What's the Difference between Harvard's Math 55a and 55b Courses?

Colleges & Universities Harvard University
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<p>What is the difference between Math 55a and Math 55b? I believe people always refer to Math 55 for the Math 55a without knowing that Math 55b also exists. Moreover, can students take Math 55a and Math 55b on the same year and or can people take them in different year? </p>

<p>Besides, is it possible for sophomore/junior/senior to take Math 55 courses if they wish to? Or, is it restricted to only freshman? I cant see on the Harvard’s page that it is ONLY FOR freshman though.</p>

<p>Other than that, is it possible for MIT student to take Harvard’s Math 55?</p>

<p>Lastly, how easy it is for Harvard students to take graduate-level math courses at Harvard and MIT (by x-registering)?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Here is the catalog description of the two courses. It is possible to take 55a without taking 55b. I don’t know if anyone but freshmen take 55; most 55ers take graduate level classes afterward, often starting in sophomore year. These classes are more advanced versions of classes on the same topics.
It is possible for MIT students to take Math 55 and it is possible for Harvard students to cross-register at MIT.</p>

<p>Mathematics 55a. Honors Abstract Algebra
Catalog Number: 4068
Dennis Gaitsgory
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1-2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
A rigorous treatment of abstract algebra including linear algebra and group theory.
Note: Mathematics 55a is an intensive course for students having significant experience with abstract mathematics. Instructors permission required. Every effort will be made to accommodate students uncertain of whether the course is appropriate for them; in particular, Mathematics 55a and 25a will be closely coordinated for the first three weeks of instruction. Students can switch between the two courses during the first three weeks without penalty. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.</p>

<p>Mathematics 55b. Honors Real and Complex Analysis
Catalog Number: 3312
Samit Dasgupta
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1-2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
A rigorous treatment of real and complex analysis.
Note: Mathematics 55b is an intensive course for students having significant experience with abstract mathematics. Instructors permission required. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.</p>

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<p>b just the continuation of a. b starts somewhere equivalent to ch 5 or 6 of Rudin’s book. This info could be a little outdated.</p>

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<p>But, is it possible (allowed) for students (Soph/Jr/Sr) to take Math 55?</p>

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<p>My S says he has not heard that it is not allowed; but he has also not heard of any non-freshman taking it.</p>

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<p>It’s often possible to take classes that you technically aren’t allowed to take if you can convince the instructor to let you in. I don’t know if it’s been done with 55.</p>

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<p>You’re allowed to, there’s no rule against it, but it would be sort of silly to kill yourself in this course if you weren’t so in love with math (and so inherently gifted) that you were going to major in it and take grad courses.</p>