3.4
Quality3.2
Difficulty63%
Would Retake99
Reviews63%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
33
4
24
3
16
2
11
1
15
What Students Say
“He is somewhat intimidating when you ask him questions, but overall a great professor”
CHEM1311 - 4.0 rating“This Professor was great”
CHEM1305 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
79%
Textbook Required
57%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.18 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM1401
5.0
(1)CHEM018
5.0
(1)CHEM003
5.0
(1)CHEM101
5.0
(1)ENTRO1305
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ORGANICCHEMII
5.0
CHEM1
5.0
INTROCHEMISTR
5.0
CHEM1412
4.0
CHEMISTRY
4.0
Reviews (99)
Very hard to understand, very heavy accent.
He is super easy if you do the homework and read like you're suppose to. He si very hard to understand sometimes due to his accent, but he is aware of the problem is very good at trying to clarify if you do not understand.
Accent - major source of problem. Lectures are very general, doesn't delve into much detail. When you get the quizzes, you think, "Did he talk about this?" More often than not, I felt the need to look things up constantly to support his inco
He's one of those profs that make you feel stupid when you go in for help. Tests are overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of them, its okay. Other Chem teachers seem to think he teaches at a Graduate level. It's definately a class you need to learn a lot on your own.
It is hard to understand his lecture!He is not a good instructor at all!
Extremely difficult as far as communications goes. His accent is impedes the process of learning. I wouldn't recommend him unless you're great at individual study or self teach.
Do the homework and read the book and you can get an A in this class. I think he makes it pretty easy to understand.
I could not understand anything this guy said. If you didn't understand what he said, he loses his patience and gets frustrated and makes you feel dumb.
his accent can be hard to follow at times and does not like you to jump ahead of his teaching or ask questions. basically you need to read and do the homework and dont challenge him on his teachings and you will be fine.
He was not easy, but very enjoyable. I find now that I am in 1411, that I appreciate all that I learned from him. Too many people give him such a hard time. I'm definitely ahead of the people in my class, b/c of this man, so as long as you stick with it, you'll be ok. He makes Chemistry enjoyable and understandable. He really loves what he does.
this professor is very difficult, he does not give any homework. It is basically a self tought class. he teaches as if you know the material. I dont recommend him. :( very strong accent.
If you complete the reviews your almost guaranteed a B on the tests
Very nasty and he thinks all Americans are lazy brats. Well he may be right about that one, but I came to learn and got nothing. ACC is a business and not a school because of professors like this one. This clown expects you to teach yourself. His lectures are just as if he reads the book to you. Real waste of time and MONEY!!!
Heavy accent! Teacher did not like the book he taught from (jumped around the chapters)No homework, but tests are HARD. Make sure you devote a significant amount of time on the review quizzes. Lab is easy, just remember to bring the goggles to every lab. The lowest test and lab grades are dropped. Especially do NOT get behind in this class. (I did)
If you listen well, his accent doesn't impede the learning process at all. I haven't had a Chemistry course since 1993 and I am ending up with an A in this course. He's not big on questions during class. Just take good notes, review them, and use the book to pick up on anything you didn't understand in class. Reviews are great prep for exams.
If you pay attention, his accent will never be a problem as I understood him perfectly. He enjoys what he does, and it shows in class. Take good notes, complete the reviews he gives you, and there is no way you should do badly in his class. Great teacher in my opinion.
I hated Chemistry in high school and because of that, didn't take it in college. I'm back getting a nursing degree and find I love Chemistry!!! Dumbuya makes this class interesting and fun. You have to study the notes and practice problems to make an A. I think he's a great teacher and he is in his element while teaching. I highly recommend him!
His accent is nice. You will get used to it. Prof. Al wants to give you a good grade. Understand the homework and you will be fine. Easygoing in the lab. Open to questions, but sometimes doesn't understand what you are trying to ask. I really enjoyed this class.
He could explain things very well i didnt think the accent was a setback. But he is very difficult i barely passed but then again my major isnt chemistry. Take him if you really want to know your stuff, if you struggle with chemistry this class might be too difficult for you. He knows his stuff very well and can sometimes make you feel stupid.
Al is a great teacher, sure his accent could trip you up at first, but youll quickly get6 over it and understand him just fine, youll even come to enjoy it! Al will tell YOU EVERYTHING you need to know! yes, its that simple, he teaches in a very stepwise manner, and he knows his stuff! Sure, if you ask a question you may feel intimidated, but he kn
His accent is no problem to understand. I took Chemistry in high school and had a horrible teacher but Mr. Dumbuya makes this class very interesting. He puts a lot of notes on the board that makes the class easier to understand. It is not an easy class, but if you study, the class should not be a problem.
He teaches you exactly what he will test you over, no more no less. Do the extra credit packets. They will save your life. His tests aren't the easiest- they're 30pt. multiple chioce. In other words, missing pts can drop your grade fast. No homework. Seems kind of angry when answering questions, but really he is a very nice guy.
Al knows his stuff very well. He moves a bit quickly in lecture but gives you PLENTY of notes. Do not just study notes though, read book also. I thought I made a C in the class, but he had given me a B after telling me my final grade was a C. So he is very nice and is willing to work with you. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT PACKETS. lifesavers. promise.
He gives great notes because all his notes are basically what is required on the test. However, the test is difficult so you have to study hard. Since he gives us all the notes we need for the tests, we barely look at our books. He might seem a little irritated if you ask him a question that he already explained..
This prof is tough but fair. Prepare to study more for this class than any other class you've ever taken. This class isnt one where you can just fluff your way through. He gives excellent notes,a review packet,and ex credit packets. I thought he was nice especially once the drop date had passed. Dont take this class unless youre going to be serious
He's a good teacher as long as you put in the effort. He writes out all the notes on the board and gives extra credit opportunities. He doesn't seem very approachable however he's really nice if you just get over that. Tests are multiple choice but wording can be difficult. You get what you put into it.
This guy is great. If you ask a question in class he will always answer you. Yes the test are hard and can be a little tricky, but its college. I highly recommend him for students who are willing to study.
Al is definitely one of the best profs I've ever had. He writes all of his notes up on the board and explains the material very well.Attendance is mandatory if you want to do well on the 30 question multiple choice tests, which aren't that hard if you study the notes. If you really want to learn, then take this prof. I highly recommend him.
Very clear in the structure of his notes, & the presentation was very easy to follow. You can make an A easily if you do the extra credit, go to class, and do the review packets. For an A I did exactly that, no more. He has an accent. When you ask a question, he answers in a way that makes you feel like you should have already know the answer.
Great prof! He speaks English very well and his accent is nice. Do the extra credit! It will save you at the end (I got an A instead of a B because of it). His tests are just like the review problems he gives (30 mult choice). Extremely intelligent man. You will not use the textbook. Make sure you come to every class and take good notes for an A.
One of the best profs I've ever had. He writes all of his notes up on the board and explains the material very well.Attendance is mandatory if you want to do well on the multiple choice tests, which aren't that hard if you study the notes. If you really want to learn, then take this prof. I highly recommend him.
he is one of the funniest professors i ever had in my life. he made things super easy and helpful. don't waste your time in lab but go to him instead. he tests are 30 questions most of them from the review he gives. he also gives extra credit which helps alot. i made an easy A in his class because he was very interesting and helpful.
Al is a great professor! He explains everything really clearly, and writes everything on the board. He gives you everything you need to get an A in his class. I barely even needed to open by book. Just don't ask a bunch of stupid questions over and over because he is a little impatient. But your smart and hardworking he's super nice to you.
He is an awesome professor! Complete the extra credit assignments and study guide and you'll definitely pass. Chemistry for me, was extremely difficult but he explained everything we needed to know very thoroughly.
Awesome professor, he really knows his stuff and is very clear when it comes to his lecture. Everything you need for the test is in his lecture, so depending on how much you study and effort you put in the class is what your grade will be. Expect to do a lot of studying in this class. Definetly recommend the class.
Super easy class. Just go to lecture and get his notes. Tests are straight from those. Do the extra credit and its an easy A. I am not good at chem or math and I got a 100 on the first test which is amazing for me! Great teacher! I would take him again!
He is an excellent teacher! His lesson comes across easily and he gives many examples to make the concept easier to grasp. He is open to answer questions to students who really need it in his office hours! Come to class, take notes, study! There is no confusion :) And he offers extra credit to help too! WONDERFUL class!
Al was very organized, very clear, and offered plenty of practice problems and extra credit. He is a great Chemistry teacher. It had been over ten years since I took Chemistry, and I got an A+. Just go to class and do the work.
Half the class dropped him. His lab quizzes are harder than they should be. The lab instructions for the lab are confusing.
Mr Dumbuya was great & he simplified the class. I took chemistry over 20 years ago and got an A. Lots of practice problems & you need to carefully read his multiple choice questions as the look similar. A few people dropped the class but I figured they wanted to be spoon fed!!! He doesnt use the text book. Would Highly recommend!!!
I sometimes had difficulty understanding his teaching because of his accent. Sometimes he doesn't really answer questions straight forward. But writing everything he writes on the board is very helpful as you can review them later if you don't get it in the class. Extra credits and practice questions are absolutely help. I got an A because of them.
Decent professor. Accent is not as heavy as I expected. Tests and labs are of moderate difficulty, but study off notes and NOT the book. He is also VERY VERY VERY condescending when you ask for help or clarification.
Awesome professor. He explains really well and is always open to questions. Also really easy to follow along because he writes everything on the board so just make sure to copy the notes. It's a easy A just attend class pay attention and do the practice problems he gives you and you'll be fine! Would highly recommend.
He is straight forward. I did learn the material in his class. You will do well if you study. His tests are a little tricky but if you check for the common careless errors, you'll do fine. Don't ask questions in class; he can be very demeaning.
I really recommend you don't take this professor. He is extremely hard and difficult. Find someone else that gives homework and actually does a better job of teaching.
I thought he was excellent. He makes you think, something that so many professors lack these days. If you really want to learn chemistry - he takes it seriously. You will have to put in some effort. I learned a lot from him and wish I was able to take the rest of my chem classes with him.
Have this professor for intro to chemistry. If you dislike paying attention in class, pick another teacher. You don't need to get the book, which seems to rate him lower on this site, but really just saves the student money. As he says, the basics of chemistry haven't changed in a long time, is he even teaching you if you are just doing bookwork?
I took his intro to chem in the summer, he is a really great lecturer, I learnt a lot from him. I am taking him for Chem1311 and I 'm still enjoy his class. I can see he's trying to improve in his patience department. As a student I appreciate that. If you study his notes and do the assignments you'll do great. One of ACC's best lecturer.
Dont think about taking this class in the summer if you have a work shedule. His class is very hard.
He was extremely difficult. I'm not complaining. This was my first real chemistry class ever. Never was at office hours and I literally had to live in the learning lab the entire semester. He shouldn't be a professor. Take someone else.
THIS PROFESSOR IS GREAT!. I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM HIM. HE HAS AN ACCENT BUT EVERYTHING HE SAYS HE WRITES ON THE BOARD(OLD SCHOOL). I REALLY ENJOYED HIS CLASS. HE LIKES WHEN PEOPLE PARTICIPATE AND HE ALSO GIVES A STUDY GUIDE EVERY TIME HE FINISH A CHAPTER.
VERY RECOMMENDED!!! Amazing professor. His teaching style is great and his explanations are very clear. He simplifies the material, so it seems so easy. He gives many examples and exercises. People who don't get an A in this class, can blame only themeselves and their laziness or low capability. Wish all my professors were like him.
Great professor. Notes are crystal clear. What's on the notes it's what's on the test.He tries to help as much as you can but you also have to dedicate some time to class. He's definitely in my top 5 professors at acc
Wish I could take him again for Chem II. He lectures old school way with the class taking notes the whole time. I preferred that method because all of his homework problems and test materials could be found in the notes. Excellent professor and easy to snag an A.
This Professor was great! While his test are your typical tricky multiple choice answers ( puts all the options he knows you will think it is) he gives you a clear cut study guide and practice problems. There are no surprises. He won't be giving you any handouts but, will be more than happy to help you succeed. I would recommend him!
One of the worst professor in Northridge. His lectures are not clear. He does not plan out his class time. It is almost the end of semester and the class has to take 2 test right after the other. Do not take him for lab either. He is extremely rude in the lab and instructions are not clear. Worst professor ever!
His tests are really hard and the notes that you take in class are not helpful for the test at all. His study guides for the test is not the same as the test but it will help you pass the test. You have you take out a lot of your time to study for the tests. I dont recommend this professor.
I took his General Chemistry Lec and Lab. For lecture, you take notes to do well on exams. He gives plenty of extra credit. Study guides for test are helpful. Exams are multiple choice. You don't need to buy the book. Lab is straight forward and doesn't take long at all.
Hi is the worst teacher I have had! He is very rude with the students. The crazy thing is on the test, you MUST circle the answers, never make a x on the letter for example or even write besides of the the questions, even if it is for your thoughts. Ridicules
I was terrified of taking chemistry but ended up making an A in this class. Show up to class every time and you don't even need to read the book. If you're the kind of student who likes to skip class a lot then this isn't the professor for you. However, if you hate reading dense, boring textbooks, I recommend him highly.
I'm 43 years old and never had to take Chemistry until now (wasn't required back then), so this was all new territory for me. Mr.D was awesome! Take all the notes he writes on the board, ASK QUESTIONS, and study and you'll do fine. The tests are multiple choice, but questions are designed to make you think. Pay attention! He's super nicefunny too
Plan to go to every class, tests are based solely on his notes. Don't bother even buying the textbook, he'll never reference it or assign any work from it. Tests are tough, only 30 questions, and make up the entirety of your grade. Check your work! Study hard, but the material isn't overwhelming. No hw, but do the extra credit!
Professor Dumbuya knows his chemistry very well. All of the information is from the lectures, so you don't really need the book. There are 5 multiple choice tests (30 questions) plus a final, he drops the lowest one. Do the extra credit!! Helped me get an A. He is somewhat intimidating when you ask him questions, but overall a great professor.
He is a great teacher! I'm currently taking a second class with him. Spring 2015 was my first semester back in college after eight years and I had never taken a Chemistry class so I was really nervous but Mr. Dumbuya is great explaining the matertial and answering all question I have!
Dumbuya is a really great professor. His lectures are very clear and understandable and his extra credit and review packets are extremely helpful for getting you prepared for the exams. Chemistry just doesn't seem to be my subject but I would still strongly recommend his class for anyone who needs to take Chem.
Be careful if you're an SAS student! It doesn't matter if you have a note or not. He doesn't care about it. I have a hard time seeing but with his hand writing and going really fast. I barely kept up! He doesn't care if you ask to get some kind of lecture notes. His not helpful in anyway and doesn't care if you pass or fail! DONT take him!
Beware of this teacher. He has a thick African accent and doesn't quite understand English. He grades tough and I would suggest avoiding his class like the plague. I failed due to his criteria and lack of understanding, before his class I got A's in sciences.
Prof. Dumbuya is definitely a good chemistry teacher. It's a hard subject, but some profs, like this one, make it a bit easier to swallow. The homework and tests are reasonable, and he's always there to help when you need it.
I enjoyed Professor Dumbuya's class. Its not for slackers though, you have to be in it to win it.
I would NEVER ever take this professor again in my life. I already took Chemistry 1311 once, and I thought maybe the second time I will be able to understand better and i was SO wrong. This guy complicated everything. He constantly complains about other students and gets upset when he starts rambling. Save yourself from this terrible teacher.
Worst professor ever in my life. He expects his students to know everything without him teaching. AND YES if you ask him the question, he yells at you (it seems like he is going to swallow you whole). Stay away from registering his class.
Professor Dumbuya is very straight forward. Students are to study well to understand the contents. He has the best scoring structure which is divided into 2 parts that is 10 and 90. 90% of your score comes from post lab and 10% of your score comes from pre lab. keep in your mind that chemistry itself is not an easy subject so you are to study well.
In Dumbuya's chemistry lecture there are only tests but they are all multiple choice. He is a lecturer and writes all the need to know info on the board. I really enjoyed his personality and sense of humor! He answers questions throughly and will try to simplify concepts. He is straightfoward in teaching only what we need to know.
I really enjoyed this class. People complain about his demeanor, but in my experience, Africans are loud and emphatic about things. You only need the book for extra practice problems, but I used the internet. There is a lot of chance for extra credit, and he is willing to work with you to understand things, if you put in a little effort yourself.
I took his intro to chemistry class and enjoyed it overall. He is good at explaining the concepts in a way you can clearly understand it. He does not assign too much homework just one per chapter if any. He does give out test review practice questions that really help with taking the test, very similar questions.
Good professor, he knows the material. The only problem is that he doesn't present what he does on the board clearly. Note taking is almost useless in his class if u can understand what the information is. On exams, we r not allowed to cross out answers you get points off. Never used the class book! No partial credit for work that's done.
I really enjoyed Als lecture. This rating is only for the lecture as I did not take his lab. His philosophy is that if you come to class, take notes, do the homework you will do well. It works. His tests reflected what was covered in class and on the thorough test reviews he gave for every test. Al was enthusiastic and seems to enjoy chemistry.
Did not use text book but needed the lab workbook. The lecture portion is over the chapters and requires to take notes. He gives a homework packet before test and if you can get through the homework packet you will do good on the test. Missing class puts you behind and is not recommended. The lab portion is going over labs and short test.
Great teacher. Gives notes in the lecture (dont need the textbook). Homework is similar to the test. As long as you read the notes, and do the homework, you should be okay. He has an accent, but is understandable. He drops the lowest test grade. Not a hard class, but you will need to study. He is very specific when it comes to grading. Caring/funny
He guides you as you do the labs so it is almost impossible to fail as long as you show up. The labs do not use the full time. He gives you quizzes on the labs that you do previously (only 10% of grade). You can fail every quiz and still get an A. He is funny, and he is clear on how he grades. Reccomend!
Check all your test grades he makes mistakes. He acts like he hates his students. But he gives homework that is exactly like his tests so its a passable class.
Gives ZERO extra credit. Very tough grader, he will remove a point for small mistakes. Test are based on his lectures which he writes down on the board fast & does minimum job at explaining it. Gets irritated when you ask a question. Late 15 mns? counts you as absent, absent 3 times? he drops you from class. He never puts your grade on blackboard.
I truly wanted to enjoy Professor Dumbuya's class. I dropped it b/c I do not feel comfortable with how he speaks to students. I found that the Professor's method of lecturing students (talking down to them, criticizing student learning methods, etc) was simply unhelpful and unacceptable. Everyone has diff. teaching styles but his is too negative!
Took this class summer 2020 during COVID. Chem. lecture is a total of 5 tests. The last one is optional as he drops one test grade and replaces it with the grade from exam 5. His lectures are boring and long but the tests are based off lecture. The tests are accessible from black board and are not proctured. He gives you 4 hours to complete.
Took Chem 1 lab this summer 2020 during COVID. The lab is only based on a weekly lab. Which during lab class he goes over how to do them and how he wants them turned in. It's mostly calculations. Pretty easy class if you just do the labs. No tests for lab. He is somewhat a tough grader. He looks for mistakes but gives points for trying.
Lab was straightforward. Each week you watch the video, he gives the formula, and you do the calculations. There was no lab practical. Grade is average of lab scores. Particular on answers. He will take off/give partial credit for incorrect sig figs. He gives the knowledge you need, to do well in class. He was understanding considering COVID-19.
Took synchronous. Grade based on 5 tests (20 Qs each), lowest score dropped. Gives 4 hrs to complete. Test material is all covered in class. Very little EC opportunity. Particular on answers. Gives partial credit if only off because of sig figs. Understanding due to COVID-19 situation.
Very rude and disrespectful to students! Accent is very strong and refuses to record lectures or let you record them. Exam are not proctored! Only 5 exams but hes very tough grader and gets very mad if you asked what was missed or how to even do the problems correctly. DO NOT TAKE this professor!
Dr Dumbuya is amazing. I thought Chem would be so difficult, but he walks through everything with examples that make learning the material so much easier. He gives feedback in the class when we attempt problems on our own. I saw people complain that he was rude. I have never once heard him talk down to a student. I wish I could take him for Chem 2.
He laughs when you ask for help, his lectures are fast paced and not much explaining and if you ask a question he will probably laugh right at you. he gives homework but does not count them as grades and will only grade you based on the 5 tests. No review, no compassion. He does drop the lowest exam grade but that is the only leeway you get.
I thoroughly enjoyed his Gen Chem I class! I took the accelerated 8 week version. Lab was incredibly easy. He walks you through every step and gives you the exact formulas needed for every post lab question. No lab practicals or final. His lectures were extremely straight forward but you MUST attend as exam questions come straight from lecture.
I took Mr. Dumbuya 8 week chemistry course this semester. I had to put to devote my entire semester to this class. He teaches material quickly and expects you to grasp it. Anything and everything he covers (whether it's the last 2 minutes of class) is fair game for test and quizzes. Attending lectures is essential. Study study study.
Professor Dumbuya's CHEM1311 class was a solid choice. His lectures were straightforward, and with the help of Unstuckstudy and the course textbook, I was able to excel. Attendance is a must, but the tests are fair if you put in the work.
He was fun. He has you memorize chemical names and certain elements and whatnot but it's actually very helpful. Labs were pretty easy if you just follow instructions, just don't forget your close toed shoes(and no, flats don't count, I made that mistake). Studying for tests wasn't bad, he gives study guides
He's a caring and kind professor. His accent was a bit difficult to hear but he'll write everything on the board. Attendance are not mandatory but you'll fail if you're not there. Will take it again!
Took an 8 week intro to chem class. He is an amazing professor and did a great job teaching the material. There were weekly homework and quizzes and 2 exams. This class is not an easy class so while attendance is not part of the grade but you will not pass if you don't go. Just study and pay attention and you will do great with him.
This professor is very fair and a nice person be ready to put in the proper amount of work!
Doesn't use a textbook or upload his lectures, so you do have to show up. His lectures are really concise and explain the content in a very simplified manner, he can be a tough grader when it comes to units and sig figs. Test problems are similar to the practice problems he gives out. I'd take him again for chem 2.
Im not very good so the stoichiometry unit went right over my head and i struggled alot in chem 2. If you take his class being good at math or taking college algebra beforehand will help you a whole lot in the future
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
79%
Textbook Required
57%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.18 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM1401
5.0
(1)CHEM018
5.0
(1)CHEM003
5.0
(1)CHEM101
5.0
(1)ENTRO1305
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ORGANICCHEMII
5.0
CHEM1
5.0
INTROCHEMISTR
5.0
CHEM1412
4.0
CHEMISTRY
4.0