I was enrolled in Smallberg's CS32 section, but Nachenberg was so good I ended up going to his lectures instead. Carey (as he prefers to be called) is one of those teachers that makes you question why all other teachers aren't like him. His lectures and slides are interesting and keep your attention. He knows everyone's name so gives personal attention during lectures to make sure students are getting the material. He plays practical jokes to keep things interesting. He gives prizes (things like candy and pop tarts) to encourage class participation. On the last day of class, he even throws an 'ice cream party' during the course review. Why don't all teachers do this? Carey really embraces the notion that happy students are more enthusiastic about learning and therefore learn better. Sort of the opposite of an old-school mentality of someone like Rohr (not to bash Rohr, cause he wasn't _that_ bad).

Bottom line, take Nachenberg if you can. Shuffle your schedule around his class if you have to. CS32 is difficult so it will be particularly helpful.

I'm usually too lazy to get on Bruinwalk to rate professors, but Nachenberg is someone I just have to evaluate. If you ever have the chance to take him (he only lectures winter quarter) TAKE HIM!! His class is tough and fast paced but he is by far the best professor I have taken at UCLA so far. Terrific at explaining things with his powerpoint presentations and extremely concerned with student learning. Nachenberg is so passionate about the field that it just rubs off of you! I'm actually excited about CS!!!! But yeah, overall great teacher. Just get ready to work your butt off because CS 32 is an extremely time consuming class. Get ready to put in 30+ hours for some projects.