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!