MATH 1630, Discrete Math

Spring 2005

MWF, 11:30-12:20;   NOYES 130

 

Instructor:  Larry Smith          Office: SB 111        Phone: 283-7520        e-mail: Larry.Smith@snow.edu

                                                                                                         <http://www.snow.edu/larrys>

Goals:  The goal is to help students understand principles of discreet math and how to apply them to various situations.

 

Text: Discrete Mathematics with Graph Theory, 2nd edition, by Edgar Goodaire and Michael Parmenter. 

 

Course Contents: Sets, relations, functions, induction, recursion, permutations, combinations, graphs, paths, and circuits.  The word "discrete" means separate or distinct.  In mathematics, we consider it as the opposite of "continuous".  Perhaps the best way to describe the subject matter of this course is the problems associated with the natural numbers.

 

Prerequisite: MATH 1050   

 

Homework:  Homework will be assigned every section.  You are strongly encouraged to study in groups to achieve understanding, but what you write on your paper must be your own work––don't turn homework in without understanding it.  Paper is cheap (we can save trees by recycling your assignments after the quarter if you want) so use lots of it.  Write every step neatly.  Homework is generally due at the beginning of the second class period after we finish discussing the corresponding section.  The average student should expect to spend about 2 hours out of class for every hour in class.  Promptness is encouraged; however, homework that is late for any reason other than a pre-approved legitimate excuse will be worth 50% up to one week late; thereafter no credit will be given.  No late homework after April 15 will be accepted.  Chapter 11 will be done via student presentations.

 

Participation:  Ask questions in class, come to office hours, and help other students.  If you are serious about this class the majority of your learning will take place outside of class time; you should plan on an average of two hours of homework for each class hour.  Both asking and answering questions should prove you’ve delved deeply into the chapter material.  You also need to subscribe to the class e-mail list (LS-Blue) and participate in the discussion there.  You are responsible for information given over e-mail.

 

Help:  You are encouraged to see me during my regular office hours (M-F 10:30-11:20), and at other times by appointment.  Also frequent the math/science lab and use your classmates and the class e-mail list (LS-blue) as resources; <http://www.prenhall.com/goodaire> could be helpful too.  Don’t get behind, and don’t stay lost for more than a few hours at a time.

 

Policies: My policies regarding attendance and academic honesty are on my website.  Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Accessibility Center, room 211 Greenwood Center, phone number (435) 283-7321.  The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the Accessibility Resource Center (ACR) determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of appropriate services and aids.

 

Quizzes:  Frequent unannounced quizzes will keep you apprised of your progress and your prior reading of the section scheduled for the day.  It is important to read each section before class.

 

Tests:  There will be about four tests in the testing center before the final exam.  Testing Center hours are M-R 9-9, F 9-5, Sa 12-4, Su 5-9.

 

Final Exam: Tuesday, April 26, 4:00-6:30 pm; in the classroom.  It will be comprehensive.

 

Grading:              Homework       25%                Quizzes            20%

                           Tests                25%                Participation  10%                Final Exam      20%