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CSC 133-001 Discrete Structures Syllabus – Fall 2008

Section 001: TR 10 – 11:40 AM CI 1012
 Course Schedule

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Fletcher Norris
E-mail: mailto:norris@uncw.edu?subject=CSC 133
Phone: (910) 962-3301
Office hours (CI 2025)
  Tuesday - Thursday  9:30 – 10:00 AM and 1:30 – 2:00 PM  and by appointment
 

Introduction: Welcome to CSC 133, a course in discrete structures with an emphasis on applications to computer science. Prerequisite: MAT 111 or MAT 115 or equivalent, Corequisite: CSC 121. A basic understanding of discrete mathematical topics is fundamental for academic work in computer science. Many students of this course will find they have familiarity with some of the topics: for instance, truth tables, logical propositions, elements of set theory, as well as basic notions of functions and mathematical induction. Prior work in these areas is not assumed. In this course we will discover that logical propositions are the underlying model of discrete systems. From this modest beginning we develop algorithms and prove their efficacy. Topics include propositional and predicate logic, basic proof techniques, set algebra and Boolean algebra, recursion and induction, trees and graphs, introductory combinatorics, and matrix algebra. The knowledge gained will be extremely useful in upper level  UNCW computer science classes.  

Text: Discrete Mathematics with Applications, by Susanna Epp, Third  Edition, PWS.

 Material to be Covered:   Lectures/Homework   Practice Quizzes

Chapter

Title

Sections

Chapter 1

Propositional Logic

1.1-1.5

Chapter 2

Predicate Logic

2.1-2.4

Chapter 3

Elementary Number Theory and Methods of Proof

3.1- 3.4, 3.6, 3.8

Chapter 4

Sequences and Mathematical Induction

4.1,4.2, 4.3

Chapter 5

Set Theory

5.1-5.3

Chapter 6

Counting

6.1-6.7

Chapter 7

One-One and Onto, Cardinality

7.1, 7.2, 7.4

Chapter 8

Recursion

8.1-8.2

Chapter 9

O-Notation and the Efficiency of Algorithms

9.1 - 9.5

Chapter 10

Relations

10.1-10.3, 10.5

Chapter 11

Graphs and Trees

11.1-11.6

Course Objectives: We will be studying a body of mathematical concepts essential for the mastery of some of the higher-level computer science courses. Our goal is to obtain a useful mastery of discrete structures and methods basic to further work in computer science. To enhance your ability to formulate and solve applied problems, to analyze and interpret algorithms and functions and to use them effectively so you may enjoy the triumph of discovery that comes from solving a problem by your own means. My goal is to help you learn how to think about discrete mathematical models so you can do well in this course and in your subsequent studies.

Policies:

  1. Attendance is expected unless extreme circumstances warrant otherwise. There are no make-up tests. See me (or e-mail) in advance if possible if you cannot make a test, or as soon as possible after missing a test if your absence may qualify as excusable.
  2. Calculators may not be shared during tests.
  3. Academic dishonesty is not tolerated. According to the UNCW Academic Honor Code (See Section V of you Student Handbook), anyone who knows of a violation of the Code, including giving or receiving information, is expected to report the violation to the course instructor. Please note that in this course, working together on homework is not a violation of the Honor Code. You are encouraged to discuss and compare work but not to copy someone else’s work.

Graded Work: There will be two 100-minute tests each counting 25%. There will several quizzes and/or assigned homework taken up and graded. The three lowest of these will be dropped. Homework/quiz grades will be averaged and count 25%. The final examination (a comprehensive exam) counts 25%. The final may also be used to replace your lowest test grade if the final is higher than your lowest test grade.

Grading Scale:

90-100 A

80-89.5 B

70-79.5 C

60-69.5 D

When the distribution of course grades suggests a borderline grade,  I may use plus or minus at my discretion.

Important Dates:

Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first week of class or as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall (extension 3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter. You should then meet with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendations of the Accommodation Letter.

Study Strategies: We will be learning how to think about a problem and how to apply new concepts. This process takes time and works best if spaced out over short periods. To afford yourself the best opportunity for this process to be successful you have to keep up on a daily basis. Cramming does not work. We are not merely memorizing facts that can be easily applied the next morning during an exam. Each concept must be handled in your mind, manipulated, and finally placed in proper context with the many other concepts. You will discover that many of these concepts are in fact identical or nearly so. Tools we master for one application will serve us well in the next.

  1. Work together, form groups. Studies have shown that group study results in a full grade higher average. The library reserves study rooms for groups.  Additionally, there are many individual study rooms in the new CIS building. See the departmental secretaries for reservations.
  2. Make class. Don't miss any assignments or quizzes so as to take full advantage of the "drop your three lowest homework/quiz grades" policy. The final replaces your lowest test grade, not your homework/quiz grade.
  3. Do some discrete structures work almost every day. You should plan on at least 6 hours of study time outside class per week. Read over your course notes and fill in gaps soon after class so your notes will be useful in later study.
  4. Read the text with pencil and paper beside you, and use them. Just watching a lecture or skimming the book will not get you to understand discrete structures.
  5. It’s not enough to just do the homework. Ask yourself whether you could do other problems. Test yourself by recalling definitions and by doing additional problems.
  6. In class, if you have a question, ask. It is likely that others have the same question. As you study make notes of concepts you don’t understand so you can ask in class or see me. For short questions, e-mail is a good choice.
  7. If you need help, see me. Don’t let yourself fall behind.
  8. Look back: how did I solve this problem, what can be learned from the mistake, or what other strategy could also have been effective in solving this problem?