I took 20A and 20B with this professor, and I would honestly say that he does not deserve all the bad reviews. Ok, so he is a boring and ineffective lecturer. So what? Its preparing for his tests that count the most, and his lectures (which are conceptual and derivative based) have little to do with his math-based problem solving tests. For me, it helped going to lecture to understand these concepts, but they don't work for everyone. In any case, you should ALWAYS read the chapters BEFORE class which really helps in understanding his lectures. Also, he doesn't grade homework, which means most people don't do it until right before the midterm. This puts you at a huge advantage, because just by doing the hw regularly you will put yourself ahead of half the class. His first midterm is always easier than the second, which is easier than the final. They are VERY challenging, but more than fair if you know how to study for them. Do all the problems from the chapter, not just the ones that he assigns. Especially do the "Additional Problems" section of every chapter. Also do the practice exams from previous years on VOH. More often than not, I have found that his test questions are almost exactly the same as those from previous exams or book problems. Yes, thats right; EXACTLY THE SAME! Its amazing how many people did so badly on his tests considering this fact. One last final tip; find the best TA and go to this TA's section every week (yes go every week) and go to their office hours to get explanations for the harder problems from the book. If you do all of this, there is no reason why you shouldn't get an A.

I think if you have a choice, you should definitely avoid Felker. He does not care whatsoever about his students and his class has been the worst class for me at UCLA. He doesn't care if you go to class or discussion, and says so immediately on the first day. His tests are all mathematical though he lectures only on the conceptual aspects of the textbook. I feel like I worked really hard in this class but still ended up with a fairly poor grade. If you do get Felker, I reccommend taking extra care studying the mathematical aspects of the chapters and going to Covel tutoring. However, if you have a choice, avoid Felker at all costs. He is extremely dismissive and uncaring about his students.

It has been 5 years since Felker taught Chem 20A, and I would say he is pretty okay. He is a bit overrated here on bruinwalk in terms of difficulty. This class was a surprising outcome. I failed both midterms, and did enough to get a B- (I honestly expected a C or lower), so I was satisfied. This class is a weeder class, and it isn't as bad as you hear it to be. Felker knows his material, but the only flaw might be in his teaching/grading style. He assigns homework, but it's not collected/due, ever. That throws people off, like me, and most people, like me, tend to not do the homework until midterms or the final approach. My advice is to start early and maybe resort to Scerri's course reader, if you know a few friends who took him. The book is not amusing, so that course reader will help simplify some concepts and what-not. I soooo wish I looked at how to do mass percentages and empirical/molecular formulas earlier... oh well.. The midterms were much easier than you might expect. I failed them (practically) by not understanding the material until after the tests was over. The solutions manual is helpful. Go to his lectures, or at least try to, and check out the different T.A.'s. Some of them go over the material in the book, or help you understand things more, others will just suck.. Felker's tests are mostly math/problem-solving based as opposed to Scerri's conceptual understanding, and going over Felker's past midterms and finals (Winter 05 and 10) will give you a feel for what his tests are like (although I'm pretty sure if you go look at the finals, the are so peculiarly similar). Tests are (curved, duh, and) also open book, with any calculator, and a cheat sheet for midterms, while having 3 for finals. Also, it would be nice to have a buddy or two to review the material. I was pretty ronery in class, so that sucked.. And try to get Covel Tutoring, or any other form or tutoring (AAP, Rieber Fireside drop-ins, so-on). The solutions manual is okay to have around. It would be in your best interest to have some sort of background in Chem. Remember, when you take 20A, you're stuck and can't flee to the 14 series. Good luck everyone, if he still teaches this class in the future. I'll post some extra advice or whatever if I remember.. So yeah, I haven't taken Chem since sophomore year of high school, but I passed, so I'm sure anyone can do it. This class is more like a physics class with the Quantum Mechanics emphasis. Never bothered to go to office hours, but who knows, it might help..

Also, the photo on Bruinwalk here is actually out-dated. Felker looks older (grey hair), no glasses, and his face is skinnier now.