Lawrence T. Nakamura - Los Angeles Valley College

Professor: Lawrence T. Nakamura

Department: TBD

College: Los Angeles Valley College

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He was in such a rush we were light years ahead than other micro classes in the department. didnt have enough time to get comfortable with the material before being tested on it. Avoid if you can. Labs are confusing. Spends most of the time talking and doesnt leave enough time for the lab itself. Wording on exams are confusing and very tricky.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Took Dr. Nak last spring and he knows his stuff. He is very intelligent and caring. He may seem at time unapproachable but he really does want to help and has a great way of teaching. He is tough but is preparing you for your healthcare profession. Go to class, ask questions, and READ THE BOOK prior to class. I truly enjoyed micro with him. :)

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MICRO020
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Microbiology is hard in general, keep that in mind when taking his class. Dr. Nakamura knows his stuff. Studied mostly through notes. Hardest science class I've had. Don't be late; if you plan on becoming a medical professional, you'll appreciate his method of teaching as teaches you how microbiology applies in real life situations.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MICR20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Microbiology is already a hard subject but this professor makes it even harder. Pop quiz every week (twice or 3x a week) so attendance is mandatory. No study guides provided. His test is based on the textbook so you have to know every word and every corner of the textbook forward and backward. Take micro with someone else if possible.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MICR20
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I took Dr. Nak's Micro this fall and if you come to this class thinking that studying the notes day or two before the test is enough then you're mistaken. You NEED to read the book or else you will not get A. Dr. Nakamura may seem scary and unapproachable but he is kind and he cares for his students to succeed for the sake of our health careers.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Absolutely amazing professor. Difficult, because students don't like to read the book. But you HAVE to read the book, PRIOR to attending every lecture! There are pop quizzes! Pay attention! Exams are straightforward; syllabus and schedule are nicely outlined; accessible during office hours; WANTS STUDENTS TO SUCCEED! Thank you, Dr. Nakamura.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

By far,my fave class ever taken. He will prepare u immensely towards your health career. AMAZING LECTURES. Very inspiring. A master at the subject. But WARNING, if u are not willing to put in days of your week reading/studying, this class is not for u. Record his lectures, what he says is EVERYTHING!Put in the work, and u will gain so much from it.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Reviews are pretty accurate. The prof knows his material so that's a plus. But he's a condescending teacher. Students don't engage in class because there's no real encouragement if right, and they could be put on blast if wrong so the risk/reward is obviously not there. He then wonders why no one goes to office hours after people bomb exams lol.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MICRO020
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is a great professor! His lectures are clear; if you have any question you better ask when he asks for them. READ!READ! AND READ! That's what will prepare you for his exam as and quizes, and he is very clear about that. Also, PAY ATTENTION TO HIS INSTRUCTIONS. You will learn a lot if you really want to lear, or not. You will decide your grde.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MICR20
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Obviously, this professor knows his stuff. However, his teaching style seems to be "every question is a stupid question". It makes for a confusing learning environment since you're never quite sure if he's asking a trick question (which he does a lot) or if he's asking a real one. Knowledge he's got, what he lacks are supportive teaching skills.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Awesome professor. He has high expectations for his students because he wants them to succeed as healthcare professionals. If you are a slacker or if you're spoon-fed, stay away. You can't handle this class. ;)

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Being sarcastic and rude is probably part of his personality. He did not teach my Micro20 section but I took the mock lab exam he conducted for Micro20 students from all sections. One student asked about Enterotube color changes and Enterobacteria. Answers from Nakamura - "Because I said so", "Where did you learn this?", and "Who is your teacher?".

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MICR20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I thought he was a great professor, when I initially signed up for micro I was terrified by the reviews saying that he is tough, after completing the course I must disagree with that. I learned a lot of things in his class. Tests are straightforward if you attend lecture, take notes, and read the text you should be fine.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Terrible professor. Thinks he is the best professor alive and takes up beef with other professors. tests are confusing and lectures make me fall asleep. He runs the class like a dictator and rarely helps students

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Absol. horrible professor! Disorganized and extremely confusing! Students are not aware what exactly to study for to prepare for the exams and quizzes! When students are asking questions in class, he never really explains anything in detail! RUDE AND HARSH WITH THE STUDENTS. ONCE HE REALIZES HE IS RUDE, THEN HE APOLOGIZES FOR HIS BEHAVIOR.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MICROBIOLOGY20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Horrible. Doesn't help. Simply says to pay attention in class and go to the website. If you missed what he said in class and if it's not on his website, you're screwed. Syllabus is not organized and doesn't help. This is a go with the flow instructor with no information regarding upcoming assignments.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Hes a tough professor, gives you quizzes on material ahead which forces you to read ahead. His tests are fairly easy, but you do have to understand the material. He is helpful and tries to answer all your questions. His lab tests are harder than his lecture so make sure you pay attention to detail! Good luck!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class makes you work hard, but Dr Nak makes the material interesting. He was great about explaining things when students had questions. Lab is a lot of fun.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This professor is probably the most difficult I have ever taken. You HAVE to go to class and read the book because he gives quizzes on the material ahead to keep you prepared. His exams are not that difficult once you study and understand the material. If you are a health major (Nursing, RVT, etc), this is the class for you! Record his lectures!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MICRO20
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Health Science majors rejoice! This professor is the real deal. He will give you a foundation in Microbiology that is unparalleled @ LAVC. The course is structured to teach the information you'll need to know in a hospital setting. Put in the hard work and reap the rewards. Wished more professors challenged us the way he did; still an easy class.