<p>I am currently planning my schedule for Fall 2010. I am pretty set on signing up for Phys 8A, ESPM 50AC and another breadth class. My fourth class will either be Bio1A/1AL or Chem 3B/3BL. For Chem 3B, Vollhardt is the professor for fall and Pedersen in the spring (most likely). I am not doing very well in Chem3A right now (this material just doesn't come very easily to me) so having the right professor might make or break my grade next year. I would personally prefer exams that are easier with harsher curves over harder exams with a more generous curve (I'd rather know how to do something than nothing at all). Is there a big difference between Vollhardt and Pedersen in this regard? I've heard that Pedersen in the spring is "easier", but I would be taking it after a 1 semester layoff from Chem 3A. How much of an effect will this have? Also, how much of a difference would taking it in the "off season" (when most take it in the fall) be? Any general opinions about Vollhardt vs. Pedersen for Chem3B? Any help would be appreciated!</p>
<p>I’ve been pretty good at orgo and never really had to “study” it much but I think pedersen is a fantastic professor. Besides the 8:00 am lecture time, he teaches extremely well. His lectures are clear, concise, fast, in-depth, kind of funny (i don’t think he knows that he’s funny), and always productive. </p>
<p>So far (3A and 3B), the exams have been cake (if you paid attention in lecture and did the problem sets). They consist of nomenclature, mechanisms, predict the products, and synthesis. If you know your sh it it’s not really that difficult. He’s not really a stickler about non-important things like alphabetical order on IUPAC nomenclature so you get the nitty gritty without all the peripheral crap that doesn’t really matter.</p>
<p>I was just thinking last Thursday when pedersen said “alright guys, we’re in the homestretch now…” that the chem 3 series has been one of the best quality classes so far at Cal. My advise, wait for pedersen…the class is worth it.</p>
<p>Honestly, it doesnt matter which person you take because the exams will be about the same in difficulty. I think it is about the different lecture styles and whatever you think compliments your schedule better. Vollhardt is a powerpoint lecturer and I think you will work mainly out of his textbook. Pederson is a board lecturer and you work mainly out of his old practice exams. If you decide to take it with Pederson, the gap year isnt that big of a deal because you kind of relearn everything in 3A in the first third of 3B. You can do well in both provided that you spend time and practice.</p>
<p>I think I would also say be careful about doubling on the sciences. You need to spend quite a bit of time with bio1a/l and chem3b/l if you want to get A’s. So, taking physics8a might be an burden on your schedule… just think about all the lab time.</p>
<p>Pedersen for sure. You can actually understand it the first time because his lectures are so clear. And he gives you all of his old tests with answers to study off of so if you put the effort into it, it isn’t hard to get an A at all. And I’ve heard bad things about Vollhardt.</p>
<p>take it with volldhart it’s webcasted</p>
<p>I double leftist. After 1A/1AL, chem 3b seems like a joke. I’m got an A on Pedersen’s first midterm with a fraction of the studying I put in 1A and 1AL (didn’t get an A haha). IDK, but after 1A/L I felt like I could do anything hahaha</p>
<p>^haha so true.</p>