18.100 is a hard prerequisite, as this is an analysis class.
Softer requirements include experience with manifolds and functional analysis. Students mentioned 18.101 and 18.102 as good supplements here.
Subject Matter
Most thought the class was foundational and theoretical, with more concrete results towards the end of the semester.
Some of the content has applications in physics, as well.
Course Staff
Friendly. Students mentioned both the professor and TA being very nice and able to make a good learning environment for all.
Lectures
Most said they got most of the content from the lectures, and supplemented with the provided lecture notes.
Psets were useful for solidifying concepts, and helped in fully understanding lecture concepts.
Problem Sets
Mixed results: Some students reported the psets to be routine, and mostly made up of problems and results that were skipped in lecture.
Others found the problems helpful but challenging, especially because of the many definitions and the amount of new material.
Most found the psets to be helpful, as the problems connected to future lecture content.
Exams
This class did not have exams.
Resources
Excellent lecture notes The professor provided typed-up lecture notes with many references for further investigation.
Most students consulted these notes after lectures.
Grading
Students felt that grading was incredibly fair and reasonable.
Advice to Future Students
”Attend class, read lecture notes, and discuss the class content with students, TA, and professor.”
“It is a very fun class but does require substantial mathematical maturity and familiarity with a number of concepts in analysis. I recommend taking a solid time in advance to read the sections in the notes skipped in the lectures, as well as review references to other textbooks as advised in the notes.”