Mathematics Overview

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College of Letters and Science

6363 Mathematical Sciences
Box 951555
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1555

Mathematics
310-825-4701

  • Chandrashekhar Khare, PhD, Chair
    Inwon C. Kim, PhD, Graduate Vice Chair
    Igor Pak, PhD, Administrative Vice Chair
    Marcus L. Roper, PhD, Undergraduate Vice Chair
    Michael J. Andrews, PhD, Director, Program in Computing
    Andrea L. Bertozzi, PhD, Director, Applied Mathematics

Gauss called mathematics the “queen of the sciences.” It has provided powerful intellectual tools that have made possible tremendous advances in modern science and technology. The Department of Mathematics offers courses of study that introduce students to the fundamentals of mathematics and allow them to master the most important parts of the subject, both pure and applied. It leads doctoral students to the frontiers of mathematical research, where they can begin to push back those frontiers.

Undergraduate Study

In addition to its seven majors, the department also participates in the Mathematics/Economics Interdepartmental Program, which offers a Mathematics/Economics major.

Undergraduate Policies

Preliminary Examination in Mathematics

If students wish to enroll in Mathematics 1, 3A, 31A, or 31AL, they must pass the Mathematics Diagnostic Test.

For specific information about the online test, refer to the Schedule of Classes or the department website; or contact the Mathematics Student Services Office, 6356 Mathematical Sciences.

Advanced Placement in Calculus

Students who have taken the Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB Test and obtained a score of 5 receive 4 units of credit and Mathematics 31A equivalency; those with a score of 4 receive 4 units of calculus and analytic geometry credit. They may petition for 31A equivalency, or they may take course 31A or 31AL at UCLA, although they must still satisfy the course requisites (Mathematics Diagnostic Test). Students who take the BC Test and obtain a score of 5 receive 8 units of credit and Mathematics 31A, 31B equivalency; those with a score of 4 receive 4 units of credit and Mathematics 31A equivalency. They may petition for 31A, 31B equivalency, or they may take courses 31A or 31AL, 31B at UCLA, although they must still satisfy the course requisites (Mathematics Diagnostic Test). Students receiving a score of 4 or lower on the AB examination, or 3 or lower on the BC examination, should consult with the undergraduate mathematics counselor prior to enrolling in a calculus course at UCLA.

Credit Limitations

Credit is given for at most one course in each of the following groups: (1) 3A, 31A, 31AL; (2) 3B, 31B, 31E; (3) 110A, 117; (4) 170A, 170E; (5) former course 174A, 174E.

Courses from only one of the following statistics sequences may be applied toward any mathematics major: (1) Statistics 100A (or Mathematics 170A or 170E), 100B (or Mathematics 170S), 100C or (2) former Statistics 110A, 110B.

Mathematics 132 is not open for credit to students with credit for Physics 132.

Mathematics 151A is not open for credit to students with credit for Electrical and Computer Engineering 133A.

Mathematics 170A, 170E, and Statistics 100A are not open for credit to students with credit for Electrical and Computer Engineering 131A.

Mathematics 170S is not open for credit to students with credit for Statistics 100B.

Mathematics 174E is not open for credit to students with credit for Economics 141.

For lower-division mathematics courses, students may not take or repeat a course for credit if it is a requisite for a more advanced lower-division course for which they already have credit. This applies in particular to the repetition of courses (e.g., if students wish to repeat Mathematics 31B, they must do so before completing course 32B; if students wish to repeat Mathematics 3B or 31B or 32A, they must do so before completing course 33A).

For upper-division mathematics courses, students may not take or repeat a lower sequence course for credit if it is part of a sequence for which they already have credit. This applies in particular to the repetition of courses (e.g., if students wish to repeat Mathematics 131A, they must do so before completing course 131B or 131BH).

Students may not receive credit for both a course and the honors version of that course (e.g., they may not receive credit for both Mathematics 131A and 131AH).

Honors Courses

The department offers a lower-division honors sequence in calculus, and upper-division honors sequences in algebra and analysis. The sequences are intended for students (not necessarily mathematics majors) who desire a broad, comprehensive introduction to these topics.

Program in Computing Courses

Program in Computing 1 is designed for students who wish a broad, general introduction to the topic of computers and computation, but who have no prior experience in computing.

Courses 10A, 10B, and 10C provide an extensive introduction to programming, using the C++ language. Courses 16A, 16B, 20A, and 40A cover Python, Java, and Internet programming. They are of interest to majors in many fields, including those completing a specialization in Computing. Students should consult with their major department regarding enrollment in these courses, their relevance to their program, and suitability for use in fulfilling requisites.

Subject Matter Preparation Program for Single-Subject Credential in Mathematics

Students interested in obtaining a single-subject secondary school credential in mathematics should consult with a departmental counselor regarding the requirements for a waiver from the Mathematics California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), which is required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students should meet with a departmental counselor as early in their undergraduate careers as possible because the program does require additional courses beyond the major requirements. See the Curtis Center website for details on teaching credential requirements. For additional information, contact the Education Department credentialing specialist at 310-825-8328.

Subject Areas

Mathematics courses are in the following subject areas:

Course Numbering

Mathematics courses are organized by number into the categories shown.

Course NumbersCategory
100–109General and Teacher Training
110–119Algebra, Number Theory, and Logic
120–129Geometry and Topology
130–139Analysis
140–169Applied Mathematics
170–179Probability
180–187Discrete Mathematics
188–199Special Studies
200–204Teacher Preparations
205–209Number Theory
210–219Algebra
220–224Logic and Foundations
225–239Geometry and Foundations
240–254Analysis and Differential Equations
255–259Functional Analysis
260–274Applied Mathematics
275–279Probability and Statistics
280–599Special Studies