Western Kentucky University / B / Stuart Burris
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
True/False: 5
Multiple Choice: 27
Matching: 2
Fill in the Blank: 10
Essays: 11
Problem Solving: 30
Mandatory Final: 30
Cumulative Final: 28
Textbook Required: 24
Extra Credit: 23
Attendance Required: 16
33 Total Evaluations
CHEM-222 : Gen Chem Two - Posted 2/16/2016
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Burris is probably one of the hardest professors I ever had. He explains things, but not in depth. During class, the examples on the board would be easy and the online homework was ridiculously hard. The exams were half multiple choice (very confusing) and problem solving. If you can, I would advise another professor if you could.
CHEM-111 : Intro To Forensic Chemistry - Posted 4/2/2013
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This course can be a bit of a challenge, but Dr. Burris makes it fun. He is willing to go out of his way to help you if you don't understand something. His attendance isn't mandatory. But as long as you come to class and review the notes you'll do just fine. It's a great class. Not too in depth on formulas and things, a lot more focus on the forensics, it's a very interesting and fun way to knock out a gen ed.
CHEM-120 : Gen Chem I - Posted 4/12/2012
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Burris provides a very unique way of teaching. Instead of the traditional lecture/quiz/test course, he teaches through daily worksheets called "Active Learning Exercises" that he composes himself. The class is divided up into teams that decipher these ALEs and direct unanswered questions to him. It forces you to work and understand the class thoroughly, without feeling like you are over-exerting yourself. His sparse lectures and/or answers to questions are very understandable and helpful. I would venture to guess that a lot of the bad reviews on here are from people who don't do well without an abundance of teacher/student interaction, so if you are one of those people, I would consider another professor. I personally would take him from every chemistry class I could otherwise.
CHEM-120 : College Chem 1 - Posted 1/12/2012
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
No matter who you take for this course, its going to be difficult. You cover so much material in so little you time you have to make sure you know the material to succeed. However, I would recommend Dr. Burris over any other Chem teacher for ANY CHEM CLASS. He is awesome! He offers so much extra credit to help your grade. I carried an a up until the final and didnt do so hot, an a is very managable and he is always available to answer questions. He teaches his class a little differently, you must teach the subject to yourself, but this is definitely a class that works well with that type of learning. He will lecture over things that a lot of the class is having trouble with but for the most part you teach yourself. There are so many points available in class, its so easy to do well.
CHEM-121 : - Posted 11/8/2011
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This guy is the biggest dumbass in the world. The first day of class he hands us his "ALE's" and says if you have any questions ask him (without explaining anything). He DID NOT teach us one single time. Take Pesterfield if you want your GPA to stay up. This guy is condescending, literally does not teach at all, you will have no idea if you are getting the material right becuase when he "checks" the ALE's he just goes through and puts a stamp on them without reading them (I should know I watched him do this everytime we handed them in), and when you take the tests he puts things on there we never went over on the ALE's. Good luck to anyone brave enough to take him. Oh and you can get the book, and that may help you, but you will spend hours on end trying to understand things once you get to the more advanced things.
CHEM-330 : Quant. - Posted 8/12/2011
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I did not dislike Dr. Burris as a person, but I did not enjoy his teaching style. It is all powerpoints and a couple of work out problems here and there. Being that chemistry test are mostly work out problems, it did not help that the notes were all slides and not really problems.
CHEM-101 : Intro Chemistry - Posted 1/20/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
BEST. CLASS. EVER. Hands down.
Dr. Burris' class is amazing. I took this as a Winter term class, and it was by far the easiest class I have ever had (and I studied abroad in Amsterdam for a Summer term once.) He gave us the material a week early, which was great. You only have to accumulate 900 points to get an A, and there is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 points offered.
The labs were super fun and really easy. I did them all in my kitchen using common household chemicals. Lots of fun.
If Chem 101 fulfills your requirement for that category, you have GOT to take this class, either as a winter term or a summer term.
CHEM-101 : Intro To Chemistry - Posted 12/16/2009
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This course could have been so much better, its mostly the fact that the book is horrible. It doesnt teach chemistry like your use to it trys to go real world examples on you but does not work. Dr. Burris is a great person he is very funny and willing to explain anything but he makes his quizzes complicated. By the way you have open book online assignments which are straight from the text, and seven in class quizzes. The final covers all the quizzes and is questions from them so its easy. I would suggest him for people who like chemistry.
CHEM-222 : Chem 2 - Posted 5/27/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is hard, I mean it just is. Dr. Burris really helps you out a lot though. TAKE HIM!!! He offers like a 1,000 points which is helpful in any class. And there is a little bit of extra credit worked in too, like you have 3 quizzes and 7 homeworks which total 215 points, but he takes it out of 200. The tests are hard. I always did fine on the math problems, but make sure to study the material too because i always did terrible on the multiple choice. He grades with a curve, a 67 is a C and the final can boost your grade up a whole letter grade depending on how you do on it. But dont bother with the study guide he gives you, it doesnt help at all. This class isnt fun no matter who you take it with, but Dr. Burris trys to help as much as he can. He is always available to ask questions. Take Dr. Burris!
CHEM-120 : College Chemistry I - Posted 3/29/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
If you put in the effort, this class isn't that bad. Dr. Burris is an absolutely amazing teacher-- he knows his stuff and he especially knows how to relay the information; I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to take either CHEM 120 or 222. His tests are difficult but easier if you are prepared. He has a study session before every test where he personally answers questions you have in a small group-type setting. He really is a great teacher.
CHEM-120 : College Chemistry I - Posted 8/27/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Burris is one of the most helpful professors I've had at WKU. He is always willing to help out a struggling student -- as he holds Q&A sessions at least once a week. He is great to be in class with, mainly because his spontaneous actions and jocular personality made the class interesting. But don't let his personality fool you, as his class isn't a breeze. Even though points aren't deducted for abscences, everyday you miss is a large leap towards a failing grade. The material he covers in class is on the tests, and even the multiple choice are rather difficult. Take advantage of the class time he offers to give examples and ask questions, and buy the book -- it was helpful. Work the recommended problems he gives; they help out a great deal when it comes test/quiz time. This class isn't easy, nor was it intended to be. I went in thinking it would be, since I had three chemistry classes before while in high school, but I was proven wrong in a very short amount of time. I highly recommend Dr. Burris for CHEM 120. He gives you a small taste of what's to come for you Chemistry majors/minors or Pre-Med, etc students.
CHEM-120 : - Posted 5/7/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
DONT TAKE THIS GUY!!!! He is a great professor but his exams are IMPOSSIBLE to get a decent grade on. I got a C on the 1st test b/c I had a subscript error and got ONE question wrong!!!!
CHEM-120 : College Chem. I - Posted 5/5/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Burris is awesome. If you think Chemistry is interesting at all and you're taking this class, take Burris if you can! He's young and funny, he does demonstrations on one or two days in class that are awesome. He let us out early often and his grading system is one of the most generous I've seen for the chem 120 classes. He does tons of examples in class and offers a Q&A session at least once a week. Go ask questions, he is very approachable and won't make you feel stupid for asking a simple question.
CHEM- : Intro To Chemistry - Posted 4/16/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Mr. Burris is probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met, but his class is ridiculous. It's introduction to Chemistry and I feel like I'm taking a class for honors students. The average as of now in the class is failing. I've never had a class where the quizzes that are given in class are worth 100 pts, which is ridiculous. His online quizzes and in class labs are worth 10 pts each, but they don't really matter when everyone is failing the in class quizzes. None of the things he talks about in class are on the quizzes and he never really completely answers any questions you have. It seemed that he was more concerned with getting through the book in time, instead of if we actually learned the material. I definantly would not recommend him. I was an A and B student all through high school and up untill taking this class, if that tells you anything.
CHEM-330 : Quantitative Chemical Analysis - Posted 2/16/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Quant is hard and painful. Take the professor that will make it the least painful, and that's Dr. Burris.
CHEM-330 : Quantitative Analysis - Posted 12/18/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
If you have to take this class, be sure to take it with Dr. Burris. He is an amazing guy and an amazing professor! However, Quant is an extremely hard class, and this is no joke. If you are gonna be busy all the time, don't take the class. If some weeks you don't want to spend 8 hours in lab, don't take the class. If you don't want to prepare everynight for Quant, don't take the class.
The material is hard I don't care who you have. But if you must take it, take it with Dr. Burris. He gives extra credit, and his door is always (and I mean always) open.
The final is an ACS final so it is much easier than the tests. Lab was fun, it just took a lot of time.
If you are up for the challenge, this class is for you, BUT TAKE IT WITH DR. BURRIS!!!!!
CHEM-330 : Quantitative Analysis - Posted 12/12/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Quant itself is a really challenging course but Dr. Burris helped make it more manageable. He offered extra credit quizzes online, which can help out A LOT. He is EXTREMELY helpful whenever you come see him about a problem or concept you don't understand. While he has to somewhat rush through the material in class, he really is always willing, one-on-one, to explain it more thoroughly or go through step by step if necessary.
CHEM- : Chemistry 120 - Posted 5/9/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Burris was nice. His test and quizzes were hard though. If you are not that good with chemistry, than I wouldnt take him. He goes really fast, like you are supposed to know everything already. He does give problems online that arent too difficult and you could probably get and easy 100 on it. But the only thing about it is his test are like 175 points. so the little 25pt online problems and 20pt quizzes dont mean to much if you dont do well on the test.
CHEM-120 : - Posted 4/27/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
CHEM-120 : - Posted 4/12/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr.Burris is an amazing teacher that seems to really care about his students. The text book isn't really required because all his notes are on power point and are really easy to understand. He's teaches at a moderate pace, but if you fall behind he is willing to help you. I would highly recommend him to anyone taking chemistry.
CHEM-222 : Inorganic Chemistry - Posted 1/13/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class will never be easy, but Burris tries very hard to make it bearable. He will push you further than other professors would, but it gives you a better understanding of the material if you can manage to keep up with things. He's really funny, he likes to joke about how excruciating the class is, and he goes above and beyond the call of a professor to make sure students understand everything. I camped out in his office at least twice a week, and he was always nothing but helpful. Be wary, though: he has a peculiar way of talking students into majoring or minoring in chem (I'm now double majoring in bio and chem thanks to him). I recommend him to anyone and everyone; in my opinion, he has to be one of the best professors employed by WKU.
CHEM-222 : Inorganic Chem Ii - Posted 12/20/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is very difficult. However, Dr. Burris is amazing. He is by far my favorite teacher at WKU. He is hard and he pushes you to succeed, which is what we need. He was constantly helping me when I needed it. (A LOT). He is hilarious and anyone with a good sense of humor will get along great with him. He is super smart and he has really mase an impact on me. I believe he has even convinced me to take Quant. With him teaching, I will not be worried. If you are looking for a good teacaher and a good person...Dr. Burris is the one to take.
CHEM-101 : Honors Intro To Chem - Posted 12/11/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Burris is a great teacher! He really cares about his students and is there for help anytime you need it. His class basically consists of lectures with power points but he posts them on blackboard so you have easy access to it. I highly recommend taking him.
CHEM-120 : - Posted 10/3/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is very good and is interesting too. He isnt real boring. Almost all of his notes were powerpoint slides and they were on blackboard so you can print them off. There are quizzes but they are pretty easy and help you to learn the stuff. You should take him.
CHEM-120 : General Inorganic 1 - Posted 5/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Burris is amazing! He is a fun and charismatic professor. You will absolutly love his lectures...he is really funny. He tells you to study for 3 hours between classes...you need to do that. His tests are very hard, but if you study...you will do fine! Do the famous scientists...they help so much!! Study his old exams that he posts and try to do good on the homework and quizzes, they help your grade. I had such a hard time with chemistry in 116, but Dr. Burris explains things so well and is always available to talk. If you study and ask questions...you will make an A or B...no doubt. Take Burris...you will be pleased.
CHEM-120 : Chemistry 120 Inorganic 1 - Posted 3/18/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Burris is a great teacher. There are a few things I have to say about chem 120. Even though it is an introductory course, IT IS NOT EASY. Ok? Don't expect to be able to breeze through it. On the first day, Burris will tell you to study 2 hours a day. Do it. Thats how I made an A. You're in college now, act like it. His grading scale his very generous, an 88 is an A. Take Burris, he's always willing to help.
CHEM-120 : General College Chemistry I - Posted 12/22/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This guy is hilarious!! He expressions reminds me of Johnny Deep off Pirates of the Caribian. He is a great teacher and gives PLENTY of extra credit, about 50-70 points out of 1000 total. The test have 170 points on them and he takes it out of 150. The final was very hard and cummulative, the average was 50%. You need to study atleast 6 hours+ a week even if you have a very high chem background. Great course, you will learn alot. But if you don't need to take it, don't. You'll fail if you don't attend class. Most everyone got a A or B. Stupid people failed.
CHEM-120 : Intro To College Chemistry - Posted 10/18/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Burris is a great guy. He is funny, intelligent and very nice. He makes you really want to do well in his class. He does experiments that are really neat as examples in class. He gives a lot of extra credit, honestly. He is a chemist that understands exactly what he is talking about and explains it in a way that would be good if I had a great chemistry background (he refers back to physics (sp?) alot). I visited his office at least 2-3 times a week for help. I really hate that I had to audit his class. The thing is that because he is so brilliant his tests absolutely blow your mind. The problems he gives you to work out on the test are what I have nightmares about. His tests are the hardest I have ever seen.
CHEM-222 : College Chemistry Ii - Posted 9/7/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Burris is an excellent instructor. He is helpful always, he is very difficult and be prepared to study. Its worth it though he provided you with such a good background in chemistry. Listen and take advantage of his knowledge on the subject and enthusiasm.
CHEM-120 : College Chemistry I - Posted 5/12/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Yes, I got the A but just barely... Dr. Burris tells you at the very beginning that you earn your grade, and he's not kidding! This class is not for those who expect their effort to be only at a high school level. I have never studied or worked so hard for a class.
Dr. Burris is a great professor. He knows what he's talking about and is able to demonstrate this in his teaching. He also is willing to help you any time. Ask him questions. Visit his office. Remember, you paid to take this class...
I learned so much in this class and feel prepared for 222, but do NOT expect an A if you don't work for it. His notes are easy to follow, all posted on Blackboard along with supplemental handouts and old tests. You should use these to your advantage! The textbook is required as you have homework problems to turn in for each test. DO THEM! They are easy credit and help your grade in the long run.
Tests are multiple choice and problem solving, with an occasional essay. The multiple choice are not your ordinary ACT level questions. It takes a little knowledge and problem solving; few, if any, do not require to be solved. Problem solving questions can be real doozies. Again, practice with old tests and handouts.
No one told you college would be easy, and if they did, they probably weren't a science major...
CHEM-120 : College Chemistry I - Posted 4/21/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Burris is a pretty good teacher. He utilizes Blackboard fairly well. You can download the notes overheads and print them out so that instead of writing fast trying to get everything down and miss what he's saying, you can just write down the examples and stuff that he writes on the board. He has a problem set notebook, bout 25 problems for each test. Night tests on Thursdays. Tests are fairly difficult, some of the questions are a bit above what you learn in class. Definitely read the textbook. He's always willing to help though. He's great about office hours. His lecture keeps up with the material used in Lab (121) as well. Would recommend to anyone.
CHEM-120 : College Chem I - Posted 4/16/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is a difficult course. It is helpful to have some background in chemistry already. Attendance is required or he will drop you from the class, but you would be stupid not to go. If you miss more than 2 or 3 classes it is hard to catch up. He gives homework assignments but only collects them at test time, so you have plenty of time to do them. Do not wait until the last minute to do them. You will end up having questions, and get stuck. Ask questions as you are going along, or you won't understand later. Dr. Burris has an open-door policy, and is very willing to help. He explains things in a manner that is on your level, and uses visual examples a lot. I would take him again for other classes if he is offered.
CHEM-120 : College Chemistry 1 - Posted 10/29/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Burris is an excellent teacher. He's willing to help anytime he can. Sometimes he went through a section faster than I could keep up (maybe just because I was tired) because he doesn't want to fall behind. So drink some coffee before you go to class and don't goof off. I hate Chemistry, but it's required for my major and I'm doing pretty good in Burris's class, thus far. He also tries to make things a little fun and cracks some "so-stupid-they're-funny" jokes in class. I also have him for lab, where he's pretty lenient. He grades his tests fairly leniently also. And we never have class the day after an exam. Take Burris. (P.S. I specified "quantity of notes" as "overkill" and "difficulty of course" as "difficult", but that's just me)