Rein Kirss is a Chemistry professor at Northeastern University rated 3.45/5 by 174 students, with 3.5/5 difficulty and 75.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Rein Kirss professor reviews and ratings: 3.45/5 from 174 student reviews at Northeastern (75.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
It is very clear that Kirss is passionate about chemistry. Kirss's classes are lecture heavy, but it is very hard to find a second to ask him a question for clarification or further explanation. Lectures are disorganized (may just be the class) and expectations are unclear. Kirss is flexible with office hours and deadlines.CHEM2161 2020-12-11 18:45:57 +0000 UTC
Kirss is literally the best prof I've had in the chem department. Exams are hard but he gives previous exams to study and he's a fair grader. The classes he teaches are hard but you'll be fine if you try. I've struggled in the major but I've done fine w him. Dont hate bc you dont like the class/dont want to do chemistry in a chemistry course :) 6/5CHEM3505 2020-12-04 16:30:45 +0000 UTC
disorganized mess. powerpoints r only questions. class is talking abt RANDOM concepts with ur previous knowledge. u need a vry strong chem base & TAKE ORGO B4 THIS CLASS even if advisor says no need. pointless & stupid writing assignments- HARD GRADER. no study guides. 90% of time is spent figuring out what u even need to do. didnt learn a THINGCHE2161 2020-12-02 18:05:52 +0000 UTC
Pros: The lecture slides are all online and very helpful. Also, you can get a lot of points for relatively simple things (going to recitation, doing labs and online homework, etc). He also has review sessions that are super helpful. Cons: Tests are very difficult if you don't seriously study. Read that textbook! Also, good luck staying awake.CHEM1211 2015-01-14 11:05:29 +0000 UTC
This is a new class this year. I'd advise you not to take this class unless you are a major related to environmental science or if you are HIGHLY interested in biofuels.CHEM1117 2013-12-06 10:15:44 +0000 UTC
Had him for gen chem 1. He is a good teacher. Gives a lot of extra credit, his tests are not that hard, but there are a couple of tricky questions though, and they get more difficult as the year goes on. Pay attention in class; he makes things pretty easy to understand.CHEM1 2012-11-25 23:25:41 +0000 UTC
Professor Kirss is an amazing teacher. He truly helps and does anything he can do to help you succeed. His passion for chemistry is adorable and care for students is admirable. Go to class, go to chem central, ask for help, and you should do completely fine in his class. Definitely recommend him!CHEM1121 2012-01-06 03:55:43 +0000 UTC
Professor Kirss is passionate about chemistry and he tries to pass this passion on to his students. You can do extremely well on his exams if you read the textbook after his lecturing. He offers so much extra credit that I found it hard to not get an A.CHEM1212 2011-01-08 22:45:41 +0000 UTC
Kirss' class is impossible to: stay awake in, appreciate, comprehend, and most importantly pass. If you don't have a passion chemistry or have very little knowledge about chemistry be sure to get another professor...cause he won't help. And neither will his lectures. I taught myself from the textbook...which wasn't very helpful. Guess who wrote it?CHEM1101 2010-12-16 23:02:46 +0000 UTC
No Comment.CHEM1515 2010-11-03 04:49:33 +0000 UTC
If you can get over his abrasive voice, his teaching style is befuddled. Not competent/helpful/sympathetic at all. apparently being in an emergency room the night before is not a good enough reason for an extension on an exam for Kirss, even if you have note. Don't expect to ever see your exams to know what was wrong. Take someone else instead.CHMU211 2009-04-17 15:12:40 +0000 UTC
i stopped going to lectures because i'd always fall asleep, but chem central and his office hours are very useful! tests are difficult, but labs, recitation quizzes, and online HW are very easy and boost your grade A LOT-- so try your best!CHM211 2009-04-07 21:53:47 +0000 UTC
He is a very good guy. He dresses cute :). Although his lectures can be boring, he is a very good teacher. Tests are hard though!CHMU112 2009-04-06 16:52:43 +0000 UTC
Can be a bit dry, but is very knowledgeable. A little intimidating, but when you do ask him for something, he's enthusiastic about helping you. Show up for lectures and pay attention because it will help out. Go to his extra help sessions too (he always has plenty of them) because he'll tell you exactly what you want to know. Exams can be difficultCHMU220 2008-05-22 17:45:18 +0000 UTC
Tests are ridiculously hard if you don't practice the material. I went to lectures and I fell asleep, along with many others, all the time. If 201 Mugar didn't suck so bad, it wouldn't be a problem. Labs and Rec were easy, depending on which TA you get.CHMU214 2004-05-07 00:53:50 +0000 UTC
Rein Kirss has an average rating of 3.45/5 from 174 student reviews. 75.0% of students said they would take them again.
Rein Kirss's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.5/5 based on student reviews.
Rein Kirss has taught CHEM3507, CHEM3505, CHEM3506, CHEM1000, HONR1310, CHEM2163, CHEM2161, CHEM5646, HONR1206 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.