Course numbers are assigned as follows: 1-99. Lower-division courses, open to all UCSB students; especially appropriate for freshman and sophomore students; may not be taken for upper-division or graduate credit. 98-99. Independent studies courses open to lower-division students. A student may take up to 5 units per quarter, 15 units per year, and 30 units total in all 98, 99, 99AA-ZZ, 198, 199, and 199AA-ZZ independent studies courses combined. Graduate students will not receive credit toward advanced degrees for these courses. 100-199. Upper-division courses, ordinarily open to students who have satisfied the prerequisites specified in catalog descriptions of these courses. Prerequisites may include appropriate prior college-level courses or their transfer equivalents, completion of six terms of college work, or a combination of six terms of college work and appropriate prior college courses. Generally, upper-division courses are not recommended for freshman students. No graduate course credit is allowed for upper-division courses even if additional work is completed, but a limited number of upper-division courses may be applied in fulfillment of graduate degree requirements. 198-199. Independent studies courses are open to students who (1) have attained upper-division standing (or are approved lower-division students in the College of Creative Studies), (2) have at least a 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters, (3) can demonstrate appropriate academic background, and (4) have obtained necessary approvals as outlined in the Schedule of Classes. A student may take up to 5 units per quarter, 15 units per year, and 30 units total in all 98, 99, 99AA-ZZ, 198, 199, and 199AA-ZZ independent studies courses combined. Graduate students will not receive credit toward advanced degrees for these courses. Unit limits are different for College of Creative Studies majors and are explained in its section of this catalog. 200-299. Graduate courses, ordinarily open only to graduate students who have completed at least 12 upper-division units related to the subject matter of the course. Exceptionally well qualified undergraduates, with at least 12 units in the subject and a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, may petition to enroll in graduate courses. 300-399. Professional preparation courses primarily offered in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and the graduate program in Media Arts & Technology. These courses are not applicable to the bachelor’s degree in the College of Letters and Science. 400-499. Other professional courses (offered by the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management or the Gevirtz Gradute School of Education). These courses are not applicable to the bachelor’s degree in the College of Letters and Science. 500-599. Courses reserved for advanced study and research, including but not limited to individual study, special topics, group projects, and practica involving teaching assistants or graduate student researchers.