Second the reviews given here! Dr. Liu was incredibly caring since it was his first time teaching this class I think it will be even better the next time he teaches. The 3 problem sets were pretty extensive but I think the tradeoff for not having midterms is pretty good and the class felt like you were getting out what you were putting in. I think it was super manageable with the other 3 classes I was taking and research and the week long final that we had was also not too bad and I could fit it in after I was done with my other finals.

I think the only disclaimer is brush up on molecular orbitals because that is literally what this class is: using symmetry to make molecular orbitals and what results we may obtain with this. Deriving MO diagrams was introduced week 1 and stayed up until even the final :)

Also, here is the grading breakdown he used with our class: A+, > 100; A, 95~99.5; A-, 90~94.5; B+, 85~89.5; B, 80~84.5; B-, 75~79.5; C+, 70~74.5; C, 65~69.5; C-, 60~64.5; D/F, < 60. Each problem set was 20 points each (60 total) and final was 40 points. There were 2 points of extra credit given for completing surveys (as well as .5 bonus points possible on each pset) and honestly the grading was pretty light- I was never stressed about my grade.

Would definitely take a class with him again!

Disclaimer: Taken during COVID

This quarter was his first time teaching 172/C172, and I couldn't have asked for a better professor. He breaks down concepts in a way that makes it easier to understand (less linear algebra heavy) and is honest when he doesn't know the complete answer to something. He encourages questions and he is never condescending about it so it was easier to clear up any confusion that I had.

As for the class structure, I think it is similar to his other classes where he uploads the slides before class and uses Slido for anonymous questions during lecture.The lectures complemented the problem sets very well in that the applications are clear and straightforward. There are 3 problem sets, 1 final, and we were given around 2 weeks to finish the assignments. In my opinion, the assignments can be a little bit tough and time consuming, but some of us would go over the answers together so study groups are highly recommended. The TAs I had prepared review slides and practice questions during discussion so I never felt like I was behind.

Overall, his reviews for the other classes he taught are accurate. He was very receptive to our comments or concerns and it was apparent that he cared about his students. He taught everything he said he would, and all the content he tested for was covered thoroughly in lecture. I would take this class again and whatever other classes Professor Liu teaches!

Dr. Liu is the goat! His exams were straightforward , and he was very open to suggestions. Also, you weren’t required to attend discussion because they didn’t take attendance so that was an added bonus.

Chong is the best, his tests are 100% fair. All his guidelines for the midterms and even the final are basically the exact test he just changes the numbers. So as long as you put some effort into getting the practice midterms he posts then you'll get an A. He also gives like 8 bonus points on the tests.

I am honestly shocked by how great of a professor Chong Liu was. I was in Lavelle's 14B class for a good amount of time, and Prof. Liu's lectures were far more clear, his expectations far better expressed, and his tests far more fair.

Plenty of opportunity to miss class and skip the iClicker, just not to a crazy amount. Discussion is optional, which is awesome.
Tests are very similar to discussion worksheets and practice exam material. No textbook required, but could be good to look over if you already have it or can borrow from a friend.

The grade is broken down strictly into exams and iClicker out 350 Points:

iClicker = 75 points
Four, 10 minute quizzes = 25 points each (lowest is dropped) - 75 points total
Two midterms = 50 points each
Final Exam = 100 points

Liu really cared about the learning that we did in class - and constantly gave us more material to practice with - practice midterms, weekly worksheets etc. His presentations are great to work with after class. Do the worksheets, because they are slightly harder than the actual exams, so if you clearly understand what's in the worksheets, the exams should be a breeze. His clicker questions are a great check to see if you understand what's on the slides. Do the practice midterms and finals PROPERLY because the actual exams follow the same format so you will find it easier and faster to finish the exam. He is a really great teacher and you should take him if you can!

Honestly, I came into the class worried about 14B especially since Liu was a new teacher. However, I'm glad to have taken this class over any other teacher. What you get on Liu's tests are pretty much what he makes you practice during clickers and discussion worksheets. He gives practice midterms and finals which are very representative of the material on the tests. It's easy to consistently score high just by reading the lecture slides and looking through clicker questions, which he uploads online.

He's approachable and very receptive to student feedback. Also he gives extra credit to pad your grade. The best thing is that you make up clicker points by emailing him your explanations for them. Additionally, the midterms are only 50 minutes with plenty of time left for you to check your work!

Dr. Liu is a very humble and caring professor. For his first time teaching this course, I think he did an awesome job. He made the content very easy to understand. He is soft-spoken so it could be hard to understand what he is lecturing about during class. I recommend sitting in the front during lecture. His midterms and final are very similar to the practice midterms and final. He also hosts a lot of office hours during the week so if you can't make it to one, you're bound to make it to another session. His discussion worksheets are very hard but the midterms and finals are not like the worksheets. The clicker questions are based on accuracy which is annoying but helpful so you actually try to get the right answers during lecture.

Liu legitimately cares about his students' understanding of the material and tries his best to address student concerns. I came in with no Chemistry experience, and a nasty 14A grade and I did better than I thought I would. Professor Liu offers many resources for students seeking extra help and has very extensive office hours for busy students. He uploads all of this lecture slides in advance and his practice worksheets and tests are very similar to the real thing. On top of this, he offered extra credit problems on the midterms and finals

I honestly had a really tough time in this class and a bunch of breakdowns. Professor Liu is a really sweet guy, but I didn't really like how fast he lectured and I didn't think he made much sense at times. I did well in the class at first, but I started doing extremely poorly on quizzes and exams towards the end, and I hated my TA. I wish I was able to attend more of his office hours because I probably would have been able to get a better grade, but I personally struggle with conceptual stuff, and Professor Liu made 14B more conceptual than I thought it should have been in my opinion