MATH 280
Discrete Mathematical Structures Fall 2014

Rick Halterman

School of Computing
1117E Hickman Hall
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN 37315-0370
423-236-2871

halterman@southern.edu
http://computing.southern.edu/halterman

Office Hours: http://computing.southern.edu/halterman/General/OfficeHours

HSC 1307    MWF 9:00–9:50 am

Applied Discrete Structures. Doerr, Alan and Levasseur, Kenneth. 2013.

This textbook is Creative Commons Licensed and available online for free at http://faculty.uml.edu/klevasseur/ADS2/

Math 120 Precalculus Algebra; familiarity with a programming language.

Catalog description:

MATH 280. Discrete Mathematical Structures 3 hours
Prerequisite: MATH 120 recommended; Familiarity with a programming language.
An examination of many of the mathematical concepts of particular use to computer scientists. The topics include set theory, relations, graph theory, combinatorics, Boolean algebra, digital logic and circuit design, proof techniques, and finite state automata.

This course has several objectives:

1. to acquaint the student with the precise vocabulary and powerful notation used in formal computer science study
2. to introduce useful abstractions in problem solutions and representations that have application in many areas of computer science
3. to foster rigorous thinking skills that can enhance the quality of work of computing professionals

Grade Distribution. Final grades are determined according to the following table:

Class Work. The average used to determine the final grade is computed from the following class activities and is weighted as indicated.

All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day designated. Since solutions may be discussed during that class period, late submissions are not accepted. If a class must be missed, assignments can be submitted early. Generally, one week is allotted to complete each assignment. The time is meant to permit ample opportunity to think the problems through carefully and produce good solutions. It is usually a mistake to postpone doing the homework until a few days before it is due. It is expected that each student work individually on each homework assignment. Tests will be given based largely on the experience gained by doing the problems, so it is important to spend adequate time doing the homework.

Appropriate study for the course includes reading the textbook (at least as far as last class's lecture material) and staying current in the assignments.

Weekly quizzes encourage students to remain current in their class preparation. Quiz contents may be based on material covered since the previous quiz. Usually quizzes will be distributed at the beginning of the class period. Missed quizzes may not be made up; however, the lowest quiz score will be dropped during the last week of the semester.

Class periods that do not offer a quiz may include a worksheet to be completed during the class period by the student. Careful attention in class facilitates the completion of the worksheet. Missed worksheets may not be made up; however, the lowest two worksheet scores will be dropped during the last week of the semester.

Each test contributes significantly to the overall grade so studying for tests should be taken seriously. In certain situations, due to unavoidable circumstances, a missed test may be made up. Arrangements for the retake should be made before the time of the originally scheduled test. The make-up test may vary greatly in form from the original test, but its content (topics addressed) will be the same.

Since the assigned material and activities are sufficient for most students, no extra credit will be available. However, well-prepared students wishing to enhance their learning experience beyond the class activities will be directed, upon request, to additional resources. Any such additional work will not influence the grade for this class.

All students must have an active email account to receive electronic mailings concerning this class. Each student should check her mail daily to see if any important announcements have been posted. (Such announcements include corrections, hints, assignment updates, etc.) Also, I'm often easier to reach via email if you have specific questions about class.

Ethics. It is expected that each student work individually on individual assignments.  For team assignments, collaboration is limited to teammates. Problems on tests will be based largely on the experience gained by doing past assignments, so it is important that each student do his/her own work for adequate preparation for the examinations. Except among teammates, portions of assignments never should be shared. Those involved in allowing their work, or parts of their work, to be copied, or copying from other students' programs risk receiving a grade of F in the course.

Class study. Appropriate study for the course includes reading the textbook (at least as far as last class's lecture material) and working through the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Class decorum. Please comply with the standards of classroom attire as specified in the Student Handbook.  Notebook computers are welcome, and the classroom and lab (generally) have an excellent wireless signal.  Those with computers should mute the volume and sit in the rear of the class so as not to distract students behind them.  Electronic devices must be turned off during quizzes and tests.  You are expected to remain in the classroom during quizzes and tests, so be sure to take care of affairs (such as bathroom visits and tissue acquisition) before you sit for the quiz or test.

Examinations.  The dates for each test is listed in this syllabus. In certain situations, due to unavoidable circumstances, a missed test may be made up. Arrangements for the retake should be made before the time of the originally scheduled test. The make-up test may vary greatly in form from the original test, but its content (topics addressed) will be the same. Because of this difference, any points added (the so called "curve") to tests taken during the regularly scheduled time may not apply to retakes.

Please note the date and time for our final exam on the tentative class schedule. You need to plan to take your final exam at the scheduled time. Please make your work and vacation plans accordingly. Academic Administration will grant approval for variance from the published exam schedule only in cases of verified, serious, illness or a death in the immediate family. Academic Administration may, in case of exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, approve a variance, in consultation with the professor of this course. A $65 processing fee may be assessed.

Extra credit. Since the assigned material and activities are sufficient for most students, no extra credit will be available for additional work. However, well-prepared students wishing to enhance their learning experience beyond the class activities will be directed, upon request, to additional resources. Any such additional work will not influence the grade for this class.  

SAU account.  All students must have an active Southern Adventist University email account. This account is necessary to receive class messages and to be able to use the computers in the programming lab. If you normally use a different email address, please set up your SAU account to forward your email to your preferred address; instructions about how to do this are available upon request.

Disability Support Services. In keeping with University policy, any student with a disability who needs academic accommodations must call Disability Support Services at 236-2574 or stop by Lynn Wood Hall, room 308, to arrange a confidential appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator during the first week of classes. (Students who request accommodations after the third week of the semester should not depend on receiving accommodations for that semester. Legally, no retroactive accommodations can be provided. For more details, visit the Disability Support Services Web site at http://dss.southern.edu/.) Students whose accommodations requests are approved will be provided confidential letters for them to deliver to their professors for review and discussion about how to implement the accommodations in relation to particular course requirements. Accommodations for disabilities are available only as recommended by Disability Support Services.

• Monday, August 25: first day of class
• Wednesday, October 8: Midterm examination
• Friday, October 17: no class (midterm break)
• Wednesday, October 29: exam #2
• Monday–Friday, November 24–28 : no class (Thanksgiving break)
• Monday, December 15 at 8:00 am: final exam Note day and time!