Math 235 -- Discrete Math Acc "C", 2005

Topics will include:   proof techniques, boolean algebra & logic, counting, recursion, set theory, graph theory & networks.

Objectives:   At the end of the course, students will have learned...

... the history and methods of solution for a variety of classic and current problems.
... several proof techniques.
... boolean algebra and logic.
... combinatorial counting techniques.
... about recurrence relations and difference equations.
... to use set theory in proofs and counting.
... several methods and applications of graph theory.

QUIZZES will usually be about 40-50 minutes in length, to be given each Thursday, at the end of class. The first quiz will be given August 25. There will be 5 quizzes, each worth 50 points, the lowest of which will be dropped. As we are dropping the lowest quiz grade, there will be no make-ups for quizzes missed without proper advance notification and documentation (read further).

There will also be five graded HOMEWORK sets. Each assignment will be announced one week in advance, and will total 40 points. A typical homework set will be based on exercises from the text and/or extensions of in-class group work. Late homework assignments will not be accepted. For these assignments, you are encouraged to work with other members of the class, but the work you turn in must be your own.

Practice homework will be assigned but not collected, except when assigned as part of a full homework assignment. Check the schedule for practice problems. It is expected that you will take the time to do these (and other) problems, as they are indicative of material on which you will be tested.

HONESTY: Giving or receiving aid in whatever form will result in action by the appropriate academic committee. Refer to the Student Handbook for further details.

ALWAYS SHOW ALL WORK. We are interested in more than just "the right answer"; we also want to emphasize the right methods. Partial credit will be given accordingly.

ABSENCES: If I am contacted with an acceptable excuse before the date of any quiz or other assignment, a make-up can be arranged. Abuse of this policy makes life difficult for everyone involved.

A few things to note:

• YOU ARE EXPECTED AND ENCOURAGED TO ASK QUESTIONS!
• Mike's office is in Aquinas Hall, room 12-D.
• Feel free to come to office hours. If those above do not suffice, I will gladly arrange other times.
• Please make me aware of any problems you are having or anticipate.
• You can get a message to me at 569-3265, or by e-mail at daven@msmc.edu
• Useful information will be posted from time to time at http://faculty.msmc.edu/daven/discrete/. Check back frequently.
• When you turn in an assignment on loose-leaf paper, staple if necessary, and make sure there are no "ragged edges".
• Please do not bring any food, beverages, or beverage containers to Aquinas 232.
• For future teachers...   Workshops in discrete mathematics:
  The DIMACS Institute at Rutgers University organizes a number of very good workshops
  for math teachers in secondary and elementary education. If you'd like to know more, please ask!
• An important theme in my teaching philosophy, and I would hope in your learning philosophy as well, is the following:
  It is not the responsibility of college students to
  know the right answers, but the right questions.

A small part of our purpose in this class will be to learn some basic mathematics. But if we are thoughtful about our present studies, we note that what we will be trying to learn goes much, much further. Specifically, we will be learning to think our way through difficult (and often tedious) problems. Though it is conceivable that you might never use the mathematics encountered here, if you successfully complete the class, I believe you'll have proven to yourself and to the world that you are capable of enduring and overcoming an intellectual challenge.

last updated Tuesday, August 23, 2005