Syllabus | CS 1311 Discrete Structure I - Spring 2023

Syllabus

Meeting Times and Staff

Instructor

Meeting Time

Course Staff

Course Details

Course Description

Mathematics for computer science. Sets, functions, sequences. Propositional and predicate calculus, formal proofs, mathematical induction. Matrices, semigroups, groups, isomorphism. Relations, partitions, equivalence relations, trees, graphs. May be taken for graduate credit by students in fields other than computer science.

Required Textbook (yes, you should get a copy!)

Susanna S. Epp, Discrete Mathematics with Applications 4th (or 5th Edition)

Time Expectation

Learning Outcomes

As a result of completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. See and analyze a problem from a mathematical perspective

  2. Convert informal English statements to formal logic statements

  3. Formulate problems in rigorous mathematical terms and concepts such as functions, relations, graphs, trees, and Boolean logic, which are conducive to methodical problem-solving.
  4. Prove a wide range of mathematical assertions using a variety of proof techniques, including direct and indirect proofs as well as proofs by induction
  5. Solve recursively defined functions and sequences, with applications to time complexity analysis of algorithms
  6. Count the numbers of various combinatorial entities, including permutations, arrangements, and combinations, which form a foundation for probability theory and algorithm analysis
  7. Design basic logical circuits and basic graph algorithms
  8. Grasp preliminarily certain applications of discrete math to computing such as: algorithmic complexity analysis, digital circuit design and optimization, relational databases, data types, cryptography, AI, etc.

Course Outline

Grading

Grading Breakdown

(Modified 4/17)

Problem Sets

There are 8 assigned problem sets occurring throughout the semester. Each is worth 5% of your total grade and due on the dates specified. Problem sets submitted by the early deadline will receive an extra 10 points on the grade. Problem sets submitted by the final deadline will be graded as is. Problem sets will not be accepted for a grade after the final deadline.

There is a ONE TIME AMNESTY granted at any point in the semester to submit a problem set two days beyond the final deadline. You only need to ask, and no reason needs to be given. If you have additional issues beyond the single amnesty, you need to schedule a meeting with the instructor via office hours.

Problem set 0 is for practice for submission. It consists of a short questionnaire and learning how to do the submission system. You cannot submit this late.

Exams

There is one midterm and one final exam for the class, each worth 30% of your grade for a total of 60%. The final exam will be comprehensive, but focus more deeply on the second have of the class.

For the midterm, you are allowed to bring in a “cheat sheet”. That is one page, 8.5x11in of double-sided handwritten notes that you can use as a reference on the exam. For the final, you can bring in two pages, of 8.5x11in double-sided handwritten notes. Yes, one of those pages can be from your midterm.

Final Grades

Grade Range Grade Range
A 94-100% C 74-76%
A- 90-93% C- 70-73%
B+ 87-89% D+ 67-69%
B 84-86% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% D- 60-63%
C+ 77-79% F <60%

Class Communication and Submissions

Email and Ed

We will use two primary forms of communication in this class: email announcements and Ed. You are responsible for remaining up to date on any information sent by email or posted to Ed. This may include clarifications to assignments, updates on grading rubrics, and changes in office hours.

For all general course information, questions, and clarifications, you should preference to using ED. An instructor, TA, or even your fellow classmate can then answer a question. You can even post your questions anonymously.

If you have personal, individual issues you’d like addressed, you should send those by email to the course instructor. However, all course related topics should be directed to Ed.

Gradescope

You will submit all problem sets via Gradescope. This is a system where by you scan or take pictures of your answers and then connect those answers to the question asked. We will use Gradescope to both grade and distribute grades for your problem sets and exams.

Course Policies

Illness policy

If you are ill and it will cause you to miss class, lab, or an assignment, you should let your course instructor know in advance, if possible. It is your responsibility to catch up with any missed material. For extended absences due to illness, you should provide a doctors note. If you are to miss an exam or project deadline due to illness, you should also provide a doctors note and a plan to make up those assignments.

Academic Integrity policy

Problem Sets: You may work together on problem sets – HOWEVER, the finger-to-keyboard, pen-to-paper, work must be your own. You MUST be able to explain your answer, and you MUST declare everyone you worked with together on the problem set. Submitting one copy of the same answers that everyone worked on is cheating per the requirement that the finger-to-keyboard, pen-to-paper work is your own.

Exams: Exams are individual work only. Communicating or using external sources, beyond what is prescribed in the “cheat sheet” policy, is cheating and you will receive a zero on the exam.

The Academic Integrity Code will apply to this course. Please read through the code carefully. Penalties for violating the code or the policies described here include failing this course, and are elaborated in the GW Academic Integrity Code. Note that the minimum punishment is failure of the assignment. Additional actions could include failure of the class, suspension, or expulsion.

Use of Electronic Course Materials and Class Recordings

Students are encouraged to use electronic course materials, including recorded class sessions, for private personal use in connection with their academic program of study. Electronic course materials and recorded class sessions should not be shared or used for non-course related purposes unless express permission has been granted by the instructor. Students who impermissibly share any electronic course materials are subject to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct. Please contact the instructor if you have questions regarding what constitutes permissible or impermissible use of electronic course materials and/or recorded class sessions. Please contact Disability Support Services if you have questions or need assistance in accessing electronic course materials.

University policy on observance of religious holidays

In accordance with University policy, students should notify faculty during the first week of the semester of their intention to be absent from class on their day(s) of religious observance. For details and policy, see Religious Holidays on the Provost web page.

Disability Support Services (DSS)

Any student who may need an accommodation based on the potential impact of a disability should contact Disability Support Services (or call 202-994-8250) to establish eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations.

Please note, that Problem Sets have progressive deadlines already built in for accommodation purposes. Additionally, Quizzes and Attendance are checks on class participation and not strictly graded assignments. Accomodation for exams (time 1.5 and additional aids) will be provided upon request and approval of DSS.

Wellness

If any issue arises that may limit your ability to participate in class, for example, personal illness, family emergency, etc., please be sure to discuss these matters with your instructor as soon as possible and accommodations will be made available to you as appropriate.

Feelings of being overwhelmed are unfortunately quite common in the university environment and something we have all dealt with. You are not alone, and there are a number of resources available to provide support in those moments. Learning to ask for help is an import part of the university experience, and if you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings of anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. GW offers counseling services, and also consider reaching out to a friend, family or faculty member you trust for help.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or in danger of self-harm, call someone immediately, day or night: