CS128 - Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

Spring Semester 2014 Syllabus

Description

This course is meant as a first introduction to discrete mathematics with emphasis on its use in computer science. Topics include: Propositional and Predicate Logic, Proof Techniques, Sequences, Mathematical Induction, Set Theory, Functions and Relations, and Counting and Probability.

Course Objectives

To provide students with the mathematical foundation, level of abstract thinking, and knowledge of discrete mathematics topics essential to computer science.

Intended Audience & Prerequisites

This course is aimed in general at freshman and sophomore students in science and engineering, and in particular at freshman students in computer science and sophomore students in computer engineering. The prerequisites are: CS53 or at least sophomore standing.

Course Policies

Academic Alert System
The purpose of the Academic Alert System is to improve the overall academic success of students by improving communication among students, instructors and advisors; reducing the time required for students to be informed of their academic status; and informing students of actions necessary by them in order to meet the academic requirements in their courses.

Disabilities
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, you are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor as early as possible in the semester. You will need to request that the Disability Support Services staff send a letter to the instructor verifying your disability and specifying the accommodation you will need before the instructor can arrange your accommodation. Disability Support Services is located in 204 Norwood Hall, their phone number is 341-4211, and their E-mail is dss@mst.edu.

Academic Dishonesty
Every student enrolled in this course is expected to be familiar with Missouri S&T's Student Academic Regulations, including the section on Conduct of Students which on pages 30-31 defines several forms of Academic Dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, and sabotage. Incidences of Academic Dishonesty will typically result in zero grades for the respective course components, notification of the student's advisor, the student's department chair, and the campus undergraduate studies office, and further academic sanctions may be imposed as well in accordance with the regulations. Note that those who allow others to copy their work are just as guilty of plagiarism and will be treated in the same manner.

Attendance
Attendance is critical to succeeding in this course. While you will not be dropped for non-attendance, the lectures will help you understand the course content and frequent in-class quizzes are worth 10% of your grade.

Makeups & Extensions
There will be no makeups; however, your worst quizz, your worst homework grade, and your worst exam grade will be dropped, effectively allowing you to miss one homework, one quizz, and one exam, without penalizing your grade. It is in your best interest to avoid this at all costs; it is meant for special situations like serious illness, death in family, etc.

Exams
There will be approximately 9 exams during the semester and one comprehensive final exam during finals week which counts double. The cumulative exam grade will be determined as follows:
Max((Sum of exams)/9,((Sum of exams)+2*Final-Min(Sum of exams))/10)
This means that students happy with their grade at the end of the semester can skip taking the comprehensive final exam, but it also means that taking the final exam can only improve your grade, never lower it.

Homework
Homework is always due before the end of class and must be submitted in person on paper and be legible. If you are too ill to submit it in person, then you may submit it via Blackboard as long as the timestamp is before the end of class. Late homework will not be accepted. Handwriting your homework is permissible, but typeset preferred. LaTeX is recommended for typesetting. Note: to receive full credit you have to show all your work, answers only may result in zero credit.

Instructor Information
  Section 1A
Name Gerry Howser
Office 305 Computer Science Building
Office hours As in the syllabus, by appointment, or according to the following "open door" policy: if the instructor's office door is wide open, you are welcome to drop by; if the instructor's office door is only slightly ajar, only knock in case of an important, time-critical circumstance; finally, if the door is closed, knock only in case of an absolute emergency.
E-mail gwhrkb@mst.edu
WWW http://web.mst.edu/~gwhrkb/index.html

Course Information
Required textbook Susanna S. Epp, Discrete Mathematics with Applications, Fourth Edition, Brooks/Cole, ISBN-13: 978-0-495-39132-6 [Companion website]
Recommended textbook Susanna S. Epp, Student Solutions Manual and Study Guide for the Fourth Edition of Discrete Mathematics with Applications, Brooks/Cole, ISBN-13: 978-0-495-82613-2
Course website http://web.mst.edu/~gwhrkb/classes/cs128Spring2014/index.html
Lecture times Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 - 9:50 am
Lecture venue Section 1A: 207 Computer Science Building [Egress map (emergency exit route)]
Course Schedule Dynamic schedule

Grading Information
Exams (about 9 during semester + 1 comprehensive final) Exams 50 points each, Final 100 points
Homework Lowest dropped
Quizzes Unannounced
Final grade for undergraduate students [90-100]: A, [80-90>: B, [70-80>: C, [60-70>: D, <60: F
Final grade for graduate students [90-100]: A, [80-90>: B, [70-80>: C, <70: F

Updated: January 20, 2014