I took his class years ago and I used to sleep half way through his lecture, no fault of his it was just the hour of the day class was held. Easy but interesting intro to physics. He took the scare factor out of the subject.

Great teacher, sample tests are rel. like the real exams....helps out whenever he can. great teacher!

Good teacher. Study his notes. If you don't understand your notes, ask for clarification.

interesting teacher, and person if you get to know him. our class was at noon so it was hard to stay awake, but his humor made the class fun and interesting which kept me awake. If you don't understand something make sure to ask him about it because he really wants to help.

great teacher! very funny, very energetic, and very helpful. always willing to answer any questions even if it's off the topic. he talks a lot and writes EXTREMELY fast, but overall great guy. lecture usually goes by fast and lab is very easy. take him cause he'll make physics easy n fun.

Super goood teacher. funny and informative. relatively easy class for how much u learn. highly recomend him

He is a fantastic teacher. He also has a great sense of humor. He makes everything understandable. His class is very easy (assuming you give a little effort on your part.) I think what I like best about Prof. Lawlor is that he is extremely intelligent, yet never feels a need to let you know it.

Mr. Lawlor is a really grreat physics teacher. no kidding. he knows this stuff inside and out. he knows how to teach and knows how to make it fun. i don't think there was ever a dull moment in that class. Notes= extremely helpful. Lectures= fun & worth learning. **highly recommended**

At first i didnt like his teaching style, but after i read the syllabus again, i knew waht to expect, he is really organized, funny, to the point, and makes everything clear, he was really down to earth and funny. one time he broke a ruler teaching torque. just study his ntoes.

He's very cool!! His study question is very helpful. Also, labs are easy to do. If you do your homework and labs, they can help you to increase your grade. I am highly recommend this teacher!!!

Professor Lawlor has a witty sense of humor and is extremely knowledgeable in this field. He knows everything but evokes humility. His lectures and unequivocal and the labs are short. This is the professor that you have always wanted for a higher division physics course. He is also flexible and understanding.

I prefer this teacher, but I don't think he taught very well.

GREAT TEACHER....he explains concepts well and will help you with any problem(whether it is on homework or a lab) Take him if you have a chance

Difficult class, but a terrific teacher. He makes it so you understand.

Take Him! The best decision I made last semester.He's funny and the lectures aren't boring.He encourages questions and comments,and prepares you well for the exams.Hope he doesn't change in 360.Best physics teacher in Sacramento! Please don't change things in 360!!!

one of the greatest physics prof. very funny and makes lectures fun. very reasonable prof. wish he can be my prof for all my physics courses

indeed one of the best professors in CRC. He grades base on 4 exams, a final, labs and Hw. The subject is very hard but he makes it understandable!

Excellent teacher. He makes the subject very understandable. Grading is based on tests and extra credit assignments. Take him if you want to understand physics.

GOOD teacher. He is Very fair on test. Do the hwk, labs and even if you bomb a couple of test you can still pass =)

Loved his class. Definitely take him!

If it's your 1st time taking physics, take it with Mr.Lawlor. He'll make the materials easy for you to understand. I hated Physics back then but he really changed my mind. I call him "evil teacher" but he's funny and great ... It was the best physics class that i've ever taken. Hope he still remembers this evil student lol ...

A great instructor, teaches in a manner so that you would understand the material and do well, however, his exams can become tough sometimes. This was my first time taking physics and I managed a B

Great Professor. Very animated during lectures. He makes material very interesting and fun, and easy to understand. I took him for 411 and 421, if you do the h/w and labs, exams are easy. Highly recommend. Though lab reports can be a bit long. But he helps you out a lot. Easy B or A, depends on your effort.

great professor in the world i ever had before. he is the best one!!!!! verynice personality and very helpful all the time. just explain him if you nedd hhis help he is there for you always..

Great teaching style. I love his jokes. Nice personality. HE has the ability to amke things crystal clear.

I checked his rating before taking him. Most of them were nail on the head. Great Prof. CRYSTAL, willing to help BUT for those of us who AREN'T GENIUSES the exams were EXTREMELY HARD to do in a small time period.Only gave 80min and he's HARD on grading. Only like 4 problems worth 20pts each! Studied hard and have yet to pass one exam. Good prof tho

He is more than willing to help you if you don't understand. Willing to go the extra mile in order to help. Exams are moderate. If you read the book and follow the lectures you should do well in the class.

He is a very good professor. He understands each student's needs and is always willing to help. Though his exams are tough, they are not impossible. The easiest way to get an A, is to skim the book, and examples before the lecture. You will have such an easy time. Just stay on top you will be fine.

Very nice, funny and easy to understand. Teaches really well and will take his time explaining the subject. But the negative things about him is he gives long homework and his test are EXREMELY HARD. the only reason i got a b was by doing all the homework and labs and getting C's on the test. Great teacher but whish he gave out fairer tests

Awesome professor. Very nice, and one of the wittiest dudes I've ever met. Lectures are always entertaining. Favorite professor I've had at CRC.

He is a wonderful teacher. when he says do the examples from the lecter to prepare for the test do so because it helps. hint i didnt believe him first semeseter now im passing with flying colors. Also talk and interact with him, he is funny and always willing to lend a helping hand if your a good student. Good luck!

Excellent teacher. Really helps you to get a good grade.. 421 itself is hard.. just keep getting extra credit that really helps at the end. Easy A or B teacher.

Great teacher. Really helps you understand physics. When it comes to grading, he is a fair grader.. often passes you even if you have 67 percent.

He is an AWESOME professor. He turns what could easily be a boring subject into something that makes total sense and his sense of humor makes it interesting. The exams are tought, but if you attend class, take notes and study you should do well. He is very helpful and constantly checks to see if everyone is following along and understanding.

he is cool

He's very nice but VERY tough. I heard he's the toughest of all the teachers at CRC. His sample tests are like his chapter tests but don't be fooled. His sample final is NOTHING like the real final even though it's open book, notes, etc. I heard someone else at CRC is easier than he is.

after i finished college, Professor Michael Lawlor remains one of the most influential teachers i have ever had. because of him, i actually find myself trying to solve physics problems for fun. i hope he reads this so he can know how much gratitude i have for him.

I took him for Phys 421 which is not a piece of cake like 411. He's the best Phys teacher I've ever had. His lectures are very clear and consise. He's also funny and willing to help if you're a good student. I passed the class with perfect score so I don't think he's hard at all. The only things that will help you are to do the homework, take notes

Excellent teacher for the course. Gives lots of opportunities for extra credit, exams are never any surprise, HW is easy, class is fun and engaging, and the subject is interesting. He is approachable and will answer all your questions, and cares about each student. Labs are also very doable. I would strongly recommend him.

He's so easy & funny! Textbook is mostly used for homework. His lectures are so clear & helpful that you barely need to read the book. He's really nice & tests are so easy. Take him!!

he's the best prof at crc to teach phys411 and 421. exams are straight forward. final is nothing like the review final he gives out. just got done with his final an hr ago. hopefully i get an A(on border line right now). wish he taught 431 though. take him if u wanna learn physics. he's a great prof. they should pay him more for that.

Great professor! Took him for 350 and 360. He is more than happy to help you and has a great personality. He gives full pts on HW just for trying, gives you a week to complete the labs, and gives 2 practice exams before each test. Great classes!

Had him for 411 and 421. His teaching is clear, and he uses his lectures to help students not only be able to do the math, but understand the problems conceptually. Generous partial credit. Algebra/sig fig/rounding errors will not cost you much; he will only mark you down greatly for not understanding or misusing concepts from WITHIN the course.

One of the best teachers I have had anywhere. Makes things crystal clear and is engaging and funny in class. Labs are graded fairly, tests are tough but fair (Do the Practice Exams!) Always willing to take time for his students to help them, and yes, he gives full credit on homework just for honest effort even if you screw it all up.

Great teacher. Very clear and easy to understand; always willing to help explain if someone doesn't. Lab report grades are a little detailed; but you get full HW credit for trying. A good amount of extra credit. Picks easy to medium questions for exams, but gives a good amount of information on the exam (I.E types of problems & concepts.)

Assigns a ton of work, but it all helps in understanding the material. If you do all the homework, you'll do fine on the tests. If you blow off the homework, you'll struggle for sure. Tells everyone multiple times what he takes off points for, gives broad hints as to what material will be on the test.

This is one teacher who honestly does everything he can to help you succeed. His lectures are perfectly clear, and he tells you exactly what will be on the exams. He assigns a lot of homework, but it is necessary to learn the material. He is very fair about partial credit on exams. Overall he is pretty easy and prepares you for future courses.

He's cool easy to understand and funny. But he does have a comprehensive final for those who dont like to study for finals

best teacher I've ever had, his lecture is clear

Awesome teacher. He definitely made coming to class a lot more enjoyable with his geeky jokes. Tests are straight forward and he does provide two practice exams before each test. Homework load isn't terribly difficult especially since he grades based on effort. Guarantee success if you attend lectures and study his examples/practice exams.

Great teacher His test are mostly based off his lectures so class is critical to do well. The best thing about his class is plenty of extra credit to help you with the not so great exam scores which is tough with this boring subject... he is not an easy A but if you apply yourself and take advantage of his extra credit you will get a good grade.

Really helpful. Explains everything very clearly so the whole class can understand. I look forward to taking him again for physics in future semesters.

One of the best professors I have ever had. I had never taken a physics course before, so I was worried, but he truly makes an effort to help his students out. He made class enjoyable with his great sense of humor; this humor made the whole class bearable and worth showing up for. Thanks, Lawlor!

He is the best physics professor I've ever had. 421 is the hardest, if you want to learn and pass take him. don't take 421 at arc or scc or other teacher

Best physics professor ever. Really explains the concepts and makes himself available to help. Great guy. Is understanding when you try to argue points back on a test. Makes physics fun by having a sense of humor and not talking in a monotone voice. Really helps prepare you for future physics, engineering, etc. Know your trig.

Recommended. All the way.. The best physics teacher in Sacramento. Maybe in the world.

I took his Astronomy course this summer and absolutely loved it! It was a 3 hour course but he was able to keep me interested the entire time. A sub taught the class once and literally half the students got up and left out of boredom, so one can really appreciate a professor who can make a 3 hour astronomy class enjoyable and keep you coming back for more. Thorough study guides before test and the quizzes were based on readings done before class.

One of my favorite teachers.You can use phones in class, leave class early and attendance is not mandatory.Also he gives really detailed notes so you don't have to get the book since everything on the quizez and tests is from his lectures.You can also record lectures.He actually cares about his students and gives lots of extra credit.Take him!!!!!!

Astronomy can go either way depending on who's teaching it, but I loved every single minute of it. Professor Lawlor tries his best to make it very interactive for his students which I found very helpful. He doesn't just talk at you expecting you to know the material. He really tries his best for everyone to understand it. One of the best so far.

I have learning disabilities and I never felt like I couldn't to this class. So far I have a B+. Usually because of the design of the class I barely pass. You actually get test on what you learn. AMAZING TEACHER must take one of his classes.

VERY nice guy. DO NOT FORGET TO STUDY FOR THE QUIZZES AND EXAMS. they aren't too hard though.

The Best Physics Professor at CRC just like the Physics professor at scc Newman but I think Lawlor is better take him if ou want to learn Physics very fair and offers lots of extra credit

Good and clear teacher, but a lot of homework. The lab take too much time because u have to do it on the computer. There is five exam and one final. He explain everything well. Too much home work take at least 12-20 hrs to finish it. Good luck. I dropped and got a nice W.

Great teacher. Very lighthearted, really cares about his students and actually WANTS you to learn. He gives a lot of homework plus the weekly labs so it's important to NOT miss class. Exams are direct and not hard if you did homework and have a note card he allows. All in all definitely someone to take. KNOW YOUR TRIG! Most of the problems use it.

Professor Lawlor is the best professor I've ever had. He's extremely knowledgeable and helpful which is needed for electricity/magnetism. I also took him for 411 which really set my foundation for 421 well. There is quite a bit of homework and labwork involved, but really his formula of work-load and lecture material is optimum for learning.

Professor Lawlor is a very good professor. He teaches directly and tells you what he expects and what he will put on an exam. He gives a lot of homework/labwork so stay up on it. He allows a notecard for exams for formulas. He's also quite funny. He doesn't want to fail anyone so show up to class and try really hard and you'll pass no problem.

I'll be honest, he is very knowledgeable and explains exactly what he expects and how it's done. Now the other side, he assigns a lot of homework but it only is about 8%(ish) of your grade. His exams are hard (he offers a decent amount of extra credit) but be wary of him, I don't agree with homework being such a small part of the grade.

His tests are really hard and always feel rushed when taking them. He explains the material well but unless you are prepared to devote your life to this 4 unit class, I wouldn't recommend. Too much workload for the amount of units it is.

Good and Clear Professor. Funny compare to most professor. Explains what's going to be on the test and give out good reviews. Homework is really tough, expect to spend HOURS on each homework and labs. Good thing his tests aren't as hard as the problems in the hmk set.

My first physics class, it was tougher than I expected. He offers a good amount of extra credit. Tests are fairly difficult, but he does a good job of preparing you. I could have gotten an A but I got cocky after the first test, which was easy. I feel like I learned a lot and rid myself of some misconceptions. Don't let up and you can get an A!

BEST teacher on EARTH. You cant find any teacher like him. He's so knowledgable and fun. Prepare you so well for tests with workshop and sample tests. He's so friendly and fun. Use his office hours for ANYTHING you confuse. Give out bunch of xtra credits but wont curve the test. Nothing worth comes easy! but A is not too hard to get

okay so he's one of my favorite professor, super funny! to do well, redo the homework assigned until you understand it, and study the examples in the notes, and old exams he gives and you'll do fine. my advice redo problems over and over until you get it honestly, overall really great guy who is more than willingly to help you out

LOVED discussion, hated the calculations. He is excellent at helping you visualize physics, but he doesn't hold your hand through calculations. He is funny and keeps class entertaining, is a tough grader on exams and labs. some of the labs + the exams are difficult. average grades were usually around 72%.Tons of hw but grades on comp not accuracy.

Overall enjoyable. He gives two practice tests for each test. Make sure to do those and the class examples (they really help). The final wasn't cumulative which I appreciate. He's a funny guy who really loves physics. The only complaint really is that sometimes I feel like he could do more problems in class and explain the calcs more thoroughly.

A great professor that is super funny. I wish he would teach all my physics classes.

I took this class in the summer of 2016 and my experience with this professor left me wondering more and more about all of the physics that define our universe. Lawlor's lectures are most of the time immersive, especially when he explains how a concept applies to the physical world up to celestial objects and down to the atom.

I am planning to take Lawlor's PHYS 421 & 431 courses next year and am looking forward to taking them considering how well he taught PHYS 411.

I am in love with lawlor, this was definitely the hardest class I've ever taken but it was so enjoyable because of his personality and friendliness. Tests, homework, and labs were really tough. But he is so amazing and friendly and funny that it all evens out. I will never forget him

He is the best prof ever that I've known. I took 411 and 421. he was so good.

I am taking Phys 431 right now. Took 411 and 421 with him, earned A's in both class. Amazing professor, very energetic, and great personality. The material he teaches is very understandable and makes you want to learn more. Test are challenging but he does provide old exams as practice. Attend class, do your homework, review notes and you'll pass.

I love this professor, but it is so hard to get an A in this class. The exams always have that one problem worth 25 or 20 points which are really difficult to do. However, I love his lectures and I actually understand physics even though I hate physics so much. He is also really friendly so that inspires me to take physics 421 & 431 with him.

Professor Lawlor is the best. I took him over summer 2017 and though it was fast paced I actually LEARNED in his class, I failed this same class at Sac State (physics department sucks there). He grades by seeing if you know your material well. Try to do the homework, they're hard. My best advise is to pay attention during lectures and go over them.

Some say he's a better physics professor than some of the physics professors at UC Davis. I'm taking him for PHYS421 right now and I can say for sure he is top notch, high quality stuff. Though the class may be a little "easier" than that of other schools (i.e. more examination time, more time to do homework, extra credit, etc.), Lawlor is good.

Amazing professor, I took physics in high school and struggled a bit with concepts. After taking him I have a much clearer understanding. He's interesting to listen to and is always ready to help his students. He clearly lays out the tests a week before so you know exactly what to expect. Labs are very easy. I'm very happy I was able to take him.

There are 13 HW assignments total, 11 labs that are easy if you know what you're doing, and 5 HARD exams with him being a nitpicky grader. Each exam has 5 Conceptual Questions (5 pts ea) and 3 Problems (25 pts ea). Allows a 3 x 5 card, but study his lecture problems and both practice exams. Respected, but I wouldn't take again. Good luck.

Took him for 411; it wasn't that bad. Took him for 421; holy cow from algebra-based physics to calculus-based physics, 421 is definitely on another level from 411, in terms of difficulty but you guys are probably smart if you're taking 421 so work hard, do the homework (don't rely on slader/chegg, do the problems urself! Starts off ez, gets HARDER

Lawlor makes class bearable w/hilarious analogies. Class comes w/3 hr lab. Understand concepts before u plug n chug values into formulas. A lot of hw from bk. He allows a 3X5 notecard on exams for formulas/constants only. Exam can be a bit of a surprise. He teaches material well, but u hav to practice a lot to get it. Overall, he's a good prof.

Engaging lectures, great sense of humor, and approachable. Reading not necessary. Homework is essentially graded on completion with room for error. Gives out study exams which you should do before the exam. Be present and ask questions!

Most of Lawlor's assignments seem pretty doable. However, his exams are tough due to the confusing content and his harsh grading. The fifth final exam is not cumulative. Labs are fun if you have a cool group. HW is easy (based on completion). Extra credit doesn't help much (1-2% boost). Advice: study examples off of his lectures & practice exams

He pulled a fast one for my PHYS431 class and I will never forget >:(!

PHYS 411 is pretty difficult, and that's exacerbated by the relatively short lectures and lack of in-class practice. However, Lawlor is a solid choice for this class. I did pretty poorly in high school physics, but he really helped me understand the material this time around. He was always available to answer emails.

He himself says that he teaches a lot of hard classes & this is not one of them. No homework, just one easy project, but you should still do the reading to get things he doesn't cover in class. Tests aren't v hard if you pay attn in class or to the book & send him an outline. One of the friendliest, most helpful professors I've had & I hate science

Best professor ever. Funny, solid lectures, and he's super understanding. Do the hw, show up to labs, study for the tests and you'll be fine. I skipped most of the lectures and I still have a solid A. The tests are worth a lot, once you screw up on one, your grade will never recover. You don't get to leave lab early though because he lectures :/.

The lectures are amazing. The lab is fantastic. The grading area is very clear and fair. The only and most important issue is exams. His exams are EXTREMELY HARD. He give study guide but the test are way different than practice test. In the tests there are 8 question 3 of them has 75 points and the other five has 25 points. miss 1 q messed up whol

What can I say that hasn't been said already, one of the best teachers I've had the pleasure of studying under. Hilarious, explains material well. For the longest I had a tough time with Physics, but with Lawlor I was able to get a lot of it. Physics still isn't for me, but if there was any professor that makes you 'get it', it's Lawlor.

All-around a great professor.

I have never felt I understood the material more than with Lawlor. He gives good lectures with only the neccessary information and gives good examples to help you understand the material. He always does a demo on labs and will answer any questions. Tests are easy and he posts past exams for you to study from to feel more prepared. Highly recommend!