Professor Portmess Reviews
Class Ratings
Prof: Portmess / Spring 2021
Oct 13, 2021
Hardest class I’ve ever taken and my only B at UF so far. Exams are made to upset you, not test you on actual content. You could study for weeks for an exam and still get a horrible grade just because they’re so unpredictable and unfair. Even if you have a good work ethic, you can get a bad grade. Grade mainly resides in his opinion of you, so post in the discussion board a lot or go to office hours if they’re available.
Despite his failings as a professor, do everything that Portmess talks about in his lectures and do every supplemental assignment available.
Anyone but Portmess
Class Ratings
Professor Rating
Prof: Portmess / Fall 2023
Dec 9, 2023
It's really easy to pass. There is a massive curve because the exams are impossible. It is so much material and the exams are very specific making them nearly impossible. Do all of the review exams, all of the LTPs, follow the LTP pacing, do the Not Graded Quizzes, and use the discussion board. He will give some arbitrary extra points based on your participation in these things.
I did not like him as a lecturer. Very nice and caring, but his LTPs were not helpful in all honesty.
Study Edge only takes you so far but can help.
Class Ratings
Professor Rating
Class Ratings
Professor Rating
Prof: Portmess / Fall 2021
Dec 21, 2021
This course was very tough to get through, but don't worry about your grade too much, he has a very high pass rate (like above 90%).
This professor is very hard, but it can be worth it in the end. Especially if you are pre-med and need to take the MCAT or similar test in the future. Apparently, he is so hard/in depth that it makes the organic portion of the test seem simple. Also, helpful to get the great background before biochem. I was not a fan of his teaching style. You were expected to watch lectures at home, and you went into class to review the material. He didn't always match up the class to the lectures, and he rarely explained the topics that he expected you to already know, so it was easy to fall behind.
Do the practice problems. He gives a lot, but they are worth it.
Class Ratings
Prof: Portmess / Fall 2021
Nov 4, 2021
Rough, pushes you to be the best you can be or you end up sinking. The layout is mildly confusing and exam averages will probably scare you
Don't worry
Class Ratings
Prof: Portmess / Fall 2021
Nov 22, 2021
The class itself is very hard. The combination of the amount and complexity of content can be daunting, but starting practice problems early will 100% help you out.
Very useful and will have certain things ingrained in my head until the day I die (King/Queen, reactivity staircase)
The absolute best professor I have had thus far. Is very dedicated and will help you, if you seek it out.
Do everything that he mentions. Those that struggle are those that lose motivation and give up. He makes an effort to pass those that are showing a sliver of effort. Post on the discussion board and make sure he starts to know your name.