math 3A or math 31A?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>I'll be a freshman this fall, and I need to take either math 3A or math 31A fall quarter of freshman year. Which one should I take? I'm a nursing major, but I'm absolutely terrible at math. I started out this school year in AP calc AB, and had to drop it after 3 weeks because I had a 40% in the class, and the idea of calculus in general just scares me, especially at UCLA. Does one class have a reputation for being way harder than the other? Any advice on which to pick? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>30 series is for math/physical sciences major
3 series is for life sciences</p>

3

<p>So would you recommend math 3A because I won’t be competing with all the math smarties? What have you heard about each class?</p>

4

<p>Since you said that math isn’t your strong suit, then 3A would be your best bet.</p>

5

<p>Do all the instructors teaching Math 3A use the same textbook? Is there a way to find out which textbook is used?</p>

6

<p>Yes math typically uses the same book every quarter, but they will update editions if a new one is available. Right now Math 3A uses Calculus for Biology and Medicine 3rd edition.</p>

7

<p>does UCLA have a site or place to allow students to sell their used books?</p>

8

<p>Yes, UCLA always tries to profit from its students, so it has a bookstore that both buys from and sells to students.</p>

9

<p>thanks! is there an off market place to get used books in lower price?</p>

10

<p>1) Make friends with upperclassmen of the same major and borrow their books for free or a free meal.
2) Bigwords.com</p>

11

<p>thanks for the advice everyone! I was also wondering, I have to take the math placement test at freshman orientation. Up to what level does it test? Pre-calc? What happens if I don’t pass the test? And how well do I need to do on the test to pass?</p>

12

<p>Yes you will need to take a math placement test since you did not take AP Calc in high school. The test tests up to pre-calculus (I think, I have never taken it). It will either put you in pre-calc or in the first calculus class in the series. It isn’t too tough I don’t think, since a lot of people pass it.</p>