MAT 230 Discrete Mathematics
George
Boole
This course is an introduction to "abstract, pure
mathematics." It is the foundation for most upper level courses in
mathematics. However, its methods and subject matter are also critical
for many areas of computer science, such as Digital Logic, Analysis of
Algorithms, and Theory of Computability and Automata. For example,
truth tables define rules of logic for a mathematician while, at the
same time, providing a necessary roadmap for the design of digital circuits;
induction
gives a mathematician a method for proving a statement is true for the
set of positive integers while, concurrently, giving an algorithm defining
a recursive process for the computer scientist.
Text: Discrete Mathematics, Second
Edition by Seymour Lipschutz
Subjects: material from chapters
1-4 of the text, and related topics (such as using truth tables to design
unsimplified digital logic circuits).
Grading:
-
Tests: three, including the final
-
Quizes: pretty much, one every
class, given the first five minutes or so. Each quiz will
be worth 10 points. Of each 12 quizes, the best 10 will be counted.
Don't be late!
-
Attendance: two
allowed. Potential grade reduction (e.g., B to B-) for each additional
absence.
Cooperation: You are encouraged
to form study/homework groups. A seating chart, with phone numbers(optional)
will be distributed. Grading is not done on a curve; it is in your
best learning and grade interest to work cooperatively with your classmates.
Assignments: ordinarily
given in class. If you miss class, your are still responsible for
the day's assignment. Please get that from a classmate, me, or my
web page.
Success in this course is not simply earning a good grade. The following
suggestions may help you through the semester:
-
Attend class and be an active participant.
-
After each class, review your notes, perhaps rewriting them in a separate
notebook.
-
In doing homework, include problems from previous sections.
-
Work at the subject several days a week, using blocks of time of the "right"
length.
-
Form a study group; meet with them, telephone them, discuss with them.
Don't be isolated!
-
Use the MAT230 list to communicate
with your classmates, to ask for help, to share ideas, etc.
