Wow, this class threw me for a loop. Very interesting class, and Will is great, but I was not expecting this class to involve what it did. Will is a great lecturer and very accommodating. He will do these marathon review sessions for each exam that are very helpful. He also made the decision to let us use a double sided formula sheet for the final and a scientific calculator (get one that has a “mod” function or “remainder” function on it). He’s also extremely fair with grades. I struggled a lot in this class and still got a B- so that should hopefully encourage you. I will say though, if you’re going to take this class, get good at number theory (modular arithmetic, prime numbers, etc), Python, and maybe some Abstract Algebra (MATH 110A, 110B and maybe even 110C) before you take this class. The only prerequisite for this class is MATH 115A (Linear Algebra), but I think you should know how to use Python, maybe have taken MATH 11N, MATH 111, MATH 110A, MATH 110B, or some number theoretical algebraic class or lots of self study on it. I would imagine if the wrong professor taught this class (Will is great, so not him) students would be in for a rude awakening drowning in Python homework and a bunch of number theory that they never learned. You also get three grading schemes and an optional final paper/project you can submit at the end of the class on a topic of your choice regarding cryptology stuff, ranging from more abstract mathematical stuff to more applied, concrete examples like the Enigma machine or blockchain (he advises against blockchain cause it’s very advanced and easy to mess up). So, I’d say if you’re really good with Number Theory, Algebra, Python, and maybe just math in general, you’ll really enjoy this class. If those things are brand new to you like it was for me, I think you’ll still be okay, but you’ll hurt a little bit lol. I’m still really glad I took the class. One of the most interesting, stimulating classes I’ve ever taken here at UCLA. Probably wouldn’t take again until I took MATH 11N, MATH 110A and MATH 111.

At first, I would complain about Conley for not posting slides or for having so much coding in his homework. As I went on with the quarter though, I came to really, really appreciate his teaching. He's so passionate and clearly cares about what he's teaching-- the math, the coding, yadayada. To the point that some people call him a yapper since he can yap a couple minutes past the end of lecture ("we still have a couple minutes! we have time for another problem" - conley 1 minute before the lecture is over), but I honestly like that about him. He's a wholesome fellow. And his explanations when you ask for help are super elaborate, like he will gladly volunteer to explain to you material beyond the scope of the class that leaves you in a tizzy if you want him to.
The exams are pretty true to what we do in class, so there aren't really any curveballs. Do problem solving sessions. Go to office hours if you need help. I appreciate that we are provided 3-4 practice exams a week prior for preparation, it helps a lot. And the coding is much easier than LS30A. In LS30A, having come in without any experience of coding, I was tripping over my own feet over for loops and creating lists every single week. But in LS30B, you're not really learning new coding skills, it's mostly just copy pasting & doing parameter scans. Trust me, after a whole quarter of LS30A, you really do familiarize yourself with all you need to know for LS30B.
One warning is that if you did not take calculus before, you should definitely brush up on your derivative skills, because we go into derivatives more toward the end of the quarter with optimization and all that jazz. But derivative rules are provided on the exams, so it's not that bad-- I think.

i might update this review later and be nicer if my final grade gets fixed lol... grades this quarter were submitted late, and based off my final exam, labs, etc., i was given an A- when i should've had an A. i'm literally sweating my balls off while i wait for Conley to reply to me and see if i can get my grade fixed.

anyways Conley is really nice and passionate at least. he stays back after lecture to answer anyone and everyone's questions. BUT the midterm & final grading was slow as hell and i'm highkey pissed that i was given an A- when all calculations show that i got a solid A (97%).

imo labs were lowkey easier than 30A. homework is chill. i fumbled the midterm but clutched up on the final, so i'd say the exams weren't too terrible. ALSO i recommend being lazy and doing the bare minimum for the capstone project. like choose the Holling-Tanner model and make it the most BASIC model ever. do just enough to get full points so you can save yourself the headache.

pls if you are out there Professor William Conley... pls fix my grade... i BEG of you

WOW this class was humbling. For context I got an A+ in LS30A, but this class was on another level.

Conley:
I absolutely love Professor Conley. He is truly so dedicated to teaching this class, passionate about the subject, and so willing to help in whatever way he can. His midterm and final review sessions were 5 and 4 hours respectively over Zoom. He would stay after lecture for sometimes almost an hour to answer questions. He would stay way past beyond his office hours to answer questions. He uploads assignments on BruinLearn at eerie hours of the night. He's also just so nice. The goat.

Lab:
The labs are much harder than 30A, and there's a capstone group final project instead of a lab practical. This capstone also included a final report worth 50 points due mid-finals week, which was probably the worst part.

Class:
All homework is in the textbook, and sometimes you'll need to use CoCalc for the problems (this was annoying). Some of my homework files were 20 pages long - it can get lengthy/be a lot of writing. There were 2-3 pre-class videos before each lecture that we had to watch/answer interactive questions with. If you actually watch these, lecture will be mostly review, and you'll be slightly ahead of the game. As for content: the class covers a good mix of basic linear algebra, differential equations (expansion from 30A), multivariable calculus (partial derivatives and such, nothing too extreme). Good mix of conceptual vs. technical things you needed to know, as well.

Exams:
The midterm and final were definitely challenging, but doable with good studying. I wish I studied more for the midterm. I felt okay/a bit better for the final.

Overall - if you put in a lot of work for this class, it's definitely doable.

Will Conley is the ucla version of Jesus Christ. I have never loved a professor more. After struggling very hard in 30A with Shevstov ( dont take it with her) I was SO worried about 30B. Conley has made this the easiest and most enjoyable class I have ever taken. I would take it again just to be in his presence. 11/10

You get what you put in. The class isn't designed to be hard, and the content it's super hard, but it does get confusing. Study well for the midterms and finals! The class also has a group project. The project is moderately time consuming, so be prepared for that.

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