2.4
Quality4.5
Difficulty26%
Would Retake102
Reviews26%
Would Retake
102
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
17
4
18
3
10
2
12
1
45
What Students Say
“He does not give lectures, notes or answer questions”
CHM130 - 1.0 rating“Worst teacher I have had at this school”
CHM130 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
93%
Textbook Required
93%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.01 avg changeRatings by Course
130
5.0
(1)CHM594
5.0
(1)CHM150
4.0
(1)CHEM150
4.0
(1)CHM130AA
4.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
CHEM130
5.0
CHM004
5.0
CHEM131
5.0
BIO130
5.0
CHM152AA
5.0
Reviews (102)
Incredibly challenging. His tests are unbelievable, and designed to make you realize what an idiot you are.
No Comments
This class was really difficult, and I got NOTHING out of it. Terrible!
Good teacher!
Noone has ever passed his tests
useless, waste of money and time, and reltentless to help a student in need, unapproachable, not tolerent toward lack of knowledge, careless!!! What else do I need to say?
topic is very interesting, however he does not give much help or sometimes gives unsolvable questions to make u think... Tuff to take with any other classes.
Great guy to hang out with....HORRIBLE INSTRUCTOR!!!
Excellent
Great class
Tough class but I learned a lot
Really hard but worth it. He prepares you for the real world by teaching you how to think
Good class
You might as well teach yourself. This teacher has no patience and is very unapproachable. I don't know why he is even teaching, dosen't seem to want to teach you anything expects you to already know it! FYI- Likes to make you look like a complete fool in front of the whole class with his loud comments.
Tough class but he keeps things interesting and I learned more in this class than in any other.
I simply don't get it. In my prior chemistry classes I have gotten A's. In Levi's class I just had to drop. First time I dropped a class too. He gives you stuff in the tests that he did not even cover. He doe's not tell you exactly what he wants when taking tests. He tries to be funny, but isn't. He just shouldn't teach.
The best!
DO NOT TAKE ANY OF HIS CLASSES!!!!!! The worst teacher I have ever had. If you have questions on the homework he will not answer or help you so if you dont have the answer right you are studing the wrong materal and will fail his test. He came off as the teacher who is there for a pay check and not to help students learn.
Awesome doesn't begin to describe.
Awesome professor.
Horrible teacher, rude, not helpful, ignores students, doesnt work with you and wont help you, I would try to avoid his classes at all cost.
If you want to learn do not take him as your professor. He lacks the professionalism to teach and should be releaved of this job. doesnt lecture or use a text book, said he will teach you using the history of chemistry but really he is more interested in leaving and talking with other professors than teaching the class.
Unwilling to work with students. Will make u feel and look stupid.
Do NOT take his class. I am a 4.0 student and was on the President's Honor Roll the last two semesters. I am going to file an official complaint about him. He does not teach - I have had to teach myself everything I have learned. There is no book to reference. He is unwilling to help and does not set office hours. Worst teacher I have ever had
This teacher is HORRIBLE! He expects you to know everything without teaching, and if you have any questions, expect to be made into fool. He provides very little information, and hates repeating himself, or helping students out. He is very unforgiving, and a hypocrite. It's ok for him to fool around on the job and make you feel like an idiot I gues
Levi makes you work VERY hard but he also makes you THINK! Most students don't like him because he won't "spoon-feed" them answers. I've learned a lot in his class and think he's a very good instructor.
Very arrogant teacher. Does not teach well. If you take this class be ready to teach yourself. This teacher sets you up for failure!
Worst teacher i have ever had... I don't know how he is still teaching. Half of my class dropped and almost the whole other half is failing... He does not teach... he just gives you a huge pack of worksheets to fil out all year... if you ask him a quetion... his answer. "and that is your job to figure out." no books for help either. HE SUCKS!!!!!!!
Levi was a very hard teacher, but he made me think about the work. He did not spoon feed anyone so a lot of people did not like this, (they where used to it from all the other teachers.) At first I did not like the way he taught, but I eventually got used to it. As long as you study and put time into working in the class, you will do well.
Hard class, teacher was hard, but he makes you work for your grade, & makes you think.
This is a hard class, especially if you take it at Estrella. I think that the professors that teach CHM are trying to get recognized for a "modeling" style of teaching, but it's just not cutting it! They need to recognize that if more than half of the class fails the test, it's them, not us. I learned more from the tutors then my teacher!
---Students take the class to learn, so please teach us!!---
Never answered questions students had.
This class teaches you 'how' to learn/understand chemistry, and prepare you for upper divisions. Its not memorization of wholesale info. The Spoon-fed students protest loudest because they can't copy and paste like mouth breathing parrots. If you can't pass this fundamentals class, you have no business in higher edu. Levi cares, but only if you do
Dr. Torrison was, hands down, the WORST professor I have ever had. I took him over the summer, and he had absolutely no interest in teaching the class....we were simply a nice, little paycheck for him. He doesn't believe in lecturing or using textbooks because he believes the authors of textbooks are ?dumb.? When I brought my own textbook to class
Plz Plz do not take a class with this guy! For ur own good. He needs fired.
I took this class during the summer and it was VERY hard! Dr. Torrison was very nice to me and he made me FIND the answers he didn't just GIVE them to me and all he wants is for you to ask the RIGHT quesions. I learned so much in this class but if you're not the type to put in the effort I agree he isn't the teacher for you. Good luck! (:
He is a very hard teacher, but the information that you learn within his class will be useful. He pushes you to your limits. If you do not want to have a teacher who pushes you or if you are lazy, do not take him. If you are looking to learn in-depth and have a challenge, then take him.
This by far the worst instructor that I ever had. I am not looking to be 'spoon fed' for answer but instead guidelines and tutorial that will make me understand. Isn't it what they are paid for> Handling out homework and expect us to find and figure out ourself the steps and how to do it is really mind blowing.
Honestly, I took this professor for CHM 130 and 150 and did fine because the concepts were easily grasped by myself, but since learning new material, Levi has become not helpful at all. Do not take this class or any Chemistry's at EMCC. Go to GCC. A lot better teachers and the right teaching style will be taught there.
I am an honors student and I can say this class is giving me trouble solely because of Levi. He does not teach and is extremely rude. Takes pride in seeing students drop out. We even had a lab an hour after lecture and once he didn't tell us it was canceled until we had all waited an hour because it was simply "more fun this way".
Pretty easy class with basic concepts. Levi is a tough teacher but his way of teaching makes you learn it yourself and help you retain the information. The teacher actually is quite helpful if your willing to put the effort into it. I thought it was a great class and learned a lot.
Tough class. Def had to study more than I thought. Made me use critical thinking. I am a wannabe PreMed stud, becuase until everyone is where they wanna be, you're a wanna be:)I do not recommend that you take other tough classes with this one. If you are looking to just get by on goofy cute looks, you may want to change your career goal
Man he makes you use your own brain!!! Makes sense though, I now can punch a hole through the wall (mind powers) if I think about it hard enough. I feel just as much, if not smarter than Brian Cox! No. Nevermind, not smarter than Dr. Brian Cox. Eh, at least I can make a sammich with my mind powers.
Levi really makes you work for your grade. Critical thinking skills are absolutely necessary to pass. Don't expect to be spoon fed the answers, because you be disappointed. But if you put in the effort, you will learn and the knowledge will stick with you.
Dr. Torrison is very smart, but he does not teach.He expects you to already know most of the information.If you dont then learn before class and its not easy at all.I read all the negative reviews,ionestly thought I would still pass the class because I am a hard working student and I want to learn, But sadly I didnt learn much I have to retake it.
Tough class.It was expected that you already know the material but when really half the class didn't.Short little lectures then the rest of the class consist of working in a workbook which at times was confusing.He did not help but sit there and watch us struggle.He wants people to think critically.If you go to his office hrs he will help.
Mr. Torrison is not a good teacher and I recommend you do not pick his class. He expects you to know the material beforehand and expects quality work. He does not teach but lecture about what we should be doing instead of how. He sits there and watches us struggle. If you ask for help he'll just look at you and then walk away. Just horrible.
Was not really helpful in answering questions.
He is a great guy with a good sense of humor but his tests are pretty tough. If you really study, you will pass the class. Everything that is discussed in class, study, and then some. But he is a good teacher.
Prof. Torrison is a great teacher, however if you are not use to his critical thinking method of teaching, you probably wont do well in his class. I dropped his class mid-semester because of this. If you do not like the "here is the work, now do it" with minimal instruction kind of class I suggest taking CHM at GCC.
Levi has a great sense of humor but humor doesnt teach chemistry. He used to be a scientist and doesnt quite grasp the idea of explaining and teaching, if you ask a question he acts as if you should already know it and gives a sarcastic remark.
Whenever you asked a question, he would ask you a question back which made you feel really dumb, especially when you couldn't answer his question.
Dr. Torrison is a great instructor. If you are looking for an "easy A" this is not the class for you. Yes, he answers questions with a question, but he wants to help you think critically. If u want to learn chemistry and improve your ability to think critically I recommend this class. The class is challenging but fun.
Worst teacher I have had at this school.
Very difficult test, material not covered or explained. No book,just their own version of a workbook with very little information. Cannot learn from Levi, he does not teach, he walks around watching everyone struggle through the workbook pages with no instructions.
I paid for a class that teaches chemistry and I was not pleased with this teacher. It was a "teach yourself"class with a very unhelpful, sarcastic teacher. He is not recommended.
Dr. Torrison is a great professor.Take him if you want to succeed!You're in chemistry for engineering or premed/prepharm so don't be expecting an easy class period.He is helpful and gets your brain thinking on a new level.This class was a challenge but not because the professor didn't spoon feed me but because the material is difficult for most.
Dr. Torrison is not going to hand you your grade, you have to work for it. He has clear expectations for his students. There is no textbook, you learn by doing. No text needed. Lab was awesome. This is not a class you can miss and pass, participation required. I feel that those that give bad reviews are not the type that work for their grades.
Take this class seriously, and go to his office hours if you need help. Don't be taken aback by his straightforwardness and instead embrace it. Print out all the labs (on Canvas) beforehand, as he can change up the labs sometimes. walk yourself through the lab and make sure you understand it BEFORE lab, as this will help immensely. Good luck!
I am not a chemistry person, I can take the same chemistry class over and over and my grade will not improve. You really need to participate in class discussions, and get help at the first sign of confusion. He doesn't really answer your question, just gives you hints, and critical thinking questions to guide you. Nothing is clear cut, or given .
This was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken because of the professor not teaching the material. I'm an honors student and I work hard, but no matter how hard I worked at this class it was not good enough for him. He does not give lectures, notes or answer questions. He just watches you struggle and does not offer any help. DO NOT TAKE!
1. Non-traditional learning (In a good way). You will think. You will learn. 2. His favorite saying "I don't put out bad products" and "You will learn to do things that Google can't do." 3. First class I really had to study and use my brain. Must be able to appreciate the struggle and accomplishments of learning.
Dr. Torrison seemed very knowledgeable. He took the time to speak with me for nearly 30 minutes after lab one day, despite the fact that I was bringing my grievances to him. He did listen fairly to me. However, I found him exceedingly unpleasant, both as a person and an instructor. You will largely teach yourself. Class is easy a after 1st unit.
Don't let the 2/5 in easiness fool you. I am very glad he makes you work for it. Is the best balance of work and accomplishment. Best Chem professor at the school.
Levi is the best teacher I have ever had. I know that people get mad when they have to perform some critical thinking skills. Guess what people... life is all critical thinking. He really wants students to be successful after they leave his class and not just get a chemistry grade.
I took his 130 course at EMCC 2 years ago. He was tough & never gave you the answers. You had to problem solve. I am so thankful that he pushed me to develop this skill. Being able to think critically is vital to nursing. He helped me lay a foundation for my nursing courses. I continue to use the skills he taught me in nursing school.
By far, one of the toughest professors I have ever had. That being said, I would take all of his classes over again if I had to. His method of critical thinking learning was hard to grasp at first, but once you get the hang of it you'll wish all classes were taught like that. Had him for both gen chems and O-chems and learned so much from him.
Yes, it's a difficult class. He doesn't lecture much but makes you teach yourself. It was difficult at first but he really makes you think outside the box and be independent. Would definitely take him again.
I highly enjoyed Dr. Torrison's class! Yes, it was frustrating and he makes you work for your grade but you will learn a LOT! He is very knowledgeable and willing to help those who show dedication. My one criticism is no textbook is assigned - having one really helped. Stick with it; an A is very attainable and it can be a really fun class!
Great instructor. Learned a lot. Hilarious.
He treated his students like absolute crap. He picked on one student the entire semester, called several of us dumb and HATED when we asked questions. He ended class after 15 minutes because he asked a question we couldn't answer (because he never went over it). Barely explained anything and never asked if we understood him. 0 Students passed. 0.
Expects you to learn from a textbook and expects you to memorize things within a day or two. Do not take his class as be barely lectures and gives no feedback.
Prepare to do a hefty amount of studying outside of class, so be sure your schedule allows that. I would recommend his class if you are trying to pursue any degree of higher learning (Doctor/Dentist), I feel like I mastered Organic Chemistry as well as built a new set of study skills and confidence I hadn't had before. REQUIRES A LOT OF TIME!!!!!!
This instructor was very strict. Attendance was mandatory as well as purchasing a textbook. A lot of studying was independent. Very view worksheets to practice on were administered. Pop quizzes were given throughout to test knowledge from CHM 151 and current topics in the class. Just be prepared to STUDY as his teaching style is a bit scrambled.
Requires a lot of studying outside of class! This is a good class for anyone achieving a higher degree beyond a bachelor's. Taught me better study habits and practices. Does not really lecture, more group based such as asking peers about any questions. Emphasize that this class requires a LOT of study time! Allows one test retake instead of final.
Levi essentially gives you topics to learn about later by yourself. Very few actual lectures. Learned more from Youtube than Levi which is not the greatest experience. LOTS of group time, even if you don't know what the heck you're doing or discussing.
Simply does not teach his students. He grades things harshly despite not having any rubrics for us and does not give feedback on what to improve on for next time. Hardly gives lectures and instead gives the class practice problems to work on as a group without actually teaching the material. Gives sass and makes you feel dumb for asking questions.
overall the grading that he does is difficult and its usually complete or incomplete and in the labs he doesn't not demonstrate what to do you have to figure it out on your own. random checks on notebooks and also random quizzes he isn't organized so be aware. worst teacher.
Why is this guy still an educator, like for reals though. He doesn't teach, doesn't grade, doesn't demonstrate labs, and expects students to know what's going on. EMCC, should definitely look into him, because he's scamming people out of their education that they are paying for. You put all this money in one class, to just get a brick wall
Just took the first exam and I can say everything on there was complete trash. Few questions where we did discuss in class, but others were just random and the ones we did discuss were at a way higher level. Also why doesn't he give study guides out or teach. Worst professor I have, needs to be reported
-Not organized - No EC options -Never goes over lab procedures -Grades how he thinks it should be graded- Won't show you how a problem can be solved - Has attitude problems - Makes us feel stupid (Answers questions with questions) - Does not show that he loves or even likes teaching WHY IS HE STILL TEACHING????
I hate to do this, but Levi shouldn't be professor at all. He doesn't teach, doesn't go over any problems, labs or topics. He's just sits around at his desk, while students try to teach their selves. I put in all the effort to go to tutoring and studying af
Like most people, I disliked the professor because his teaching method was for students to mostly teach themselves. But his teaching style always pushed me to think critically. This is college, nobody will hold your hand forever. Dropping out means you didn't take enough time to do your own research. WEED OUT THE WEAK!
Levi doesn't teach is all group work and class discussion. You have to work with your table 99% of the time you are in class as well in lab. He does pop quizzes doesn't give you a warning and doesn't give you enough time to do the quiz. YOU MUST BE PREPARED. Also, journals are ONLY the last 15 minutes of the exam. Do not take Levi.
You can see all the reviews so I'll tell you this. Only take him if you can dedicate lots of time to his class. 3 unit exams are your grade. Pop quizzes. Know the right questions to ask him. Study lots outside class. Meeting with classmates to study can make the difference to pass. Be prepared, his class will test if you want to pursue your degree
There is minimal lecture. The class is mostly group led even if you don't know what is happening and if you try to clarify with the instructor you are belittled. He doesn't answer the question so you don't know if you are going in the right direction. Read the syllabus!! Grades are based off 3 exams, pop quizzes, and labs. YouTube helped me.
I spent many hours outside of class but no matter what I did the tests and retakes weren't the same as what he would have us do. He would simply urge us to learn the concept rather than the problems, but he would never actually teach us the concept. One smart person carried our entire class. You have to be smarter than the typical person to pass.
Would not recommend unless you will dedicate LOTS of time to your own learning outside of class and that probably won't be even enough! In class, didn't learn much and he doesn't answer any questions when needed. I never dropped a class until this one, if you struggle with chem I will ADVISE avoiding him SERIOUSLY! Don't take his class lightly!
His class had zero lectures Learning organic chemistry is hard especially when there is no support from the professor There was no textbook for the class and I was scrambling to find anything online to help which didn't Asking a question in class leads to no answers or help Felt very condescending in class Looked as if he didn't want to be there
Avoid this class at all costs! You and people in your group will be on your own to teach yourselves. There are no resources provided to help you out. At most you will get a practice sheet relating to the lecture but will not go over it. Levi, if you are reading this, at least give students extra resources instead of leaving them in the dark.
His way of teaching is really confusing, lots of group work involved and he is not open to questions. I would ask a question and he would just look at me like I was stupid. Feels uncomfortable in his class and I knew no one who seemed to understand what was going on. If I could go back in time and prevent myself from taking this class I would.
THE WORST professor out there. You can't ask questions he doesn't teach at all what he teaches is never on the exam and if you ask for help he just talks to you like you are dumb You have to teach yourself the course and even then he yells at you for using outside recourses. Even the tutors don't like him. This class will test your mental stability
He's obviously very knowledgable about chemistry but can struggle to break it down for students. It's important to be present during lectures and you'll have pop quizzes almost every week. My best advice is to make friends at your table and form a study group. My group all agreed we wouldn't have passed without having each other to compare quizzes.
Terrible professor, I learned >70% of the material outside of the class on my own through youtube chatgpt etc. If you're confused in class and ask questions he'll look at you with disgust and anger. Often leaves during labs so the entire class is left to their own with questions unanswered.
He's honestly not that bad especially if he can tell you're trying. You have to be willing to dedicate time outside of class, and if you do you'll be fine. If you don't understand something address it right away because
This guy is something else I swear, he has a penchant for turning sense into nonsense, & the rational irrational, I understand, academics is also the students responsibility, but there's no telling how many students he's damaged academically with his non teaching counter-intuitiveness. He turns the most basic topics into quantum theory. Pls 🔥 him.
This professor is passive aggressive and gets frustrated if you seem confused and ask questions. Expects you to know everything from the first day. So frustrated that he is the only option for CHM 152 at Estrella. Plea
Mind you this course is not “difficult” per se, the material is substandard in rigor even by high-school standards. however this professor seems to go out of his way to make the material, excruciatingly painful. He makes the easiest concepts impossible to learn, lacks vigor & enthusiasm towards his work, & I hope Estrella removes him from teaching
Professor Torrison is pretty harsh and rude. I was afraid to ask him questions because of this and he would often times embarrass you. The material on tests were not properly taught to us, he would leave you on your own. Your grade depends on three tests, and there are a lot of pop quizzes. Overall, I would not recommend this instructor.
This guy is a real piece of work, that's about all I can say, just read the negative reviews already on here, ***spoiler*** they're all true, stay away from this guy, you're better off taking your class at a different school. I hope Estrella removes him from his position as he presents as being unstable & I don't feel safe around him.
Treat him as if he's radioactive and stay away…I'm sure like many of these others, I thought I'd never find myself here, yet here I am. My advice, save yourself a migraine, money, & take this course with another instructor. You won't learn anything from him, he's also rude, is not personable, impatient, makes students feel uncomfortable & incapable
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
93%
Textbook Required
93%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.01 avg changeRatings by Course
130
5.0
(1)CHM594
5.0
(1)CHM150
4.0
(1)CHEM150
4.0
(1)CHM130AA
4.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
CHEM130
5.0
CHM004
5.0
CHEM131
5.0
BIO130
5.0
CHM152AA
5.0