In the Los Angeles area and looking to expand your math background? Groups, Fields, and Galois: Part 1 at UCLA Extension starts in September

Dr. Michael Miller, a retired researcher at RAND, has been teaching upper level undergraduate/graduate level math courses for fun at UCLA Extension for over 50 years. This fall he’ll be introducing the areas of groups, fields, and Galois theory from abstract algebra to those interested in abstract math: Groups, Fields, and Galois: Part 1 . His intention is to do a follow-on class on fields and Galois theory in the Winter which will use this class as a foundation. If you’re in the Los Angeles area his class starts on September 22, 2026 at UCLA on Tuesday nights from 7-10PM. Register here: uclaextension.edu/sciences-math/math-st...ups-fields-and-galois-part-1-math-9001 His courses are thorough and rigorous, but geared toward lifelong learners and beginners in abstract mathematics to allow people better entry points into higher level mathematics. His classes are interesting and relatively informal, and most students who take one usually stay on for future courses. The vast majority of students in the class (from 16-90+ years old) take his classes for fun and regular exposure to mathematical thought, though there is an option to take it for a grade if you like (or so your employer can reimburse you if they require it). There are generally no prerequisites for his classes, and he makes an effort to meet the students at their current level of sophistication. For this particular class, if you’ve got some experience in high school algebra and know some preliminaries about mathematical proofs you’ll be ready to dive in. There are regular commuters joining from as far out as Irvine, Ventura County and even Riverside. Most in the class are dedicated hobbyist and professional mathematicians, engineers, physicists, and others from all walks of life—I’ve seen actors, directors, doctors, artists, poets, retirees, and even house-husbands in his classes. We've got a nice core community of enthusiasts here and new people are always joining in as well. If you’re unsure of what you’re getting into, I recommend visiting on the first class to consider joining us for the Fall quarter. Sadly, this is an in-person course. There isn’t an option to take this remotely or via streaming, and he doesn’t typically record his lectures. I hope to see all the Southern California math fans next month! Course Description Recommended textbook: TBD Dr. Miller provides enough background and thorough notes that if you’re taking notes on his lectures, you typically won’t need a textbook. If you’ve never joined the class before, I’ve written up some tips and hints . Dr. Miller has been teaching these for 53 years and some of us have been with him for nearly that long; I’m starting into my 20th year personally. Can't join us? Search around your local community for colleges and universities offering similar programs.