This is the hardest physics teacher I've ever had. We had a quiz and a surprise lab on the first week! Out of the 6 people enrolled, 4 were retaking the course. Extremely hard, expect at least 5 hours per day of study, and you will learn tons.

toughest class in palomar PERIOD...

Very hard class but the teacher is good. He is willing to help. Tests are very hard/long but you will learn a lot. Study and do your homework 5 times.

Definitely the hardest class I've ever taken. However, as hard as it is, he's there to help as long as you're willing to help yourself. I'm now at UCSD and have had to deal with classes damn near as hard with professors no where near as approachable.

At the time I thought the class was very difficult.But the skills that he teaches are fundumental to understanding the connection between math and physical phnomenona.I would not being doing as well if I had not taking his class.

The class is difficult, but it provides you with the skills and understanding that are neccessary to thrive in a university. Anyone wanting to go into the fields of engineering or physics should definitely take Takashi's class.

This professor is tough but if you are transferring to an university as an engineer or in physics, then Nakajima is a sign of things to come. Just be prepared to work in his class.

This teacher was so easy. I slept in class all day and got an A. I never had homework. It's fun having a teacher so easygoing. Plus his cute face makes up for his lack of teaching ability. :)

The class is pretty fun if you like cheesy dry humor. The material is no joke. If your math skills are lacking, either sharpen them or avoid his class. He can be somewhat hard to understand because of his accent. Ask him about the class, he won't lie.

great class. very dedicated teacher. do ALL problems he gives out untill you can do them without making a single mistake (especialy the ones that he mentions that are not homework). if you study a lot there is plenty of time for the test.

He is so helpful. I have never taken such a great teacher. His tests are not eazy, but they are helpful to understand REAL PHYSICS. I really appreciate what he taught.

just to be fair (i am failin his class) he is a great teacher, but his class is very veyr hard. He really knows what he is doing, the problem is he assumes you can do anything after his class. So his tests are hard as hell. If you don't care he makes fun of you, then his class is very fun to be in.

Tough teacher, but that is only to make it easier in 231 and beyond. very funny, has some good stories. his labs arnt that hard, IF you understand the subject AND go to the lab prep.

Very hard, very demanding, but you learn a lot if you put in the time. If physics is not your major, don't take this class here. He teaches hard core physics.

Difficult but good.

Takashi is one of the best 2 professors I have ever had. He tells you how to pass his class(do the homework 4 times), gives you the answers to the homework so you can work through it, and is at Palomar pretty much the whole day. Hard, yes, but he makes sure only those who know it will pass.

this guy's good. he is very difficult, but not unfair. Grading the labs based on the time it takes to complete can go both ways for you. Be sure to choose motivated lab partners who are able to go to the lab-prep sessions and spend time with you before the lab to ensure everyone understands the concepts. dont mem eqns, be able to derive them.

This class is for serious students majoring in a hardcore science or engineering.Takashi warns of this and explains what is expected,no suprises.He's the hardest working teacher.Do take advantage of office hours.Discipline is extremely important.Passing calculus doesn't=passing physics.The class is much harder than it should be:) Thankyou Takashi.

If you do as he says, such as studing 4 hours a night and doing the homework at least 4 times over you will pass. He says 50% pass the class and thats true except that the 50% that pass are all the returning students. Class requires alot of time and should probably take MATH 205 before taking the class. Labs are easy if you prepare ahead of time.

frikkin genius.

Well Im at UCSD now and all the classes here are a JOKE compared to these 2, which is great cuse now i can still party it up with the Psych majors ^^

Class is supper hard and it takes a lot o your time, but you learn a lot. He is very helpful if you need help, but make sure ur not taking too many units because this class takes up a lot of it.

A truly excellent and brutally difficult professor. His tests are murderous, but he doesn't test on anything he didn't teach. Don't expect reworked HW problems though; you will have to synthesize and understand the info. His class is quite fun, and he has a good sense of humor. If you put in as much time as he expects you to, you will be rewarded.

His lectures are light & the hw is heavy; the tests are somewhere in the middle. Essentially, his tests are based on reworked hw & class problems, and a little something else extra, but not impossible; it just requires thinking & much prior practice. You will enjoy this class if you put in plenty of time and effort. It's a challenge worth taking:)

If you are going to take this class be prepared to study hard. It might seem like he is too tough but it is worth it. If you are going into a hard field like Electrical Engineering then this is an excellent prep class. I can tell you from experience that after taking two semesters with Takashi I am prepared for anything now that I've transfered

Reading the posts about Takashi, it is obvious that he is an outstanding professor! Those who failed are negative and those who prevailed show praise for what he provides to every student who is serious about success. As an aerospace RF engineer, I can vouch that Takashi's level of difficulty will prepare you to one day say, "life is good...."

I failed his class, but this teacher has taught me more than any other teacher on campus. Palomar teachers give easy A's; this Prof. failed me even after doing the hw 3-4 times each, studying nearly 16hrs every weekend, and not missing a day of lecture. If I don't get into ucla in the Fall for failing this class, I'm def retaking it with him.

Although hard, his class was always interesting. Takashi knows his physics, and will help you with problems all the time after class... tests require complete understanding of physics! This is not just a find equation and plug in the numbers course. overall I enjoyed the course even though I didn't have a social life outside of it.

Takashi is a feakin genius. I am coasting through my classes at UCSD because he prepares his students so well! He highly admires hard work and rewards you by putting forth extra effort himself! When he says to do it, DO IT! If you are a serious student (not psychology major) you will greatly appreciate his course and physics in general.

Takashi is a great teacher. He's probably one of the hardest teachers at Palomar, though. Takashi stresses definitions and being able to prove almost all the mathematical theorems that are needed for the class. Almost no memorization. Take him for higher level classes were you actually need to learn and are willing work hard, not for basic physics!

Like everyone says, his class may be hard but if you apply yourself to the material (like hours and hours and hours of work per week) you MAY pass, and if you do, you'll know then that you have an outstanding understaning of one of the hardest subjects ever known; truly enlightening.

CAREFULL! of all in my class there were two that passed at the end, I'm not kidding! You study a lot and you think you know the material and then he gives you rediculous test questions that require a genious to solve. At least 10 students ripped up there exams and stormed out on the big exam. Gerwig is super hard too, but at least has ok tests

His knowledge on the material is unparalled by any other professor I've had to date. He's willing to help with any qestions that come up. The class is extreamly comprehensive and the material takes practice to master. Well worth it!

Don't knock him bc you failed! I took 230 and then 231 (twice). I have to say at first I was scared, and it was difficult, but Takashi is one of the best teachers I ever had. He is very accessible. The only reason I have some confidence in CHEM E at UCSD is because of Takashi's classes. Great class overall, very fun! But you will work for it!

Takashi is one of Palomar's greatest assets. If you plan on transferring to a university, you will be very grateful to have professors like him that prepare you thoroughly. Engineering is difficult--that's the nature of the subject. You want to be prepared for quantitative science, you will be well-prepared if you take his class seriously.

Takashi expects you to bring it and to pass the class you need to. He's a very hard professor and I wouldn't recommend him for any Phys class under 230 but 230 and 231 I do recommend him, he will kick your butt into academic shape, but you have to want to pass the class. If you're not interested in working hard, then take the class somewhere else.

If you try hard, do the homework, do the homework again, ask questions (he's always available in his office), take good notes and do the homework again then you will have a chance at passing. Exam questions will appear to be more difficult than anything you've ever seen before but if you apply the techniques he teaches, you can do them easily

A good way to enjoy his classes is probably to keep asking him about the subjects. In this way, the student is clear about the connections, expectations, and emphases on the topics as well as help the instructor know what the student is up to.

Don't take him or his minion if you plan on transferring to a school where GPA matters. If you are ok with a B or a C on your transcript, and don't mind failing a semester, then definitely take him as you'll learn the material very well. Will you use that knowledge once you transfer? I don't know, are you a physics major? If not, don't take him.

His class is very hard, but it was worth it. If you really want to do well in the field of physics and engineering this class is a must. I took 230 and 231 with him and 232 at UC Berkeley. he prepared me well even in top ranking University such as Berkeley.

This is a life changing professor. I am a human bio major, accidentally took engineering series, but it was totally worth it. I had to spend a bunch of time in this class, it was hard, but I am glad I took it. It has taught me a lot, words cannot express. I wish there were more teachers like him. :)

Great teacher if you really want to learn, but not if you are just looking to get through the class.

Takashi is awesome!! He teaches you physics of course. But he really teaches you how to harness the real power of your brain and how to really think about reality and how things really are. If you think you want to be an engineer or physics major this class will decide for you.

If you are a student who avoids difficult classes, you are not wanted here; Mira Costa is always accepting new students. If you want to receive a top notch education in Physics and are prepared to work hard, this class can change your life.

ONE OF THE BEST PROFESSOR. It is very hard to convey in words, but in short, it is a "must take," life changing class. I just wish all professors are like him, who really cares about their subject and students. You might fail or get C in this class, but trust me, taking him will make you feel like everything else is so easy and that you're "special

Not for the faint of heart. The hardest classes I've ever taken. But, the skills and understanding of physics that I gained from his class are unparalleled. Best education money can buy.

ALL OF THIS APPLIES TO PHYS230 AS WELL: This is a hard class. Takashi is a hard professor. However, physics and engineering are hard disciplines so if you can't handle a challenge early on, switch your major before natural selection takes care of you at the university level. Takashi: get to know him, he's approachable, funny, and can really teach.

Hands down the best professor I've ever had. Very humbling class to be honest, but prepares you for anything. The general advice is to do the homework problems four times, but I think the best approach to passing is to solve the problems from the lectures without looking at the notes, read the book, and do as many different problems as possible.

Get help from them and the TAs in the lab room!! Need help at 10PM? The lab room is probably open!

I have taken phy 230 and 231 and got A on the first time. It is not as hard as it sound like. He is a great professor who are not willing to help you but also willing to change you bad study habit. This class has changed my life and make me deeply believe I am not learning for a grade.

This class is not for the thin skinned or lazy individual. If true knowledge is important to you, you won't be disappointed with this class. Drive and self-motivation is a must. Be prepared to spend an average of 30 hours a week between studying and lab making. PLEASE FIND A GOOD LAB GROUP EARLY IN THE SEMESTER. This will save you alot of heartache

Takashi Nakajima has completely revamped the way he teaches physics 230. I dont know what he must have been like in the past but all the exams are now multiple choice. There are pop quizzes but they are essentially class examples.

I'm only here to talk about lab because I had Gerwig for lecture. The labs were pretty good. The lab manual was online and pretty well written all we had to really do is fill in the blanks though there was the friction and lubrication labs where we had to do a write up. Very hands on

This class was so easy. Basically don't even have to show up

Great professor, really knows his stuff. Yes, he is hard but if you study there is no reason you shouldn't pass. You will really learn the material and you will excel in all your upper division coursework. Creates an impeccable work ethic in you. Do not listen to the counselors even the stem councilors. They don't know what they are talking about.

VERY tough class but it's doable. Lectures are fun. Labs are beyond challenging if you don't have a good group. DO the homework. Then do it again. And again. Pop quizzes and exams are homework, class, and lab problems. Gives partial credit and curves exam grades. Study every single day, do the homework, and make sure you understand the concepts.

He is a very challenging teacher but if you work hard you will leave with a better understanding of physics than students in other schools. If your are an engineering major I recommend you take him because he really knows his stuff. His high standards makes you a better student. Only lazy students complain that it is impossible. Its not an easy A.

To pass his class you must study harder for this than for any other class. The study habits that develop from this class definitely made me a better student. My other classes were so easy after this class. He was available for office hours more than any other professor. Dont complain if you never asked good questions when confused. Do the homework

As freshman in college, many are intimidated. In most workplaces, we work in a team. This class teaches teamwork better than any other. It "breaks the ice" for dialogues in physics. Much time is spent speaking, arguing (constructively), & writing with lab mates. This is not something one experiences in larger classes. Helps prepare for workforce.

Hardest classes I've ever taken. Hardest I've worked in a class . I hear he has retired. I wish that I could find a video of him deriving all of the equations from scratch. Brilliant teacher.

This guy... There aren't many professors that can fail you twice, and leave with the student loving and revering the professor, he is one of the. I have never seen a professor with such great knowledge of his curriculum... even if you look at MIT Courseware. It is impossible to find a professor with his level of passion for his class.

Having taken his course over 3 years ago, by now I have received instruction from over a dozen STEM professors. I have never since met a professor so dedicated, entertaining, difficult, and worthy of respect. In my mind he has set the benchmark for a '5' beyond the reach of any other STEM educator. His legacy will never be forgotten.