Dear Christ was this class difficult. I took Thermodynamics with Harman because I loved the first semester of the 1800s series and because I knew I needed to brush up on the concepts this class covers. However, I DO NOT recommend taking it unless you are a chemistry major. Even if you are a chemistry major, it may just be easier to take the 1400s equivalent for this course.

Harman operated relatively similarly to how he did in 1810, where there were 3 exams each worth 25%, while problem sets were the final 25%. He claims that he grades the problem sets partially on accuracy partially on completion; however, I found that everyone received automatic 100s for them. He also continued to do half back on exams and curve at the end of semester. So overall I will admit his grading for Thermo was VERY forgiving.

But I struggled so much more with Thermo than I did in 1810. Everyone in the class is pretty advanced at Chemistry as a significant amount of people have dropped the 1800s series by this semester. Additionally, I found a fair amount of Harman's teaching to be difficult to understand and apply to questions actually on his exams. Most of the exam questions were incredibly hard and like in 1810 he does not really run questions like those on the exam in class. Even the problem set questions were not quite the same. The only thing that helped practice for the exam were the practice exams he sends out.

There are only two reasons I think someone should take this course. First, if you are a chemistry major going into Physical Chemistry, as I believe a lot of the concepts transfer over especially for Physical Chemistry II. Second, if you want to finish out the 1800s series with the people you have been taking it with over the last two years. I do love the community we built throughout the years and even though this class put me through it, I was with so many awesome people.

If it's taught by Dean Harman, do I even have to comment? Awesome finish to the 80s series.

Very difficult material. Great teacher. Go to office hours.

Harman is a wonderful lecturer and he really cares about his students. However, there is no partial credit on the tests. Problem sets are also important, but if you go to his office hours he will basically tell you whether or not your answer is right.

Harman is an awesome professor. If you can make it to the end of the 80's series, he makes it worth the work. Most dedicated professor I've had, he gets tests back quickly with no TAs, will meet with you personally if you have problems, and is genuinely interested in seeing you pass with a good grade. Also has plenty of stories (chem related and not) to keep what could be a pretty dry subject interesting.

Amazing class. Prof Harman is engaging and funny. His material is a little difficult but is very interesting. Clearly only take this if you're already in the 80s series. A great class to finish 4 tough semesters.

All the problem sets are group work and you can just meet with Harman and he gives all the answers. There is no partial credit on the tests but you can get half your points back if you correct all your answers.

no TA.
no Textbook.
If you are not the top ten in 80s series, should drop this class.

After some rough orgo sections, this is a class most 80s kids look forward too. Professor Harman is, as always, a fantastic professor. He is very accessible, definitely utilize his office hours to go over problem sets to make sure you are on the right track (he even give answers!). No textbook, so go to class and stay engaged.

The class was enjoyable and Harman is a great teacher. The only problem was that he did not give partial credit on tests even though the error could be small or calculation based. So that gave me a lower grade than I wanted.