Robert Hanson - St. Olaf College

Professor: Robert Hanson

Department: TBD

College: St. Olaf College

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

With Hanson, expect a ton of wasted lecture time on a) talking about his grad school/undergrad years b) complaining about the textbook c) messing around with a demo. Don't expect clear, organized lectures or much help in office hours. Best thing I can say about Hanson is he /is/ an expert in his field and generally has a quirky sense of humor.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Quirky, interesting, flexible, offers different perspectives for various concepts until one really clicks, amazing office hours and fun lectures. I was doubly trepidatious about taking orgo and taking a class with Hanson, but my worries were quickly dispelled. Highly recommend.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CHEM248
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I was scared to take Hanson because of rumors, but am SO happy that I landed in his Organic class! Much better lectures than Roberts (had sem. 1), helpful feedback on homework, and can explain concepts in multiple ways to make chem understandable for individuals. He really knew the textbook inside and out which helped narrow down the necessities

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CHEM248
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Super smart, makes class fun.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CHEM248
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is smart, and usually only explains stuff in his way, he has a hard time catering to students that don't learn the same way he does. Best of luck

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CHEM248
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Hanson is really smart. If he wasn't at St. Olaf, he'd probably be a hotshot in the pharmaceutical industry. I think he does tend to form grudges with some of his students, but if you are really serious about chemistry (esp. if you're thinking about a career in the field), he's probably your best choice. Dedicated guy; I liked his class a lot.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: CHEM121
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Prof Hanson is super smart, but he talks down to his students. He isn't very helpful when you ask him for help and it is difficult for him to communicate his expectations well. His tests are HARD. He always seems to be playing games. He expects that his students know more than they do. He tries to be funny but comes off as being rude.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: 121B
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

His 121 class was impossible. His exams, although on the same material obviously, was not what we would practice in class or the worksheets he would hand us. I agree with the previous comments of he is very smart but also very antisocial. He doesn't really care who you are unless you make a direct effort.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Orgo is HARD. His class is pretty fast paced so if you get lost on something early on you're kind of screwed. He is human and he does want to help but doesn't know how to cater to all learning styles. He is smart, if you're not keeping up he doesn't always know how to help you. But he isn't cruel.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Hanson is soooo incredibly smart. He was very helpful when I met up with him outside of class to go over material, but his tests were definitely challenging, and it seemed like he was playing games. At least he adjusted grades at the end of the semester :D

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• 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:

His lectures are always entertaining, but can be hard to understand at times just because he is so darn smart. His tests are extremely difficult so be ready. Expect to study A LOT. It's a tough class (but what orgo class isn't?). If you're very good at chemistry, take Hanson, if you need help grasping the basics, go with Pearson.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CHBI126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

My experience with professor hanson was good. He is a good lecturer and his tests covered material we went over in class. He is VERY smart and wrote a bunch of interactive computer programs to help us study. Recommend.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• 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:

Prof Hanson isn't that bad. seriously. He's totally brilliant and his quirky personality keeps class interesting. You do have to put in the hours studying tho. and definitely do not expect him to try to get to know you or even learn your name. if you go into his office hours for help tho, he'll be friendly and ask you questions

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: CHBI126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Hanson chooses favorites in certain people and will flat out ignore comments from those he doesnt like. He also has a bit of an ego... needless to say i will agree with what others have said Run Away (take pearson)

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CHEM126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

STAY AWAY. you use his textbook (rarely a good situation). class is pretty useless, he digresses.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: CHEM126
• 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:

He is very, VERY smart. He is seemingly helpful, but his tests cover extrapolations of what you learned and are very difficult. He's nice, but he didn't seem genuine to me. However, his lack of social skills/niceness is definitely made up for with his extensive intelligence.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• 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:

I agree he gets a bad rap, but he doesn't deserve it. He's a great lecturer, and his exams are very straightforward, but you do have to study a little. Very smart man, but always willing to help, and doesn't come off as condescending. Very organized and has an interesting 'thinking' face.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: CHEM126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He gets a bad rap but this guy was great for chem 126. He knows the text and concepts like the back of his hand, and he's a genius. Sometimes hard to ask questions and get a good explanation. Very reasonable tests.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CHEM126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Avoid this professor like you would the plague.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: CHEM247
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Mr. Hanson is a very smart professor. He definitely knows his stuff, however I would suggest not taking him for organic chemistry.