The lecture is at times difficult to follow but Tao is very helpful during office hours. The class is quite difficult but he does a HUGE grade curve at the end (a whole letter grade and a half up I.e a C- to a B). The class consists of homework assignments which are due once a week at the end of the class, 2 exams and a final, and a project. The class is passable but you have to put forth a lot of effort since the exams are hard. But I must say the final was A BIT easier than the other two exams. The project is pretty much a way for you to increase your grade, it's manageable, not to bad. Because of the grade curve I would definitely recommend the class. You are bound to get at least a C if you put in effort.