CHEM 1410

I took Metcalf first semester and then switched to Leung for spring semester. THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. When I took Metcalf's class, he would always focus more on the math aspects of chemistry (since he is more interested in p-chem than gen chem) and it was always very difficult to approach him during office hours because it seemed like he didn't really care about whatever questions his students had.
With Leung, at first it took some time to get used to his accent, but getting passed that his lectures were more informative and engaging than Metcalf's ever were. He is very passionate about the subject matter and, even though on the surface he doesn't show it, he really does care about the success of his students. Sometimes he'll make snide remarks during lecture, but he's only trying motivate his student to work as hard as they can (and tries to be funny at the same time lol). His office hours were the thing that helped me the most. He seemed a bit unapproachable, but after a while, if you made the effort to show up to office hours, were eager to improve in the course and got to know him for who he is, he really is one of the most helpful professors ever. His lectures also helped me prepare for organic chemistry (for all you pre-meds out there) the next year because the format of his course is very similar to that of Professor Serbulea's Orgo class. So: if you like math, then take Metcalf, but if you are willing to work hard (and get what you put into the class) and learn in depth about chemistry take Leung.

I have faced many terrible teachers in my lifetime, but my parents always taught me to be respectful to even the worst of lecturers. It is very, very difficult for me not to say something absolutely horrible about my experience with Professor Leung's classes. Being from a foreigner family myself, the accent wasn't too big of a deal, though it was difficult at times. In a nutshell, everything wrong with Leung was stated in the review below. However, though the person below me thought this was all "acceptable" on the part of Professor Leung, I (as well as 75% of the class) thought otherwise. I got an A in the classes, but it took about 15 hours of studying per week. And to put it in perspective, I am a very fast worker, former Valedictorian, and had no trouble with the rest of my 18 credit schedule either semester.

Leung is the reason I switched to Law. The Science dept. at UVa is weak in general, favoring the kids who "just get science naturally" rather than those like me who have to work hard to understand the material.
Professors like Leung are for my friend who rushed and pledged a fraternity, didn't sleep for 2 days, never studied, and got 2 straight tests and 100 on the final.

Don't believe me? Check the grade chart.

Please, take Metcalf. Or better yet, get AP credit. Or better yet, don't do science at this school if you're not naturally gifted in science.

Despite how hard this class is Prof. Leung is a good teacher. He does teach everything you need to know but the material is not gone over as much as perhaps a hard subject should be gone over but it's up to you to read the textbook and go in depth.
I took AP Chem and got credit but took this class for med school. Because I had background knowledge I definitely did not study as much as I should of- for example I didn't read the textbook and studied the night before. So don't underestimate this class!
My suggestion for this class is definitely read the textbook (even if it's on an easy subject like type of molecules- trust me, read it), definitely use ALEKS as a study tool and not just homework you have to get through, and I suggest reading the textbook before class. Though I've never talked to Leung personally I know from other people that is he definitely approachable and is in his office until late at night and you can drop by and get one-on-one help any time.
For all you pre-meds out there, Leung used to write for the MCATs which is why he stresses concepts over the chemistry math portion.

This class is challenging, as many people have pointed out. However, if you keep up with the material and make sure to ask questions when you have them, there is no reason that you should be doing poorly. The tests are straight forward if you understand all of the concepts from lecture (doesn't test outside of lecture). There are always 2-3 tricky questions, but if you take your time, the tests are simple. If you do Aleks, come to discussion, and get MOST clicker questions right, that gives you a 30% buffer on your grade. Weeklies are open-note. That's why there is no curve needed. Assuming you do all of these things, an 86% is an A-.
Now, if you plan on memorizing and not retaining the actual science behind the concepts you learn, good luck.

Leung is horrible... If you don't understand the material, it's not his problem and he doesn't worry about it. He doesn't curve the final, and discussions are fairly pointless.

Everyone always complains about Professor Leung's class, but I think that he is an excellent teacher. If you stay on top of the reading and really practice and get the ALEKS done early on, you will do well.

Leung gets so much undeserved hate, but he is actually a really great professor. I have never been good at chemistry, and tbh this class was the bane of my existence this fall b/c it took a lot of time for the material to click with me (as I'm sure was the case for a lot of people) and my grades were not reflecting the effort I was putting in. But listen carefully and take Leung's advice!! He wants everyone to succeed and believes that the way to do that is putting in the work (and he's right). If you're coming in with a weak chemistry background, do work ahead of time or enjoy the living hell that will become your first semester. It's imperative that you don't give up. Seek him out for support and guidance if you're on the verge of giving up - I was and he gave me an amazing pep talk and I managed to end the semester with a grade I'm happy with despite basically failing everything during the first half of the semester.

Leung is arrogant and frankly very bitter about his life. He has a reputation for caring about his students, but in reality he discourages students in all aspects. He is the true man behind the concept of "weeding out" as he makes sure than anyone who is unsure about chemistry or premed will walk away from the subject after taking his course, unless chemistry comes naturally to you. Would not recommend Leung if you're looking for a fresh start, motivation, or an actual professor who will teach the content.

Also ALEKS will consume your life. DO NOT FALL BEHIND ON IT.

Just DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HIM. He is determined to ruin your life. First, his accent is so thick that I sometimes just get zoned out of the lecture. Second, ALEKS will surely kill you if you fall behind it; even if you typed the right answer, you sometimes get it wrong, which will infuriate you and just get rid of all your interest you had in Chemistry. this was the worst class I've ever taken at UVA, even worse than history classes.

Professor Leung is a phenomenal instructor! He cares so much about his students, and he truly wants us to learn the material! Many people complain about the online HW associated with Chemistry. However, I think it is the best way to REALLY learn the material. The software is specific to YOU which is so awesome because you are able to go at your own pace. Yes, this class is challenging but it is definitely "do-able" if you are willing to put in the time & energy. The best advice I was given before taking this class is was to visit Professor Leung early in the semester, and regularly attend his office hours! Not only is he very easy to talk to, but also he is an incredible resource throughout the semester/for the future!