Syllabus

CPSC 284 - Applied Discrete Mathematics

Spring Semester 2020

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 pm - 8:50 pm

UMW Trinkle Hall, Room B52

Final Exam: Thursday, April 30, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. ***

Instructor

Whit Kemmey

wkemmey@umw.edu

Office Hours in Trinkle B52 immediately following class

Course Description

Prerequisites: CPSC 110, 219, or 220 or successful completion of the UMW computer science placement exam. Designed to prepare beginning Computer Science majors for advanced study by emphasizing the components of Discrete Mathematics especially related to Computer Science. Topics include number systems, logic, methods of proof, counting techniques, mathematical induction, sets, relations, functions, vectors, matrices, graphs, and trees.

Course Goals and Objectives

The goals of this course are:

Students will demonstrate an ability to interpret quantitative/symbolic information.
Students will have the ability to convert relevant information into various mathematical/analytical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)
Students will be able to apply analytical techniques or rules to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
Students will gain an appreciation for how analytical techniques or rules are used to address real-world problems across multiple disciplines.
Students will gain fluency with mathematical and analytic structures necessary for future courses in computer science.
Students will improve computational thinking skills.

Text

A Cool Brisk Walk through Discrete Mathematics by Stephen Davies, Ph.D. http://allthemath.org

Material from the text may not be covered in its entirety. Material presented during lectures may also be drawn from or supplemented by sources other than the text.

Programming Language and Tools

We will be using Python 3 and the IDLE development environment, available here: https://www.python.org/

Rules of the Game

Ask questions. Raise your hand if I’m in the middle of something, but if I don’t notice, just interrupt.
Join in class discussions. Let’s figure some things out together. I don’t care if you’re wrong.
Be patient while I learn your names. I’m terrible.
Don’t cheat. Come to me if you are struggling.
Sit in the back if you want to use a laptop. Don’t distract your classmates.

Overview of the Course

This is a rough schedule of what we will cover in each week of the class. However, we will stay flexible to move more quickly or more slowly through the material as required.

Module 1: Intro to Discrete Math
Module 2: Numbers
Module 3: Sets
Module 4: Relations
Module 5: Probability
Module 6: Structures
Module 7: Counting
Module 8: Logic
Module 9: Vectors
Module 10: Linear Independence
Module 11: Matrices
Module 12: Linear Transforms
Module 13: Matrix Multiplication
Module 14: Applications

Grades and Assignments

Learning Objectives

We have a list of Learning Objectives for this class. For example,

“I can apply Djikstra’s Algorithm to find the shortest path between two vertices in a graph.”

You will demonstrate mastery of these Learning Objectives on assignments, quizzes, and the final exam.

Learning Objectives on quizzes and Assignments will be graded on a four-point scale: N - Not assessable R - Retry or Revise M - Meets expectations E - Exceptional

Assignments

All assignments are posted on Canvas and will be turned in through Canvas. I will accept one assignment one day late, and an additional assignment up to one week late.

You will have an opportunity to revise some assignments.

Doing badly on one assignment does not doom your grade.

Homework

Homework in the form of practice problems will be assigned, but will not graded or turned in. I will answer questions about the homework in class. Homework problems are your best preparation for quizzes.

Projects and Responsive Readings

There will be several opportunities for small projects and responsive readings outside of class. Points for these assignments will be added to your grade for the semester.

Responsive readings will require short answers to discussion questions, and will be worth up to 5 points each. 100% of points earned will be added to your grade. Responsive readings are individual assignments, but feel free to discuss the articles together before writing your response.

Projects may be completed individualy or in groups.

Quizzes

Quizzes are your opportunity to demonstrate mastery of Learning Objectives.
All quizzes will be completed independently and are closed book, closed notes, and closed Internet. No calculators are allowed. There is no makeup for missed quizzes.

Final Exam

A cumulative written final exam will be given on the date selected by the Registrar’s office. It will be your last opportunity to demonstrate mastery of Learning Objectives. No calculators are allowed. The final will be completed independently with closed book, closed notes, and closed Internet.

Grading

Final grades will be based on the number of Learning Objectives demonstrated, and the number of points earned on assignments.

Mid-semester Grades

For midterm progress reports, I will consider your quiz scores and assignments. If either or both of these categories are lacking, it’s a sign of danger, and I will give you a “U” for your mid-semester grade. Please don’t hesitate at all to come talk to me about this so we can figure out how you can do better in the course.

The Honor Code and this Course

Violating the honor code is unfair to your classmates and unfair to yourself. Don’t do it.

Exams and quizzes will be administered in class. All work must be your own. Any form of assistance from peers or reference materials is cheating.

Other than quizzes and exams, however, feel free to work together, ask questions of your fellow students, and look things up on the internet. Do whatever works best for your own personal learning style. Just don’t take shortcuts that deprive you of the opportunity to learn. The words or source code you turn in should be your own, but it is fine to seek help as mentioned while working on these assignments.

Late policy

Assignments are due at 11:59 pm EST on the due date if electronic, or by the end of class on the due date if physical. I will accept one assignment one day late, and an additional assignment up to one week late.

Disabilities

If you have a documented disability, please present me your letter from the Office of Disability Resources and I’ll be happy to accommodate you.

How to reach me

By far the best way to reach me is to see me after class, or e-mail me.

How to reach you

I will be communicating with you outside of class time via the course web site, e-mail, and Canvas. If I must unexpectedly cancel class, I will post an announcement on the course website.

Title IX Statement

UMW faculty are committed to supporting students and upholding the University’s Policy on Sexual and Gender Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. Under Title IX and this Policy, discrimination based upon sex or gender is prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex or gender based discrimination, we encourage you to report it. While you may talk to me, understand that as a “Responsible Employee” of the University, I must report to UMW’s Title IX Coordinator what you share. If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, please contact the below confidential resources. They can connect you with support services and help you explore your options. You may also seek assistance from UMW’s Title IX Coordinator. Please visit http://diversity.umw.edu/title-ix/ to view UMWs Policy on Sexual and Gender Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence and to find further information on support and resources.

Resources

Stefany Lucas-Waverly Title IX Coordinator Office of Title IX Fairfax House 540-654-5656 slucaswa@umw.edu

Myranda Thomson Title IX Deputy for Students Area Coordinator 540-654-1184 mthomson@umw.edu

Confidential Resources

On-Campus

Talley Center for Counselling Services Lee Hall 106

Student Health Center Lee Hall 112

Off-Campus

Empowerhouse 540-373-9373

RCASA 540-371-1666

Recording Policy

Classroom activities in this course may be recorded by students enrolled in the coursefor the personal, educational use of that student or for all students presently enrolled in the class only, and may not be further copied, distributed, published or otherwise used for any other purpose without the express written consent of the course instructor. All students are advised that classroom activities may be taped by students for this purpose. Distribution or sale of class recordings is prohibited without the written permission of the instructor and other students who are recorded. Distribution without permission is a violation of copyright law. This policy is consistent with UMW’s Policy on Recording Class and Distribution of Course Materials.

Disability resources

The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) has been designated by the college as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services through the Office of Disability Resources and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Bring your accommodation letter, along with a copy of our class syllabus with you to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

If you have not made contact with the Office of Disability Resources and have reasonable accommodation needs (note taking assistance, extended time for tests, etc.), I will be happy to refer you. The office will require appropriate documentation of disability.