John Thomford - MiraCosta College (all)

Professor: John Thomford

Department: TBD

College: MiraCosta College (all)

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PHYS220
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I've never had a professor care so much about his students. The material is challenging, but Dr. T gave us everything we needed to succeed. The workload was very manageable and he was always willing to meet for office hours and help with homework and labs, plus he was willing to extend due dates as needed. I highly recommend Dr. T!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If you can take another professor, TAKE ANOTHER PROFESSOR. Physiology is already hard as it is, however his lectures and lab are just difficult to understand. The class is overall very hard with a lot of homework. He is a nice professor but everything is difficult.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Physiology is a really hard class. Dr. T really cares about his students succeeding. Bottom line, have to put in the time & study at least 2-3 weeks in advance for an exam. Hard material to grasp when cram studying.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you're going into any health related field don't expect things to be easy. Nearly failed his class because I was studying the wrong way, the study guides and textbook didn't help so I started to record the lectures big game changer. The test are hard so I highly suggest study groups. If you're not comfortable with the material you're out of luck

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: C-
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

His lecture/ lecture slides DO NOT help at all, I would recommend reading the WHOLE textbook to understand his type of teaching style. Most impotently I would recommend taking a different teacher/ class all together... honestly dont take this class.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Loved this professor. His enthusiasm and love for physio shows through his interaction with the class. Office hours are beyond helpful. You NEED to read the book and do the learning objectives. This class is about conceptual knowledge, not facts. Understand WHY and HOW the process works, and you will do well. My favorite professor at Mira Costa.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

John is SUCH a nice guy. He's understanding, loves the subject, & is super kind to his students. One time I completely forgot about a HW assignment &had a mini heart attacks, I spoke to him & he was super cool about it/ let me turn it in the next day. Only thing that sucks is his lectures are just too much and kind of hard to understand.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Actually the worst professor I have had all throughout my college experience. His lectures make no sense, the only way I learned was by reading the textbook front and back twice. He speaks through his lecture too fast, tests off his "lecture objectives" which he doesn't even discuss in class- I found everything in the book. He's not a TEACHer.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Physio is obviously a tough class but if you really put in the effort you can most definitely succeed. I recorded the lectures, read the textbook, YouTube'd any areas I needed extra help on, answered all the lecture objectives in detail and studied off of that. Dr. Thomford is super understanding and wants you to do well. Recommend him 100%

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Has a strong research background, that being said he challenges you to think outside the box and it shows in his test as well. He talks really fast during his lectures and he owns up to it. I studied his lecture objectives and that did not help, what helped me was recording his lectures and going over them a few times and going to office hours.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took anatomy before I took Physiology so that really helped me keep up with Dr. Thomford. He really knows his stuff and it does seem intimidating to ask questions but you really should. He clears things up pretty well but you really have to know your stuff to keep up. Overall, he's an amazing professor and I would highly suggest taking him.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BIO190
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Thomford is great. He loves science and it shows. He describes science in an exciting way and makes it interesting. As any good teacher he expects you to do your part. Do the homework as it prepares you for the quizzes and test. There is a lot of material to cover but it is doable. I would definitely take him again.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This course is not easy. Ive never taken a biology course before, only gen bio like 5 years ago. Do well on class assignments and it will help boost you. If I could succeed in this course then so can you. Its tough but if you want it youll find a way. He is helpful if you go ask for it in person, via email not as helpful. Just go ask for help!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I never missed and actually tried, but still was never good enough. Tests are hard!! For a 220 physio class I felt like I was sitting for a doctate exam each time. If you arent good at science or dont have a previous background in physio, this teacher is not for you. Unless you feel like being completely discouraged, choose someone else.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BIOL220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I love professor Thomford. He is the best. I love his lectures. He is very caring. The way he teaches makes you understand every single detail in our body. I got motivated to be a docter because of the way he explained everything in physiology. It sounded so amazing and wonderful.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You will have to study a lot. If you are not serious and just going to school to get government money, dont waste anybodys time and take another easier class.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great Professor overall. Has helpful office hours. Answer all SLO's. Theyre his study guides and you'll do well on the exams. Its Physio, it is hard. Study!, re-read notes, youtube on topics helped me get an A. Theres hwk but easy pts. This is coming from someone who struggled in science classes growing up. You can do anything if u stay focused!!!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BIO190
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I enjoy learning from this professor so much! He gives you numerous resources to study from. Some of the websites were youtube and getsmartbodysmart. He is a rare gem because not many instructors gave as many online resources to help pass their classes in Biology. Also he does powerpoint but teaches in all ways that students learn.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The worst class of my college career. Exam ?'s are completely random. "study guide"-don't waste your time. Seems to think he's teaching a Phd level course. Needs to be reminded he's teaching an intro course at a community college. DON'T do it! Seriously, drop or withdraw now. It was a nightmare! (This is the 1st neg rate I've EVER given a PROF)

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: BIO220
• 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:

Very intelligent Professor, but his lectures are at a crazy fast pace and he isn't clear on what to study for exams or quizzes. A lot of the course I found myself having to teach myself or find the questions on the study guide for an exam on my own. The class average on a few exams were 60% and he seemed fine with it, I dont understand that mindset