<p>So my Phase II is in like two days, and originally I was signed up for Math 16B, but now I'm thinking about changing to taking Math 53 in the fall and 16B in the spring. The only reason I'm taking Math 16B is to fulfill the Haas prereq since I got a 5 on Calc BC, so I can take Math 53 right now. I looked at the teachers, and one of the teachers, Evans, that is teaching Math 53 this coming semester got really high ratings on ratemyprof, like 4.5/5, while the teacher teaching 16B, Scanlon, got like 2.8. Also, I just recently took multivariable calculus EPGY a few months ago, so I sorta want to take it while it's a little fresh in my head. My question is are 16B and multivariable related at all? I guess what I'm asking is: does math 53 build off directly from math 16b? I don't think it does but I want some clarification. Also I wouldn't be going into Math 53 blind, I have done Calc BC and all that, but I just wanted to take Math 53 now since the teacher got such good reviews.</p>
<p>Oh and another reason, I guess for taking Math 16B in the spring, is that I feel like most incoming freshman would be doing the 16A fall 16B spring combo, if they take the 16 series, and if I were to take 16B in the spring, I would be in classes with more people my grade. I don't think anyone would do just 16B like me in the fall since you need like a year of calculus for a lot of classes. This reason is secondary though, I guess sort of an added bonus.</p>
<p>I'm pretty strong in math, so unless Math 53 builds off math 16B a lot, I think I should be fine. I hope you guys were able to make sense out of all my ramblings. Please reply since my Phase II is in two days! Thanks a bunch!</p>
<p>Wow from reading the way I wrote it, it sounds like I already decided to take math 53. So yea, it's sort of biased, but I would love a second opinion.</p>
<p>Math 16B? Why are you looking to take that? The math 16 series is easy compared to the AP calc tests.</p>
<p>You should be looking at Math 1b which is the prereq to math 53. I think you’ll do fine in Math 53, just do a little review of the integration techniques (integration by parts, trig subs, etc). Other than the that two classes are relatively independent.</p>
<p>I got a 5 on the AP Calc BC test, so I can skip to Math 53. I still have to take 1B or 16B for Haas though, so I’m opting for the latter since it’s apparently way easier. Thanks for the input though.</p>
<p>I know quite a few freshman that are taking math 16B this fall (including me).</p>
<p>I was looking at math 53 earlier though. Are you sure Evans is the best teacher?</p>
<p>There’s a teacher visiting from MIT called Auroux I think and he’s supposed to be a GOD at teaching. He has like a 4.8 on ratemyprofessor for MIT and he’s teaching math 53 this fall.</p>
<p>Edit: Oh and apparently he gets a round of applause after every lecture.</p>
<h2>And seriously, why the hell would anyone EVER advise ANYONE to EVER take 1B when they don’t have to? ***?</h2>
<p>Setting my incredulity aside:</p>
<p>If you plan to take stuff like 53, take it now while the professor’s good. Note, however, that if you don’t have to take 53 for whatever reason, 54 and 55 are both going to be much better for you in the long run (…though you may find one or both of them harder).</p>
<p>Well, the math 16 is intended to be a terminal class and is not technically a prerequisite for any other courses, including math 53. So, by berkeley’s standards, there is no relationship between math 16 and math 53.
Since you are only taking 16b to fulfill the haas requirement you should make sure you even need to take it. according to their department site, if you recieved a 5 on the bc test you wont need to take it [Exam</a> Credit, Undergraduate Program - Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley](<a href=“Application Process - Undergraduate Program - Berkeley Haas”>Application Process - Undergraduate Program - Berkeley Haas).
In terms of practicality, if you are actually interested in taking higher math courses you might find it useful/necessary to take 1b. Of course, if you are just planning on taking the typical haas courses you won’t need any higher math, but if you’re interested you should look into it. To answer your question directly, 53 does not directly build off of 16b. It does build of off math 1b. However, if you are proficient in this material you can skip the math 1 series (assuming you scored well enough on the ap test) and move on to 53/54. I think what you really need to evaluate is why you want to take math 53. If it is because you plan on taking higher math courses then there is no point in ever taking 16b. If you are seriously interested in taking more math then you should either use your ap scores to skip math1a and 1b and move directly on to 53, or you should take 1b (or 1a if you think you need to). Obviously, haas accepts 1b instead of 16b.</p>
<p>Oh really? I don’t really know any but yea, the freshman thing isn’t the reason I’m considering taking it, mostly the teacher.</p>
<p>Yeah I didn’t even check Auroux because that lecture time conflicts with another class of mine (which only has that lecture). DAMN though, if he really is that good. But Evans got really good ratings on ratemyprof, don’t know about being the best teacher, but a good one at least.</p>
<p>Gahh dunno if it’s worth switching. Is there a place where I can see who’s teaching 16B in the spring? I’m just sorta worried about the 2.8 on Scanlon. Also I don’t really want to stack up UGBA 10 and Math 53 spring semester.</p>
<p>EDIT: to respond to the posts that came in while I was writing this one. I’m taking Math 53 because I think I’m probably going to double major in Stats. So Math 53 is filling that prereq I guess. Haas changed it this year so that 1B/16B is a requirement, even with a 5 on BC. I was considering on taking 1B just for the reason so I would be better prepared for higher math, but from hearing all the horror stories, I think I’ll just review it on my own.</p>
<p>auroux is awesome. i had him for 113 last semester. check out his multivariable calculus lectures on youtube! Hes also the fastest grader i’ve ever seen. He had our final exam grades up on bspace by the evening of the day we took it.Our final grades went up on bspace the next day.</p>
<p>No it says: Students entering Haas in Fall 2011 are not required to take calculus. Students entering Haas in Fall 2012 will be required to take Math 16B or Math 1B.</p>
<p>I’ll be entering Haas 2012 if I apply in 2 years.</p>
<p>Yeah you’re still required to take Math 1B or 16B even if you got a 5 on calc BC. They clearly told us that during calso</p>
<p>But anyways, supposedly Scanlon grades generously with respect to his curves. So that’s a plus I guess. I kind of just want to get math over with and math 16B shouldn’t even be that hard anyways. And I probably won’t be pursuing higher math.</p>
<p>But if you are, then I’d recommend that you just take 53 this semester and 16B anytime later, if you’re confident about your single variable calc skills. No point in waiting a semester to take 53, might as well take it with the best teachers</p>
<p>Yeah I think I’m going to take Math 53 then. I just realized that if I took Math 16B I would have to have 4.5 hours of class in a row on Tuesdays. Just gonna have to review some calculus. Thanks for everyone’s input. God I really wish I could be in Auroux class, love that sexy French accent.</p>
<p>Lol, I hope you’re right jonno, I went to see an undergrad math advisor today just to see what they thought about it. And she basically strongly discouraged me from jumping straight into Math 53, basically telling me how hard math was at Berkeley and how I would get raped (not in those words). Whatever, I think I’m still going to take it. </p>