Chad is super passionate about mathematical modeling, so you'll learn a lot of concepts in addition to the regular curriculum. If you're interested in doing research in applied math/math modeling, I'd imagine that this course would be helpful! We had to look at several research papers for our homework sets, and in light of COVID, he even taught SIR models. Chad really tries to keep his class relevant and interesting in terms of subject matter, though I did find his lecturing boring at times.

Homework sets, however, tended to be on the longer side, though manageable and not entirely out of the ordinary for a 6 week upper div math course. Chad is super helpful during office hours, and he'll basically tell you how to solve each problem if you ask.

And if you even put a semblance of effort into the homework, tests should be very straightforward. Instead of a midterm and a final, there are three non-cumulative exams. The problems are basically pulled straight from homework problems, so the 24 hour open note format of 'rona-era math courses made them pretty easy. Our test averages were around 95 for each exam, and Chad doesn't curve down or give +/- grades, so anyone with a 90+ (most of the class) got an A.

Professor Sprouse is fairly generous in the way he grades. I believe he gave everyone who got a 90% or higher as their overall final grade an A, not an A-. Whenever I had a question and I emailed him, he was prompt in responding which I was very appreciative of. The homework was a bit much but I will say it prepares you well for the two midterms and the final. He docked a few points on the exams for minor errors, but I think this is the norm for math professors. VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you go over the notes very carefully and take note of the way he wants you to solve problems on the exams because if you do it your own way and still get the right answer, he will mark off a ton of points if not all of them. Solve the problems the way he wants you to solve them and you can figure out the way he wants you to solve them by carefully examining his notes. The bottom line is if you need to take Calc 31A, take it with Professor Sprouse. He is nice, a little funny, and really cares about his students. With Covid-19 going on, he was very understanding and tried to make the difficulty of the class fit the trying times we are currently in as best he could. In addition, my TA Mr. Johnson was great. I would highly recommend him as well.

I did not enjoy Chad as a professor in the slightest. Most of the class spent 8-10 hours on the homework a week and still did not complete it. The homework was about 50% of your grade and only 5 out of 25-40 problems would be taken for a grade. I’m lucky my TA was understanding and in agreement with the students and helped out. Professors like him make me question the reputation UCLA has as a top university.

Professor Sprouse: SOLID TEACHER.
I would 100% take this class with him again. A very easygoing, friendly professor who I really enjoyed getting to know. His lectures were easy to follow and sometimes he would randomly talk about off topics things but his quirkiness was very much appreciated. If you can get this guy, you won't regret it.

Overall, this professor is ok. During the lecture, his explanations sometimes get confusing and you have to go to office hours to get your answer. The textbook for this class just sucks. It makes a lot of assumptions and does little to nothing to explain concepts or equations. Its more of a reference book rather than a textbook to learn from. If you have any questions, I would just ask the professor or the TA, don't waste your time reading the textbook.

The homework is the most difficult and important part for this particular professor. Every week you'll have about 10-20 Q's from the textbook to do where each can take either 5min or over and hour to do. Also doing the HW is your prep for the exams so make sure to understand as much of the HW as possible. You'll be spending hours for each homework and I highly recommend you go to office hours. In my entire UG, I never had to go to OH except for this class. During OH they'll pretty much show you how to solve the HW Q. If you are able to understand the HW Q's, you should be in good condition for the class.

The exams are very fair and nowhere as difficult or confusing as the HW. As long as you understand the main idea of what you learned, the exams should be straightforward. But if not, you can always reference the HW or notes (I took this class online during COVID).