MATH-1630-001

MATH 1630, Discrete Math

Fall 2016

MWF, 2:30-3:20;   SCNCE 113

Instructor:  Larry Smith          SCNCE 111       283-7520         Larry.Smith@snow.edu      

Goals/Outcomes:  Students will master the principles of discrete math and apply them to various situations.

Text: Discrete Mathematics with Graph Theory, 3rd edition, by Edgar Goodaire and Michael Parmenter.  See publisher info here.

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       (Calc I preferred)

Homework:  Homework will be assigned every section.  Assignments here.  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 term 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 November 30 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.  Check Canvas frequently to see if there are any web assignments; you are responsible for information given in Canvas.

Help:  You are encouraged to see me during my regular office hours and at other times by appointment.  Also frequent the math/science lab and use your classmates and resources in Canvas; http://www.prenhall.com/goodaire could be helpful too. There are learning objectives and practice quizzes there.   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 here.  The ADA policy is here.

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.  These Readiness Assessment Quizzes (RAQs) are meant to be easy if you read and hard if you didn't.

Tests:  There will be about four tests in the testing center before the final exam.  Testing Center hours are here. 

Final Exam: Friday, December 16, 12:00-2:00 pm; in the classroom.  It will be comprehensive.

Grading:  Homework         30%                  Quizzes              20%

               Tests                 20%                  Participation       10%                  Final Exam        20%