I had a really hard time in this class. Lectures were spent almost solely on practice problems, but Prof. Marks often introduced new concepts, notation and terminology without explanation which made following along really challenging. The difficulty of our homework problems didn't seem to match up with the content we covered in class, and our weekly assignments were a struggle to get through. Our exams - two tests throughout the quarter and the final - were extremely hard to understand conceptually; thankfully, before each exam we were given a practice test, so the only way I was able to pass the exams was by repeating homework/practice exam problems over and over until I had memorized the steps, rather than actually understanding the content. I often asked for help after lecture/in office hours, but Prof. Marks generally seemed annoyed or uninterested which made seeking help a lot more intimidating.
Covid specific; alternative exams options weren't offered, so if a student tested positive for Covid the week before/of the final, they were given an Incomplete in the class and would be forced to take the final in a following quarter after already having taken and put effort into the class for 10 weeks. It put sick students at a disadvantage and seemed unfair given that students in other classes were provided with accommodations.

This review is for MATH 31A. Take it with this professor, he explains the materials clearly and thoroughly. The concepts of this course are simple enough and he does not overcomplicate it, there are no surprise questions that are out of the scope of his lectures in the exams. Light workload with weekly homework that does not require submission and weekly 1-or-2-question-quiz except during exam week. Andrew Marks also gives out study guides prior to the exams so you'll know what to expect and prepare yourself well for it.