant person to be around.

Do I take the jerk that is knowledgeable or the nice lady that isn't as knowledgeable? Organic chemistry probably isn't too important for my intended major (chemical engineering).

What would you guys do?
I'd take the person I mesh with better. Any organic chemists is more than capable of teaching an intro sequence on organic chemistry.
 
She isn't an organic chemist. I think she did masters in biochemistry and is shaky on the material..the other guy is a caltech educated organic chemist with a phd, but he is really annoying to deal with personality wise. The lady is very easy going and not a pain in the rear end to deal with.Edit: I should also mention its her 2nd time teaching the class, whereas the other guy has been teaching it for a number of years.
 
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Biochemistry is near enough. This person knows how to review Organic concepts and skills well enough to teach Organic Chemistry. This person may actually know as much as needed already or more for the course. You would want best to take from this person who you believe has a personality that will blend better with yours.
 
Woopydalan said:
She isn't an organic chemist. I think she did masters in biochemistry and is shaky on the material..the other guy is a caltech educated organic chemist with a phd, but he is really annoying to deal with personality wise. The lady is very easy going and not a pain in the rear end to deal with.
She is probably fine to teach the course. Getting a PhD from caltech does not mean one is better at teaching a course intended for sophomores. She might put a more biological spin on the way she covers some material, but organic chemistry curricula is pretty standardized overall so I doubt that too.
 

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