CS/COE 441 Discrete Structures in Computer Science, Spring 2008
Course Information

 

Basic information

o    Check it regularly for reading assignments and homework assignments.

 

Textbook

 

Prerequisites: 2 years of high school algebra.

 

Goals: The goal of this course is for you to

o   acquire basic knowledge (definitions and manipulations) of discrete mathematical objects.

o   gain skills in modeling (real-world) situations as mathematical objects.

o   gain skills in obtaining desired results for these situations through systematic manipulations of mathematical objects.

o   gain skills in interpreting results from mathematical models.

 

We will accomplish these by learning about different kinds of mathematical objects and ways to manipulate them, examining example situations, solving exercise problems in class, and practicing through homework.

 

Course content:

o   Logic: propositional logic, logical equivalence, predicates & quantifiers, and logical reasoning.

o   Sets: basics, set operations

o   Functions: one-to-one, onto, inverse, composition, graphs

o   Integers: greatest common divisor, Euclidean algorithm.

o   Sequences and Summations

o   Mathematical reasoning: Proof strategies, Mathematical Induction, Recursive definitions, Structural Induction

o   Relations: properties, combining relations, closures, equivalence, partial ordering

o   Counting: basic rules, pigeon hole principle, permutations and combinations, binomial coefficients and Pascal triangle.

o   Probability: discrete probability, expected values and variance.

 

Homework: Homework will be assigned weekly.  You will have 1 week to finish each homework assignment.  Homework is due at the beginning of class.  No extensions will be granted.  It is very important that you do homework.  It is a chance for you to think without time constraints, and this is when you develop your thinking skills.  Discussing homework with other students is allowed.  However, you must write up your answer individually and indicate with whom you work with and which problems you discussed.

 

Exams: There will be 2 exams. The exams are in-class, close-book, close-note, and no reference notes will be given to you.  There are 2 broad types of questions, knowledge questions and skill questions.  Knowledge questions ask for factual knowledge or straight forward manipulations of mathematical objects.  On the other hand, skill questions require you to apply your knowledge in a non-straight forward way to solve problems.  To do well on skill questions, first you need to have knowledge, and second you have to have skills.  To gain skills, you need to practice.  I cannot emphasize enough that problem solving skills are something that gradually develop over time.  You develop these skills when you work on problems.  So it is very important that you do homework regularly. 


In an extreme circumstance where you are going to miss an exam, you must contact me or the department secretary as soon as possible.  My number is 412-624-8416, email: .  The department secretary’s number is 412-624-8490.

 

Grading: The grades will be based on effort and performance on class participation, homework and exams.  The breakdown of the grade is shown below.   The letter grade will is determined by the scale below.   Note that, there is no set number of A’s, B’s, C’s and the students are not in competition with each other for grades.

 

Academic Integrity: All students must adhere to the University’s guidelines on academic integrity (http://www.pitt.edu/~provost/ai1.html).  Extreme measures will be used for all students involved in a violation of academic integrity.

 

Final note: If you have any concern about anything at any time, please come see me or send me email at.