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.

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).

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.