Math 150: Discrete Mathematics
Spring 2006, 3 credits, MWF 12:10-1:00 p.m., MRC 419
Instructor: Mark Saegrove, Professor
Office: MRC 523, 796-3657
Hours: MWF 1-2
Final Exam: Friday, 5/12/06, 9:50-11:50 a.m.
Course Description:
A course surveying topics utilized in computer science. Topics include problem-solving, logic, computer arithmetic, Boolean algebra, and linear mathematics. Required for Math teaching majors and minors. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MATH 001 or its equivalent.
(Note: This course will satisfy the requirement of the DPI – Department of Public Instruction – for mathematics education majors or minors that a student learn discrete mathematics.)
Text: Discrete Mathematics (Fourth Ed.), by Dossey, Otto, Spence and Vanden Eynden; Publisher: Addison-Wesley, 2002.
Course Goals:
General Education Skill Objectives:
(1) Thinking Skills: Students engage in the process of inquiry and problem solving, which involves both critical and creative thinking.
(a) Students will use reasoned standards in solving problems and presenting arguments.
(b) The student demonstrates the ability to read a problem, set up an appropriate equation, and use appropriate methods to solve the problem. This course is very explicitly about thinking skills.
(2) Communication Skills: Students communicate effectively orally and in writing in an appropriate manner both personally and professionally.
(a) Students will read with comprehension and the ability to analyze and evaluate.
(b) Students will listen with an open mind and respond with respect.
(c) Students will access information and communicate using current technology.
(d) The student will improve his or her ability to write logically valid and precise mathematical solutions.
(3) Life Value Skills: Students analyze, evaluate, and respond to ethical issues from informed personal, professional, and social value systems.
(a) The student develops an appreciation for the intellectual honesty of mathematical reasoning.
(b) The student understands the need to do one’s own work, to honestly challenge oneself to master the material.
(4) Cultural Skills: Students understand their own and other cultural traditions and demonstrate a respect for the diversity of the human experience.
(a) The student develops an appreciation of the history of the various topics included in Discrete Mathematics.
(b) The student learns to use the language of mathematics - symbolic notation - correctly and appropriately.
Specific Course Goals:
1. The students will demonstrate the ability to apply the various strategies and techniques of discrete mathematics to the problems of the discipline, including combinatorics, sets, relations, functions, and logic.
2. The students will develop the ability to write solutions, including proofs, using appropriate mathematical notation.
3. Students will improve their problem solving skills.
4. Students will improve their mathematical reasoning skills.
Content: Introduction to Combinatorial Problems and Techniques (Weeks 1-2)
Sets, Relations and Functions, Exam 1 (Weeks 2-5)
Graphs (Weeks 6-7)
Trees, Exam 2 (Weeks 8-10)
Counting Techniques (Weeks 11-12)
Recurrence Relations (Week 13)
Logic and Proof (Weeks 14-15)
Attendance
Attendance at all classes is expected.
Grading:
2 exams during the semester (100 pts. each) 200
quizzes/homework (daily) 100
comprehensive final exam 100
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total 400
Bring your worked assignment to class each day; some days I will ask you to hand in the assignment, and on other days we will work a short quiz over the assigned problems in class. Late penalties of up to 50% will apply to assignments which are requested to be turned in.
Disability Statement: If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations for this class, please see me and/or Wayne Wojciechowski, the campus ADA coordinator (MC 335, 796-3085), within ten days to discuss your needs.