CS & Math Tutoring · Santa Cruz, CA
I'm Lucas Arden, a working software engineer with a B.S. in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz. I tutor UCSC and Cabrillo students and local high schoolers in CS and math coursework, including CSE 13S and CSE 101.
I work as a software engineer and tutor on the side, so you are working with someone who uses this material day to day.
In person in Santa Cruz County, or over video anywhere.
Availability
Pick a session type and a time below. Times shown are in your local timezone.
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Process
Step 1
Pick a time that works. Start with the free 15 minute intro call if you are not sure yet. You will get a calendar invite immediately.
Step 2
When you book, you say which course you are in and what you are stuck on. I look at it before we meet, so we are not spending your paid hour on setup.
Step 3
In person around Santa Cruz, or over video. Bring whatever you are working on: an assignment, a problem set, or lecture material you want to go back over.
Step 4
No card at booking, no deposit, no subscription. Pay at the end of the session by Venmo, Zelle, or cash. If the first fifteen minutes make it clear I cannot help you, you do not pay.
Coursework
If your course is not listed but it is CS or math at this level, ask anyway. The answer is usually yes.
Computer Systems and Assembly Language
Digital logic, number systems, assembly language, and computer architecture.
Computer Systems and C Programming
C programming, the command line, shell scripting, debuggers, and source control.
Applied Discrete Mathematics
Sets, functions, relations, graphs, predicate calculus, proof methods, counting, and recurrences.
Beginning Programming in Python
Python data types, control flow, functions, built-in data structures, and an introduction to OOP.
Programming Abstractions: Python
Software development in Python, structuring programs around objects and their operations.
Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
Abstract data types, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, heaps, graphs, and big-O analysis. Assignments in C and C++.
Calculus
Limits and derivatives in 19A. Integration, sequences, and series in 19B.
Linear Algebra
Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, and eigenvalues.
Vector Calculus
Vectors in n dimensions, inner and cross products, derivatives as linear transformations, paths and arc length, extrema, and Lagrange multipliers.
Linear Algebra for Engineers
Complex numbers and linear algebra for engineers, using Matlab as a computational tool. Formerly Mathematical Methods for Engineers I.
Multivariate Calculus for Engineers
Coordinate systems, parametric curves and surfaces, partial derivatives, gradients, constrained optimization, and integrals in multiple dimensions.
Statistical Methods for the Biological, Environmental, and Health Sciences
Descriptive methods, experimental design, probability, hypothesis testing, regression, one-way ANOVA, and categorical data. Taken with the STAT 7L lab.
Intro Computer Science Sequence
Intro programming and computer science at Cabrillo, including CS-11, CS-12J, and CS-12P.
Intro and Transfer Math Sequence
Precalculus through the calculus sequence at Cabrillo, including transfer courses.
AP Computer Science A
Java, objects and methods, selection and iteration, class creation, and data collections.
AP Calculus AB and BC
Limits, derivatives, and integrals. BC adds parametric and polar functions, and infinite series.
Precalculus
Functions, trigonometry, logarithms, exponentials, and sequences. Content varies by school.
Mock interviews and coaching for internship and new grad software engineering interviews.
Data structures and algorithms outside of any specific course, including review of CSE 101 material.
Self-taught and stuck. Debugging help, code review, and guidance on what to learn next.
Rates
Flat rates, listed plainly. No packages you have to buy up front and no minimum commitment. Pay at the session by Venmo, Zelle, or cash.
15 min
Free
Tell me what class you are in and what you need help with, before you pay for anything.
Book Free Intro Call60 min
$70per hour
One on one, for UCSC and Cabrillo students. Bring your assignment, problem set, or exam review.
Book College Student60 min
$95per hour
One on one, for AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus AB and BC, and precalculus. A short recap for parents after each session if you want one.
Book High School Student60 min
$45per student, per hour
Two or three students taking the same course. Split the cost, work through the same problem set together.
Book Small GroupQuestions
Send me the details and I will get back to you. I read every message myself.
Who I Am
I have a B.S. in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz and I work as a full-stack software engineer. I tutor on the side, so you are working with someone who uses this material at work rather than a student who took the course last quarter.
My day job is building and maintaining production software. I rebuilt a retail company's entire e-commerce platform solo, including the payment processing and a database migration.
I went through this exact curriculum at UCSC, so I know which assignments eat a weekend and which sections leave a gap that doesn't show up until the midterm.