Does Ucla Engineering Allow Graphing Calculators

UCLA Engineering Calculator Policy Estimator & Guide

Policy Estimator

Select your course details and calculator model to check the allowance probability based on historical UCLA Engineering policies.

What is the UCLA Engineering Calculator Policy?

When students ask, "does UCLA engineering allow graphing calculators," the answer is rarely a simple yes or no. The Samueli School of Engineering and the Physical Sciences departments do not have a single unified policy for every exam. Instead, the allowance of graphing calculators depends heavily on the specific department, the course level, and the individual professor's syllabus.

Generally, lower-division mathematics and physics courses are strict to ensure students master concepts without computational aids. In contrast, upper-division engineering courses often allow or even require advanced computation capabilities, including graphing and programmable calculators. However, devices with Wi-Fi capabilities or QWERTY keyboards are almost universally banned to prevent academic dishonesty.

Policy Formula and Logic

Our estimator uses a logic tree based on historical data to determine the likelihood of a calculator being allowed. The "formula" considers the following variables:

Variable	Meaning	Impact on Allowance
Department (D)	The academic department (Math, Physics, etc.)	Math/Physics have higher restrictions; Engineering has lower restrictions.
Course Level (L)	Lower, Upper, or Graduate division	Lower division increases restriction score significantly.
Calculator Type (T)	Basic, Scientific, Graphing, Programmable	Higher complexity (CAS/Programmable) increases restriction score.

The Logic Flow:

• If Department is Math/Physics AND Level is Lower Division: Graphing calculators are typically Not Allowed.
• If Department is Engineering AND Level is Upper Division: Graphing calculators are typically Allowed.
• If Type is Programmable/CAS: Always requires instructor verification regardless of department.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Math 31A (Calculus)

Inputs: Department = Math, Level = Lower Division, Calculator = TI-84 Plus (Graphing).

Result: Not Allowed.

Explanation: The UCLA Mathematics department typically restricts graphing calculators in the 31A/B/C series to focus on analytical skills. Students are usually required to use a scientific calculator like the TI-30 series.

Example 2: Mechanical Engineering 101 (Thermodynamics)

Inputs: Department = Engineering, Level = Lower Division, Calculator = TI-89 (Programmable).

Result: Check with Instructor (High Restriction).

Explanation: While engineering courses are more lenient, lower-division core classes may still ban programmable calculators to prevent storing formulas. A scientific calculator is the safest bet.

Example 3: Electrical Engineering 132A (Electronics)

Inputs: Department = Engineering, Level = Upper Division, Calculator = TI-84 Plus (Graphing).

Result: Allowed.

Explanation: Upper-division engineering exams often involve complex iterative calculations that are impractical without a graphing calculator. The policy here is generally open.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select Department: Choose the department that teaches your course. If you are unsure, check your class schedule on MyUCLA.
2. Select Course Level: Determine if your class number is 1-99 (Lower), 100-199 (Upper), or 200+ (Graduate).
3. Select Calculator Type: Be honest about your device's capabilities. Note that "CAS" (Computer Algebra System) calculators are treated differently than standard graphing calculators.
4. Analyze Results: The tool will provide a status and a restriction level. Always verify this with your course syllabus.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Policies

Several factors influence whether UCLA engineering allows graphing calculators for a specific term:

• Academic Integrity: The primary driver for restrictions is preventing cheating. Graphing calculators can store notes and formulas, which is a concern in theoretical classes.
• Curriculum Focus: Courses focusing on derivation and theory (like Math 31A) ban calculators to force mental computation. Courses focusing on application (like Fluid Dynamics) encourage them.
• Exam Format: Multiple-choice exams are more prone to calculator exploitation than free-response or proof-based exams.
• Instructor Discretion: A professor can override department norms. Always check the syllabus released at the start of the quarter.
• Model Specifics: Models with QWERTY keyboards (like the TI-92) are often banned because they look too much like laptops.
• Online Proctoring: For remote exams, policies may tighten further, requiring the use of a specific " lockdown" browser or a physical webcam check of the calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a TI-84 in UCLA Math classes?

Generally, no for lower-division calculus (31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A). You will likely need a non-graphing scientific calculator.

Are CAS calculators like the TI-Nspire CX CAS allowed?

These are high-risk devices. They are banned in most lower-division math and science courses. In upper-division engineering, it depends entirely on the professor.

Does UCLA provide calculators for exams?

No, students are expected to bring their own approved calculators. Some departments may have a limited number of loaners for emergencies, but do not rely on this.

What if I bring a banned calculator by mistake?

You will likely be asked to surrender it for the duration of the exam or leave it at the front of the room, meaning you will have to calculate without it.

Do I need a calculator for Chemistry 14A/20A?

Yes, but usually a scientific calculator only. Graphing calculators are typically prohibited in general chemistry to prevent storing periodic table data or equations.

Is the iPad calculator app allowed?

Almost never. Tablets, phones, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited during exams in the School of Engineering.

Where can I buy an approved scientific calculator?

The UCLA Store in Ackerman Union stocks approved models, typically the Texas Instruments TI-30X series.

Does the policy change for finals versus midterms?

Usually, the policy is consistent for all exams in a given course, but final exams may have stricter proctoring to enforce the policy.