| Information | Review |
|---|---|
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting a C+ Anonymous 12/25/2022 |
I honestly didn’t really like his class. I saw he had good reviews but maybe he wasn’t for my learning style. I didn’t like the confusing lectures/videos, and sometimes he put the wrong answers to the modules. But the modules are helpful, he writes all of them himself and I owe it to them that I passed the final. Occasionally goes on tangents in lectures but cracks a few jokes. Could be condescending to confused students. Doesn’t give nearly enough time to solve problems in lecture. Gave few extra credit problems in tests and quizzes. Tests are both concept and problem based but still pretty fair. He gives formula sheets for the tests so you don’t have to memorize them. Slow/bad at grading in elms, so you can’t check your grade unless you go to his office |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A Anonymous 12/25/2022 |
Great teacher, teaches the class content very well, keeps classes interesting and is an interesting person overall. Keeps the classes engaging by answering questions and giving the class practice problems in his custom modules. Great teacher overall |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting a C+ Anonymous 12/24/2022 |
Everyone knows chemistry is hard asf, but this professor did a pretty good job at teaching it. The beginning of the year started off very easy, but it progressively got harder. The first topics taught were stuff we learned in high school such as lewis dot structures, compound naming, dimensional analysis, etc. But don't get comfortable. The first test I got an 80% (because it was easy compared to the rest of the year), and I thought the next few tests were going to be that easy. I then bombed the next 2 tests. Because there are only 3 tests before the final, so much material is crammed into one exam. This class requires a lot of complex word problem solving with several steps, so be ready with that. As the topics got harder, Rainbolt's lectures were hard to follow, as he goes pretty quickly. Sometimes he would end his lectures 30-45 minutes early, which I honestly would rather have him continue to teach us because of how hard this class is. Overall, he is a good teacher and he will crack jokes every once in a while so just laugh. He gives prelecture videos as well as practice modules so make sure you watch and do them. He curved the 2nd test and that was it. Sadly, he didn't curve the test that everyone and their mom failed (the 3rd one) and I don't think he curved the final either. I ended up with a C- in the class, you most likely have a few more braincells than me so you should be able to do a little better. However, most of my friends ended up with the same grade as me (highest being a C+). |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting a B- FozzyBear1 12/23/2022 |
Lectures could be confusing but the modules and the prelecture videos he made were very helpful. His grading is very fair. He makes this challenging class fun and doable. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting a C Anonymous 12/23/2022 |
The only thing I can criticize about Dr. Rainbolt is that there wasn't really comprehensive review material for any exam. The modules are great for review, I just would have liked something a bit more concise for reviewing. The lectures are very engaging, and really the only lectures I got anything out of this semester. The exams were manageable for the most part, and other assignments were fine. The focus was placed on where it should be for most engineers: solving problems, and I appreciate that given that most engineers will probably never need chemistry. I have no doubts he'll be good in higher level chemistry courses. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 12/12/2022 |
This chemistry professor is amazing. He cuts right to the business and doesn't fool around with anything. For example, he doesn't like memorization and only makes you memorize what you NEED to know (which is little). He loves to puts jokes in his lectures. Even though his lectures are kind of hard to understand, he knows this flaw by making prelecture videos and going in-depth in the modules so you can understand it. What he puts in his content will be EXACTLY on the test. I have him for Orgo next semester, and even though it is at 8am, I will probably not feel lost. His personality is overall approachable and kind. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 12/09/2022 |
Dr. Rainbolt is truly an amazing professor! He knows the course content extremely well and is amazing to have for lecture as he consistently tells you exactly what you need to know and how to apply it. Rainbolt knows that memorization, to an extent, is unreasonable and he has a heavy emphasis on applying the actual content of the course instead of simply memorizing a ton of equations and constants. For each topic of the class, at least for CHEM135, he gave out a module with practice problems, explanations of every topic, and an outline for exactly what you should be able to do on an upcoming exam. For anyone reading this review but is looking to take something like O-Chem, Rainbolt has said that gen chem is not his specialty so with the experience I had, I'm sure O-Chem with Rainbolt would be even better. I don't think there is anyone better who could have taught this course and I was extremely lucky to have Dr. Rainbolt for this semester. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 12/02/2022 |
Really good at teaching and explaining chemistry concepts. He occasionally can be a little condescending, but it doesn't get in the way of him explaining things well. He also makes super helpful modules and pre-lecture videos. He's also funny and likable. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A Anonymous 12/02/2022 |
Rainbolt was amazing. His grading is really fair. This is a really big factor because he really cares about your grade and is generous with his grading policy. His lectures were a little confusing, but if you watch the pre-lecture videos and use the modules he provides, you are going to do well. I personally hate chemistry, but he made the class fun. I definitely looked forward to his lectures. If you need some in-depth help, definitely utilize the office hours, he is very approachable and helpful. He genuinely cares and you will know it. He does stick specifically to what is required for the course, so that is very good thing. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A- Anonymous 12/01/2022 |
He's an amazing professor who provides students with all the study materials and resources they need to succeed. His modules and pre-lecture videos contain a run-down of all of the content you need to know and practice problems that prepare you for problems on the exams. Although his lectures are sometimes slightly confusing, his humor makes lectures enjoyable and he is very easy to approach. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A- Anonymous 11/11/2022 |
Great professor. Likes to make jokes and keeps it interesting. Posts prelecture videos that are super helpful for review time. Also writes his own modules which have everything you need to succeed in them, so even if lecture can be a little confusing, you have everything you need to learn in your hands. Approachable, great during office hours, and a nice guy overall. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A- Anonymous 11/08/2022 |
He made class very fun with his lightheartedness but his lecture style was sometimes slightly confusing. The modules he creates are very useful in studying and to learn the material. |
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James Rainbolt
CHEM135 Expecting an A- Anonymous 11/08/2022 |
He was funny and kept the class interesting. His lecture style was a bit hard to follow but the modules he gives out are very useful. |