Overview

An introduction to the discrete paradigm in mathematics and computer science. Topics include logic, set theory, number theory, induction, recursion, counting techniques, and graph theory.

Learning Goals

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Translate natural language statements to and from formal propositional logic.

• Apply the rules of propositional logic to derive correct mathematical arguments.

• Recall and apply basic definitions, together with logical reasoning, to solve problems involving naive set theory, number theory, combinatorics, and graph theory.

• Solve problems using recursion and induction.

• Write coherent mathematical proofs using proper mathematical notation and reasoning.

Resources

Disco

Disco language reference

Overleaf

Online Encyclopedia of
Integer Sequences

Lecture notes

Optional Resources

Discrete Mathematics
and its Applications

How to Prove It

Bates LaTeX manual

Lecture notes LaTeX source

Calendar

Coursework and policies

Specifications grading

This course uses specifications grading. Briefly, this means that grading of individual assignments is on a credit/no-credit basis, with a specification that tells you what you must do in order to get credit. Your final letter grade in the course, in turn, is determined by the below specification that says what you must complete in order to get each letter grade.

Due dates policy

• Every assignment has a specific date and time (usually 5pm) at which it is due.

• Assignments may be turned in any time up to the deadline. I will try my best to return graded assignments, with feedback, within two weekdays of being turned in.

• Assignments will not be accepted after the deadline.

• However, I will automatically grant extensions to anyone who asks. Simply send me an email prior to the deadline, asking for an extension on a particular assignment, and informing me what your new deadline will be. The new deadline should be a specific day and time (“11pm this Saturday, March 5”, not “in a couple days”). I will hold you to the new deadline.

  • Yes, this process may be chained: you may ask for another extension prior to your chosen deadline, and so on. The key is communication.

• If you get level 1 credit for an assignment and want level 2 credit, or if you don’t get credit at all, you may revise and resubmit the assignment until you do. There is no deadline for resubmitted assignments.

• However, the above only applies if you made a reasonable attempt at the assignment the first time. You cannot turn in a half-finished assignment before the deadline and then “revise” it by completing the rest. If your assignment is only half-finished, you must request an extension.

• The latest any assignment may be turned in is 5pm on Friday, May 6.

• Exceptions to this policy can be made in cases of emergency, mental health issues, etc. Please come talk to me!

Submission policies

• I encourage you to work together on problems; however, problem solutions must be your own work, and academic integrity will be taken seriously.

• Problem solutions should be written or typed neatly, and turned in electronically via this Google form. Submissions must be in PDF format (Word, Pages, etc. can export a PDF, typically as an option under the “File” menu).

  • You may also write your problem solutions on physical paper and scan them using an app such as Genius Scan which can export your document as a PDF.

Modules

There will be a number of modules corresponding to topics in the course. Each module consists of things like problems to solve, programming assignments to complete, and readings. Each module can be completed to one of two levels:

• Level 1 means you have achieved the learning objectives for the module.
• Level 2 means you have somehow gone above and beyond the basic requirements in order to explore the topic in more depth.

Each individual module specifies what you need to do to get Level 1 or Level 2 credit. For example, there may be an extra challenge problem set and/or reading you must complete to get Level 2 credit.

Expectations

Although you and I play different roles in the course, we both have your learning as a common goal. There are things I expect from you as a student in the course, but there are also things you can expect of me as the course instructor and facilitator.

If I am not fulfilling my responsibilities outlined below, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to call me out, perhaps via the anonymous feedback form. I will also initiate a conversation if you are not fulfilling yours. However, none of us will meet all of the expectations perfectly—me included!—so it’s also important that we have grace and patience with one another.

Attendance

Although attendance in this class is not reflected formally in your grade, I expect you to attend. If you cannot attend class for some reason please let me know in advance (or as soon as possible).

Disabilities

If you have a documented disability or some other reason that you cannot meet the above expectations, and/or your learning would be best served by a modification to the usual course policies, I would be happy to work with you—please get in touch (via Teams or email)! The course policies are just a means to an end; I don’t care about the policies per se but I do care about you and your learning.

It is the policy of Hendrix College to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Students should contact Julie Brown in the Office of Academic Success (505.2954; brownj@hendrix.edu) to begin the accommodation process. Any student seeking accommodation in relation to a recognized disability should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course.

Diversity and Inclusion

Hendrix College values a diverse learning environment as outlined in the College’s Statement on Diversity. All members of this community are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of the community. If you believe you have been the subject of discrimination please contact Dean Mike Leblanc at leblanc@hendrix.edu or 501-450-1222 or the Title IX Coordinator Allison Vetter at titleix@hendrix.eduor 501-505-2901. If you have ideas for improving the inclusivity of the classroom experience please feel free to contact me. For more information on Hendrix non-discrimination policies, visit hendrix.edu/nondiscrimination.

Mental and Physical Health

Hendrix recognizes that many students face mental and/or physical health challenges. If your health status will impact attendance or assignments, please communicate with me as soon as possible. If you would like to implement academic accommodations, contact Julie Brown in the office of Academic Success (brownj@hendrix.edu). To maintain optimal health, please make use of free campus resources like the Hendrix Medical Clinic or Counseling Services (501.450.1448). Your health is important, and I care more about your health and well-being than I do about this class!