Can someone please explain how MIT course numbers work? I get that "18" means maths, but why do specific courses sometimes have two digits after the "." and sometimes three, and if the level of study is encoded in it, why does it seem to jump to starting with "6"?
Two numbers like 18.XX means that it is intended for non-math majors so 18.02 is the basic multivariable calculus that every MIT alum needs to graduate, 18.022 is multivariable calculus with an emphasis on theory and 18.023 is with an emphasis on application and usually taken by people considering math majors (though also fulfill the core requirement)
The class numbering schema is by field:
http://math.mit.edu/academics/classes.php
There is no strict system after the “.” however the 3-numeral course numbers tend to be advanced/grad classes. There are some smaller patterns within each major but nothing knits those together.
6.82x tend to be systems classes like networks or OS.
But 17.828 isn’t like an intro to constitutional law and 6.42 isn’t Causes and Prevention of Software Project Failure.
This is misleading and false when it comes to Course 18. Math classes numbering has much more structure.
18.XYZ where Z >= 5 are grad classes.
X = 1 is Analysis
X = 2 is Mathematical Physics
X = 3 is Applied Mathematics
X = 4 is Theoretical Computer Science
X = 5 is Logic
X = 7 is Algebra
X = 9 is Topology
