Vladimir Birman
4 courses · 19 reviews
Courses
All Reviews
Chem 358 is a super fun class, so if you're interested in organic synthesis, take it. The class is essentially run by the TAs, but Dr. Birman is a core resource when working on your project. As long as your science is good and you do your best, you'll be just fine grade-wise. (Also, don't worry if you don't finish your project...most people don't.)
12/20/2023
This is a difficult advanced lab class that is meant as a preparation for graduate level work. Don't take just to satisfy advanced lab or writing intensive requirement especially if you are a premed. Overall Birman is a genius who can struggle sometimes to simplify things down to an undergraduate level, as English is not his first language.
12/18/2023
The lab was so disorganized. At the beginning of the semester, you would have no idea what you were doing in lab until you got to the class that day, and then you'd receive barely any instruction and were expected to perform the lab perfectly. By the second half of the semester, Dr. Birman would disappear from the class after five minutes.
12/10/2023
A must take class for every WashU student! This class will make your college life complete:D LOL
6/12/2019
Vlad is the worst professor I've ever had at WashU. His grading is inconsistent, his tests are absurdly difficult and downright unfair. I got a 36 out of 100 on a test once and that was an A. Avoid taking a class with him at all costs
5/23/2019
Birman himself has a good sense of humor. He sometimes makes leaps in lecture that are difficult to follow but make sense after further explanation. To succeed in the class, make sure you really have all the material in the textbook down. Once you do, work on as many practice problems as possible. The final grade is curved pretty generously.
5/21/2018
He clearly wants (and attempts) to help students but falls short. Lectures follow the Wade text closely so it's best to go through the book too. The only way to do well however is with practice tests and problem sets because lectures alone will NOT prepare you for his exam questions. His lack of partial credit makes the class very hard.
5/15/2018
As a chemistry major I had passion and interest in orgo until Birman. His lecture ranks the worst I have ever had. He once posted practice problem answer keys on the day of the exam, literally less than 6 hours before the actual exam started. The forth exam had an average of 27 out of 100. Think twice if you want to take his class.
4/27/2018
It may seem like 262 is more memorization, but there is actually application written in the test. Problem solving through piecing together syntheses is one example. It's best to read and take notes on the textbook, and use the lecture notes as a supplement with extra syntheses. Was not too bad, if you are willing to read.
4/25/2018
Birman seems to have good intentions, and is kind. However, he could improve his organization, clarity, and insight into what organic chemistry is like for a student. Practice work was given very sporadically, which really hurts a student's chance to practice the confusing class material on their own.
4/16/2018
Prof. Birman seems to be a smart guy who loves chemistry, but he is unable to give a lecture in a way that can be understood by students. He's also actively rude. Do absolutely everything you can to avoid taking his class!
3/2/2018
i managed to pull an A off in this class, but dont let anyone tell you differently, this guy is hard as hell.
3/17/2011
He might know chemistry, but he cannot teach. Who is he talking to? Not the students. (I bet he has friends in his head that he is talking to.) Just memorize everything he says in class, and then pray. You might pass.
12/13/2010
The only B I have received in my entire life. He spends the entire class staring at the blackboard. And if anyone asks him a question, he seems incapable of understanding/answering it. Horrible class. I don't understand how anyone can rate him as a good teacher. Brilliant chemist. Exams basically all synthesis.
12/8/2010
This is crazy...Birman is terrible. He is telling us to just memorize and you will do well. Last year we were taught to learn and apply material and that is all gone. Organic has to be better than this.
4/26/2010
The difficulty of this class should not undermine his competence as a teacher; Granted the time commitment is very significant, but he is a very considerate person who will go to lengths to make sure you understand the concepts
4/22/2010
He sucks.. his teaching is okay but sometimes hard to understand and if you ask any question in class he'll start shouting at you. He has no hard and fast rules about grading. he'll deduct your points whenever he wants to. Do not ever take his class.
5/28/2004