<p>I’m a first year, so of course I couldn’t sign onto ISIS until later in the session. Gerrans and Metcalf are the only ones teaching the 2nd semester of Intro. to Chemistry (142); where did Harman go?? Anyway, everyone I know who has Metcalf are either depressed or are slowing dying.
I went on ISIS last night and Gerrans is already in a waitlist mode. His 250 spots are full. Metcalf has 350 spots and only 148 kids have signed up so far. I really don’t want Metcalf as a chem. teacher. In fact, why doesn’t UVA see that if so many kids are trying to avoid this guy, why is he allowed to stay at UVA?
My question is this: should I suck it up and go ahead and sign up for Metcalf or should I take the second half of Intro Chem in the summer, probably, with Mattson (whoever he/she is)?
I can’t seem to find any info on Mattson even though he taught chemistry in the summer for the last two summers.
I guess if I took Metcalf I could still go to Gerrans’s class so that at least I’m taught the material, and I guess I could get a tutor if I should need one. Summer school was not in my plans, but I guess that could change.
I would really appreciate advice. Thanks.</p>
<p>Avoid Metcalf. I learned much more by just watching Harman’s thinkwell videos then going to Metcalf’s classes.
I think you should get on the waitlist for Gerrans. I dunno why Gerrans just has 250 spots while Metcalf has 350? Maybe its a way to get students to take Metcalf because just 10-15 students had signed up for his class before Gerran’s class became full.</p>
<p>The grade distributions are the same for both. I don’t see why it matters.</p>
<p>yea i’ve heard awful things about metcalf, don’t do it.</p>
<p>“The grade distributions are the same for both. I don’t see why it matters.”</p>
<p>Cav302, I agree with your statement and have been kicking around just that for the past few days. Gerrans and Metcalf have very simiar grade distributions–obviously someone is doing well in Metcalf’s class, but I know that I sure haven’t met them. I put myself on Gerrans waitlist yesterday and have not signed up for Metcalf yet. Ugh, I really don’t want to do chemistry in the summer, and who the heck is this Mattson dude? Thanks for your comments and advice.</p>
<p>They both have the exact same grade distributions and I imagine that the material they cover is nearly identical and covered in the exact same order. Chem 142 is a very standardized course. Why not sign up for Metcalf’s class and go to Gerrans’ lectures/office hours? If you’re going to do well in the class, you’re going to do well. It’s not rocket science and there are plenty of supplementary books on the market, as you probably know. You shouldn’t have to take it during the summer.</p>
<p>Cav’s got a good point on signing up for metcalf and just going to gerrands class. There will be plenty of space after the first couple classes, go to gerrands and then metcalf whenever you have a quiz or test or something.</p>
<p>Here’s a tip, my roommate is doing well in Metcalf’s class and this is how he does it: He doesnt go. Ever. I think he’s been maybe 5 times when they haven’t had a quiz. He just teaches himself from the book when he does the homework. Sad but true.</p>
<p>Hah! My roommate does the same thing: she hasn’t been to his classes in weeks. She also has what I think is a Metcalf induced depression. She didn’t know what she was in for though when she started at UVA, with this class. At least I’m aware and trying to develop a strategy.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.</p>
<p>WAHOOWA!!! I got off the waitlist and am in Gerrans chemistry class in Spring 2008!!! I confess to having a bit of a crush on this South African casanova, but he’s also one heck of a chemistry teacher too!
For those who don’t know me, jimmyjam is just my posting name, I’m actually a southern petite gal (who has a crush).</p>
<p>haha, that post made me laugh out loud.</p>
<p>Congrats on getting in to Gerrans, dont get to distracted.</p>
<p>Jimmyjam:</p>
<p>Are you in Dean Harman’s class this semester? Also, did you include a note when you signed up for Gerrans’ Wait List, or did you just add onto the Wait List? Finally, when did you register for your spring classes (ISIS registration date and time)? I’m interested because my son also Wait Listed for Gerrans, not because he was concerned about Mr. Metcalf (one of his suitemates has Metcalf this semester and has done well in his class) but rather because he has another class he really wants to take at 11:00 on MWF. BTW, I think all you folks who had Mr. Harman this semester have been extremely lucky and are perhaps a bit spoiled; from everything I’ve heard and seen, he’s awesome.</p>
<p>I had Gerrans this past semester and really enjoyed his class. He’s challenging though, definitely not a cake-walk. I registered on 11/14/07 at 2030 at night. That’s when I saw that Gerrans was full and got on the waitlist. I did add a little note where it allows one to and kind of sucked up to the system, but I said what I truly mean>>>Prof. Gerrans is the best…lots of good things, begged a little…something like that. I kept the fact that I have a crush on the guy private;).
Yes, I’ve heard good things about Harman. Where did he go for the second semester??</p>
<p>congrats on getting in as I’m sure a lot of people would rather take the 9am gerrans.</p>
<p>harman doesn’t teach second semester intro unfortunately so 141/151 is his “one” intro class though I believe he taught 181 this semester too.</p>
<p>Always do it in the summer if you can… take Prof. Harman if you can because I heard he’s amazing!</p>