I came from a pretty bad high school and didn't take AP chem so I felt pretty behind at some moments. Chemistry is a lot to take in and many small details to remember. It's possible to get a good grade in the class as long as you're willing to put the work in. I recommend doing all the homework problems because they DO show up on the tests. Make sure that you can do the questions without looking at the solutions manual. Make sure to understand the concepts behind the math. My mistake was not placing enough attention on the concepts and as a result I would miss a lot of points on exams. Make sure to do practice exams. Always do your homework and post on chemistry community. They are easy points and add up in the end so just do them. Also make sure to go to as many review sessions that he organizes for midterms and finals.

HOW TO GET AN A+ OR A IN THIS CLASS:

-Do the HW. I re-did all questions before the exams, because he throws in HW questions in his exams

-Do the old exams. This is excellent practice.

-Attend lecture. Lecture was very conceptual, while the HW was very mathematical. His exams are a combination of both, so you want to attend lecture and pay good attention.

-Attend UA Sessions. Go to Lyndon B and Michael J, especially their review sessions. They fill up entire lecture halls. You will learn so much and feel so prepared.

Ok so here it is. I'm a freshman who just got to UCLA and hasn't taken Chemistry since 10th grade, and believe me, it was a battle. Lavelle doesn't test your knowledge, no. He tests to differentiate A, B, and C students. Also, keep in mind you're going up against brilliant kids, not your average joe. The curve is almost non-existent when you're at UCLA so don't rely on that (especially since you're going up against pre-med students). In 2017-2018, he changed up a lot on how he grades, what kind of tests he gives, and how much tests are worth compared to the previous 10 years. He used to sell course readers and give practice exams but now he doesn't do that anymore. I did almost all his past exams from previous years and it was a breeze. It was mostly math-problems (as easy as just putting in numbers into a formula and know what formula to use). This year, his tests are heavily tested on conceptual things. Me personally, I never read the textbook. I just did previous practice exams, and listened to his lectures (and pulled off a B). I knew almost everything, except when it came to the test, he made sure to trick us and put the hardest problems available. If you're a freshman, I suggest taking this class winter quarter. Why? Well let me tell you ... Make some friends your fall quarter who are taking CHEM 14A, and then after they're finished, ask them for their exams, notes, and etc. Trust me, it'll help a LOT! He changed up all his tests/exams so they're definitely not the same as 2008-2016. Beware! Overall though, you're a UCLA student so you will do fine. He has a bunch of resources you can use. Make sure to go to ALL TA OFFICE HOURS. They usually will get into the quirky stuff of the concept instead of the basics, which is basically what the tests are on. The tests are not going to ask you simple questions on whether or not you know the concept. No. They're made to trick you. YOU LEARN A LOT IN THIS CLASS THOUGH! haha

I enjoyed taking Chem 14A with Dr. Lavelle. I did not take AP chem in high school, so I felt a little bit disadvantaged amongst my peers. As a result, I had to put in more time. I went to as many TA, UA and professor office hours as I could. Did a bunch of homework problems and practice tests and managed to get a B+. With the amount of time that I put in, I could have gotten an A-, but I made dumb mistakes on the midterm, final and some quizzes. In class, Lavelle pretty much reads off the slides. At office hours, he is helpful and explains the material much better because he isn't lecturing 300 kids. I found the TA and UA office hours the MOST helpful because they were ongoing: they were available 7 days a week!! To succeed in this class, I recommend to do ALL the assigned hw problems, go to a lot of office hours, and don't make dumb mistakes on exams because they add up. If you didn't take AP Chem, don't be hesitant about taking his class, but know that you have to be putting in much more time than those that took AP chem.

This class, to me, was a bit challenging to adjust to since I did not have a great AP chemistry teacher in high school. Nevertheless, I find Lavelle's style of teaching helpful to me and I find myself understanding and liking chemistry more after taking the class. Although his tests are not easy (somewhat tricky because he LOVES his conceptual questions), you'll do fine if you prepare well. I'd advise to do all the HW he gives out and know important concepts. Like other people have said, the class is somewhat based on the effort you put in to learn the material. Although he goes fast in his lectures, Lavelle gives LOTS of tutoring and review sessions.

Tough class but REPETITION of the homework problems will lead to success in Lavelle's class. And make sure to do every single homework problem because that actually can make the difference for tests since each one has a question from the homework. It's a time consuming process but the good thing is that it's a simple formula to follow. Lavelle is a great lecturer and he genuinely cares about the success of ALL students in his class. Take his class you'll learn a lot. Live Love Lavelle <3

If you want to really learn, then I suggest taking him. If you want to get an A+ through memorization, look for another prof. his tests are pretty tough which means he expects his students to actually study and immerse themselves with the topic. he has a lot of tutoring and thats great. he is also very HAPPY! ALWAYS!!!

I don’t understand all of the reviews on here. Professor Lavelle is an amazing professor. The amount of resources he provides for his students is unlike anything I have seen in my life. He is a happy guy and literally spends his free time on “Chemistry Community” helping students. I wouldn’t say his tests are “easy,” but I would certainly say that if you do all the homework problems, you’ll have a fine time getting between a B+ — A+. My description of this class is that it’s literally your own fault if you don’t get the grade you want. Don’t blame Lavelle.

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HE RUINED MY LIFE!!!! (from a 3rd year)