Spencer Anthony-Cahill - Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA

Professor: Spencer Anthony-Cahill

Department: Chemistry

College: Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CHEM472
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Cahill is brilliant. He really cares about his students and his course. That being said, his expectations are incredibly high. I don't mean study every day high, I mean only take his class if it is the only other course you are taking that quarter. He has a very hard time outlining exactly how he expects you to learn and then grades rigorously.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CHEM126
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Cahill was one of the most amazing professors I've ever had. While he presents material in an intense and fast-paced way, he assigns textbook problems that help will understanding of concepts and is always available to help you one-on-one. He has very high expectations for his students, but gives you all the tools you need to succeed.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CHEM471
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I've never met a science professor whom is both brilliant in their field and in the 'real world' - deeply cares for his students & their well-being as well as helping them do their best. Once, he held a review session (rare these days) on a Sunday. On a SUNDAY. That's how much of a compassionate person he is. Lectures are informative; tough exams.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CHEM471
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Spencer was by far the best professor I have had at Western. Biochemistry is hard no matter how you slice it, but Spencer knows how to really explain biochem to its core. 100% recommend over any other biochemistry professor (or any other subject, really) out there.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CHEM471
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Class is very hard, which is expected for any 400 level class. His tests are difficult, but if you spend a lot of time with the material and visit him in office hours you will do good. He curves the whole class to make the average a B-, so as long as you are getting average on each exam you will pass.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CHEMISTRY472
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I have taken many hard science classes at WWU but this is by far the hardest I've ever taken. Tests are ridiculously hard and long but Cahill makes his averages an 80 regardless of the low test averages. However, Cahill is one of the best profs I've ever had at WWU and he will do his do his best to help you succeed but you HAVE to work for it.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: CHEM471
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The best and hardest professor I've had a Western. His lectures are engaging and clear. He expects a deep understanding of biochem on exams but knows how difficult they are and is generous with curving. If you show improvement, he takes that into account. I wish I had him for more classes!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: CHEM471
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Spencer is such an amazing professor. I have learned so much. His exams are tough as can be, but nothing should be a surprise on them. He knows his exams are hard and has a generous curve to accommodate that. Always available for office hours and is glad to schedule appointments. Very easy to talk to and cares a lot.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: 471
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He is clearly passionate about biochemistry! You can ask whatever questions you have, even if they seem stupid, and he will still clearly and respectfully answer you and clear up any misconceptions he knows about.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CHEM471
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

A great biochem teacher, assuming you put the work in. Either be smart or study hard and youll do just fine. do the reading. He is super clear, literally wrote the textbook, and overall a great teacher. Take 471 with him.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BIO471AND472
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Probably the best prof I had while at Western. His tests are hard, but that's because he expects you to learn the material (he curves). He held lots of OH where he was always helpful and pleasant. In 472 he held study groups before tests. He seems to genuinely like his students and I enjoyed the class despite the difficulty.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CHEM472
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

My favorite professor in the science department at Western. His lectures were engaging, well structured, and very clear as to what we were supposed to take away from them. He is patient and understanding his office hours and is generally just a nice guy to be around. Also, if you can make it to one of his band's shows, do it.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

crystal clear in teaching style. you have to work hard, but he's willing to answer any questions you have. he's biochemistry concentration fyi. loves his nerdy jokes.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Class is hard, chem series in general is hard takes a lot of time but if you put in the effort it pays off. He was great though, great great great professor, I wish we was teaching the rest of the series. He was tons of enthusiasm. I would highly recommend using office hours though

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is an awesome professor! He is really good at explaining things, and his enthusiasm makes it more interesting. He is very good about answering questions and giving alternate answers. Would HIGHLY recommend him, wish I could finnish the Chem series with him!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Great teacher in every way. He is helpful, and utilized class time well. He is great at explaining confusing things.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is an amazing professor, as long as you do the work. CHEM 121 isn't easy, but he teaches it well and it does an amazing job! He expects that you do the work, so if you want to slack off, don't take him. Otherwise, I would recommend him to anyone who is willing to put in the work!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: CHEM122
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Aweome teacher! He makes an effort to know everyone's name, and is very observant. If he feels like a concept wasn't clear to the class, he'll explain it in a different way until the class did understand. He's a fan on the, answer-your-question-with-a-question method. One complaint: He's not teaching Chem123! Hard tests, but good grading system.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I had him for Chem 121 and 122 and really enjoyed both. I recommend doing the recommended homework problems in the book, because sometimes there are similar questions are the tests. He is very friendly and helpful and cares about the students. I wish he taught 123 next quarter!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: CHEM122T
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Anthony-Cahill was the best chemistry teacher I've ever had. The material is challenging and you have to spend a lot of time studying, but as far as the teacher goes, I'd have him for any class. I plan on getting a C because his tests are challenging, but I still feel like I learned more than any other class.