Best teacher I have had so far. If you are taking Chem 1036, take Preston Durrill's class. I had Trivedi first semester, and I think Durrill is much better. The tests are difficult, but it is definitely worth it for such a perfect professor. He always does demonstrations at the end of each lecture, and they are actually interesting.

Dr. Durrill is a very funny old man. Be prepared to laugh and enjoy his demonstrations. He communicates the information very clear, so I leave class believing I understood the material...unfortunately the tests show otherwise. you cannot rely on his lectures alone to help prepare for the tests, and be prepared for low class averages on the tests.

Pros: He's an amazing teacher, he's really funny and likes to do alot of demo's. Very nice guy, if you have a problem go talk to him and he'll always help you out. Review his past tests posted on Scholar! They are exactly like his real test

Cons: Test's are pretty tough, but he curves and his grading scale is lowered so just try to score around the class average and you'll be fine

Durril is the absolute man he knows his stuff and has been in the industry for a long time. he'll tell you things like if you were in the real world you could just look it up on google which is hilarious, the tests are pretty hard but thats because its a hard class they usually consist of 6 or so questions in 2 chapters. he gives a whole lot of partial credit so write down every little calculation you do so you can get the most out of it. you usually have a quiz every week on what you learned that week, he doesnt take attendance but you dont want to miss a class otherwise you get really far behind.

Dr. Durrill is an awesome professor. He always has a smile on his face and likes to joke around in class. Also, he gives great notes and wants to make sure that all students understand the concepts, not just how to solve a problem. Dr. Durrill will challenge you, but is always available to help and explain problem to prepare you for the challenge. He is definately the best professor I have ever had here at VT.

Pros: Experiments with every lecture

Cons: ARIS homework.

I may hate chemistry, but I loved Professor Durrill's classes. He's a funny little old man who really understands the material, and teaches in a way that makes sure you understand it too. He does experiments every lecture, blowing things up more often than not. It doesn't matter whether or not the experiment relates to class, though he will explain what he is doing, he just likes a little fire/destruction at the end of every class. He also passes on practical information, like how to fix over titration in lab (and over titrating will get you in trouble in lab). There is homework from the book every week, which you turn in to recitation, but if you don't understand it, they will work the problem out there. Also, Prof. Durrill has weekly help sessions will pretty much do the homework for you. There is also ARIS homework, which kinda sucks, but Durrill does the actual ARIS homework every week and emails out his hints/explanations of the problems, which makes it a lot easier. His tests are hard, but you take them at night, so you don't have to worry about time. He also posts previous tests with all of the answers worked out to study from. He is also extremely nice and accessible, he stays after every class to answer questions and help you out, and he never makes you feel stupid for not understanding something. Overall, he is an awesome teacher, even if you hate his subject.

He is the sweetest old man ever! He made some sort of demonstration every class to keep it not so boring. I hear he's not the easiest teacher but he only asks questions on test on stuff that he covers in class, you don't even need to read the chapter as long as you take notes and pay attention. If you don't understand anything he will help you through anything and everything during office hours.

Anyway, he is really fun and fair. He drops the lowest test grade and allows you to have a page of notes for the final, a whole page with anything you want to write on it!

As long as you come to class and study with the homework problems (that you don't need to turn in) you can get an A

He is an angel sent from heaven.

Prof. Durrill has an insane amount of office hours and will go so far as to walk you through every homework problem if you have the time and desire. However, the material can get difficult and the homework is time-consuming. I took the course as an engineering elective and would probably not recommend it just because it's extra work when it's outside your major. But if you want to be challenged by an amazing professor and have the time to devote to the class, then go for it!

Durrill is a nice old man who really keeps the class entertaining with his stories and demonstrations. The tests are usually very similar to the koofers, even with a few questions being exactly the same, so you should be prepared for what you will see on the exam if you just study the koofes. Also, the class was curved when I took it, so he may do this regularly which will really help come the end of the semester.

professor durrill is the best professor i have ever had! he really enjoys his job and really cares about his students...he has lots of office hours and will work with you as long as you need his help to understand the material...he'll help you with things besides classwork (like advising even if he is not your advisor)...i would recommend him to any student...so if u can (GET PROFESSOR DURRILL...HE'S THE BEST!)

Pros: Very seasoned professor, knows what he's talking about.

Does demonstrations in ever class to explain concepts

Tries hard to make chemistry interesting

Grading scale based off of class average for fairness

Curves final grade

Cons: No computerized notes, only writes notes in class on a blackboard

Tests are extremely difficult; but it evens out since he uses the class average to determine the grading scale.

He is a great professor. He is really funny and knows the material very well. He is really nice and will help you if you come into his office to talk to him. His test are directly from his notes and the quizzes are given between each of the test. Curves at the end of the semester so that the final class average meets the other Chemistry dept. teachers averages.

This guy is by far the best professor in the chemical engineering department. I rated his avalability as a 4 star because students are constantly in his office. He'll help you with classes like Fluids, Reactors, and Separations. He's very fair. Go to his office hours!!! His test aren't easy but if you do the homework you'll get an A easy.

Professor Durrill is not only an excellent teacher to have in class, but out of class as well. He is eager to help with scheduling issues or questions you may have regarding your opportunaties as a chemical engineering student. His homework assignments do take some time, but they are good preparation for his exams.

Dr. Durrill is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He explained the subject matter very clearly, but it is a class that you need to actually go to. His office hours are pretty much any time he's not teaching a class and its very useful to do the practice tests with him before the actual test.

This guy knows some of the craziest facts. He's an older guy so he's been around longer and definitely knows his Chemistry. On the final you can put ANYTHING you want on an entire piece of 8.5x11 piece of paper. He made Chemistry semi interesting even though I don't like it all really.

I love him! Seriously, if you go to class and take notes you should be fine in the class, and the old tests he posts really help too. I was always terrible at chemistry and now I'm doing really well :) ALL thanks to Dr. Durrill who is the cutest man in the world.

Durrill is a wonderful teacher and my favorite I've had at Virginia Tech. Although the class is extremely challenging and a requirement for most, I suggest taking P. Durrill in some class to experience a truly caring, knowledgeable, and available professor.

Dr. Durrill is amazing! He has amazing office hours and if you go to him during these hours he will help you with any and all homework problems. He also does great demos at the end of every class (mostly ones that blow up things). He is a great teacher!