Professor Richthammer is extremely organized and very clear in speech. His lectures are rather fast paced, but he speaks very clearly and encourages participation from the class. He writes all of his own problem sets, which are very challenging. However, you get a clear understanding of the material by completing the homework on your own. He never gives out answers during office hours, but gives hints to help guide students along. Basically, it's pointless to go to office hours if you haven't already tried the problems. His tests are challenging and requires a clear understanding of the material, but he curves very generously. My scores on two of the tests were over 100% after the curve. He also curved the class one more time in the end according to math department standards, which yielded quite a few A's. So overall a difficult class with relatively easy grading.

Prof. Richthammer is one of the best professors at UCLA. Period. He's one of the most organized and nicest people I have ever seen. His lecture notes are clear and contain everything you need to know to get a good grade in the class. Thus, attending lecture is a must. That being said, that does not mean he is an easy professor. His homework does take a very long time so waiting until the last minute is not a good idea. The tests are also not easy and sometimes very long. However, he is willing to do everything to help his students- he does three review sessions a quarter- one before each midterm and before the final.