Course Title: Discrete Mathematics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Discrete Mathematics

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

MATH1146

City Campus

Postgraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006

MATH1148

City Campus

Undergraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006

Course Coordinator: Assoc Prof Gary Fitz-Gerald

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2278

Course Coordinator Email: garyfitz@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Discrete Mathematics introduces and studies (with an emphasis on problem solving) some of the main areas of discrete mathematics which provide important knowledge and skills for the applied scientist. These areas are: sets and numbers; change of base; Boolean algebra; functions on sets; and relations between sets. The subject demonstrates the importance of these discrete mathematical topics for applied science, communications and information security.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of this course, students will have gained greater knowledge of some key areas of discrete mathematics. They will also have developed their mathematical skills, their analytical and critical thinking abilities, their ability to apply these capabilities to practical problems, and their ability to communicate their knowledge of these areas.


Students will gain the ability to use, understand and apply techniques from number theory, set theory, change of base, function theory, Boolean algebra, and relations between sets.


Overview of Learning Activities

Students will attend lectures where the underlying theory will be presented. On-line lectures provide another presentation of the material. On-line quizzes will assist the student in understanding the material and mastering the necessary skills to effectively apply the theory.


Overview of Learning Resources

Recommended References:
Bradley, J., "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics", 1988, Addison Wesley.
Johnsonbaugh, R., "Discrete Mathematics" (4th Edn., 1997 or 5th Edn., 2000 or 6th Edn., 2004), Prentice Hall.
Skvarcius, R., and Robinson, W.B., "Discrete Mathematics with Computer Science Applications", 1986, Benjamin/Cummings.

On-line lectures are accessible via the Learning Hub, at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/online

Self-assessment Quizzes:
"WebLearn" quizzes, accessible from the Learning Hub, will provide immediate feedback to students about their understanding of the subject matter.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment is based on a combination of online tests and in-class tests, together with a final examination.