Michael Birmelin - Palomar College

Professor: Michael Birmelin

Department: TBD

College: Palomar College

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CHEMISTRYMATH
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took a 4-week math class to prepare for chemistry. However, he wasn't that good of an instructor. We arrive to class and he says the textbook isn't needed (however, he had it listed as mandatory). He was unclear about expectations. He was obviously a very good chemist and knows chemistry math, but I didn't he connected well with class, weird vibe

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Birmelin is indeed fairly confusing when he lectures. He is not very in depth, I would not recommend coming to the class without ANY knowledge of chem. He means well and he's very kind. He'll re-explain anything you need and his tests are not THAT difficult. But you should spend a good ant of time to study.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is one of the worst teachers I have ever had. The material itself was not difficult, but he is not clear while he is instructing and the only way I was able to grasp the concepts being taught was to seek out tutoring. Moves very fast with the material, does not explain the concepts in depth, and fails to go the extra mile for his students.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I wanted so badly to learn and enjoy chemistry, but having Prof. Birmelin as a professor was complete torture. His teaching is so complex that the only person who walked out of the class with an A was an Engineer Major who was simply taking the class for fun. He curves the test and counts "D"s as "C"s so its nearly impossible to fail his class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100L
• 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:

I took him for lab. A nice and smart guy and like his sense of humor. But his lab exams are hard and provides NO study guide. I took his lab section because no other sections fit my schedule. Certainly not a bad teacher, but his teaching is more suited for higher level chemistry students

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor made Chemistry as interesting as possible. He made jokes and tried to tell real life situations and stories to relate the two. He tried to make chemistry understandable. It was a tough class. The optional study guide, with every exerise answer, was a good help... expensive though.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• 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:

He is very monotone and his classes are VERY boring. I mostly skipped lecture and took my own notes out of the book because his teaching wasn't that great. He didn't really help me understand Chem at all. His tests are VERY hard.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He knows alot about chemistry, but makes it hard for a 100 level class to understand. I ended up teaching myself out of the book.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I don't understand all the negatives. I took this class a year ago, and there were things he could have done differently, but overall, I thought he was good. At least he knows the material and enjoys it.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• 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:

he's a pretty chill professor, if you just read the book you should do fine

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Birmelin's class was pretty straight forward. He explained the material precisely and I found him to be pretty coherent. I would recommend taking this class when you have a good majority of time to dedicate to it. Studying for exams is CRUCIAL,for your grade is based off of only three exams, attendance, and the lab.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

His lectures tend to be so scattered and disorganized. He also doesn't want to be there sometimes, so he rushes. On the plus side, he is very helpful and you will learn. But read the book!!! As for the allegations of fighting and condescending...LIES!!! Probably just sour grapes from those who can't handle a little hard work. How Sad!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CHEM10
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's a nice guy, but he jumps around between topics so it's hard to follow. His notes aren't organized either. Tends to over-explain topics, so you either get confused or just start thinking about lunch. I ignored a lot of his explanations, read the book instead! Teaching is a part-time job for him, he's not good at switching to student level

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Nice guy... teaching style is all over the place, but if you read the book you'll do well.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• 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:

Good teacher,he is too smart for his own good, tend to over tell what thing means and go into higher level university stuff. I wish that he would go step by step (to show where he got info from, and not assume we get it) and see us students as student and not professor. Hes funny and excited about chem..

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's super helpful and has no problem at all taking more time to help you. He's super smart and writes stuff that's two Ph.D's away from what you're supposed to be learning. Like everyone else, i'm wicked confused during class, but near the end, it all clicks. I like the guy, but his could be a just wee bit LOUDER! please, dang.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• 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:

Excellent instructor, but you do need to read the book, do the homework, attend class, and participate. There are no free give aways, go back to kindergarden if that's what your after.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: CHEM115
• 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:

avoid at all costs. worst professor at palomar.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I ended up passing the class. It was a C but I PASSED. May I remind you he is very smart... just show up to class every time and TRY! he will see that you are making an effort. Attendance is HUGE!Probably a big reason why I passed....

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: CHEM100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Be careful if you are getting this class for summer. Its very hard and you will have to rely on your book. He is very smart and sometimes teaches very smart and leaves the students confused (like the person said above) Attendance is key and if you work your butt off you should pass... its confusing... but if your dedicated you can make it.