Course Title: Discrete Mathematics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Discrete Mathematics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

MATH2415

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2021,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023

MATH2448

RMIT University Vietnam

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Viet2 2022,
Viet3 2022

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Marc Demange

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: marc.demange@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course introduces and studies (with an emphasis on problem solving) several of the main areas of discrete mathematics, which provide important knowledge and skills for IT specialists and cyber security professionals. The subject demonstrates the importance of these discrete mathematical topics for IT and cyber security. 

Topics will be drawn from these areas: 

  1. Basic foundations (sets, functions and arithmetic)
  2. Logic and proof techniques
  3. Graph theory
  4. Algebra, languages and coding 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for MC159 Master of Cyber Security: 

Knowledge and technical competence: 

  • use the appropriate and relevant, fundamental and applied mathematical and statistical knowledge, methodologies and modern computational tools. 

Problem-solving: 

  • synthesise and flexibly apply knowledge to characterise, analyse and solve a wide range of problems 
  • balance the complexity / accuracy of the mathematical / statistical models used and the timeliness of delivery of the solution. 

Communication 

  • communicate both technical and non-technical material in a range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) and tailor the style and means of communication to different audiences. Of particular interest is the ability to explain technical material, without unnecessary jargon, to lay persons such as the general public or line managers. 

Information literacy 

  • locate and use data and information and evaluate its quality with respect to its authority and relevance. 

 


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

On completion of this course you should be able to: 

  1. Identify and apply basic concepts of set theory, arithmetic, logic, proof techniques, binary relations, graphs and trees, and algebra, languages and coding.
  2. Produce convincing arguments, conceive and/or analyse basic mathematical proofs and discriminate between valid and unreliable arguments.
  3. Apply the knowledge and skills obtained to investigate and solve a variety of discrete mathematical problems.
  4. Communicate both technical and non-technical information in a range of forms (written, oral, electronic, graphic).

 


Overview of Learning Activities

All learning activities are student-centred, designed to interest and motivate you to be actively involved in your study. More specifically your learning activities consist of:

  • Reading the current section of the lecture notes prior to each class.
  • Viewing the video on each recorded topic.
  • Participating in the weekly classes (which may be a combination of face-to-face and online classes) by working through examples set as class exercises, which are designed to build your capacity to solve problems, think critically and analytically, and obtain further practice in the application of theory and procedures. These classes are open-book and you are encouraged to work collaboratively with your peers and, if necessary, to seek help from the instructor before completing your individual solutions.
  • In addition to the in-class activities, students will have the opportunity to develop greater understanding of the concepts in this course through their reading, discussion with other students and with the lecturer, and private study.
  • Assignments, in-class assessments and class exercises will enable you to gauge your progress and provide you with feedback on your understanding of the course material.
  • Working on weekly class quizzes to reinforce and develop your skills and assist your comprehension of the presented material.


Overview of Learning Resources

 

You will have access to class lecture notes and pre-recorded videos. There is no prescribed text. You will be expected to expand on the subject matter provided as class lecture notes. This will take the form of accessing various external and internal resources, such as the library and the Internet. The general topic area for search is ”discrete mathematics”.

Canvas: This course is supported online using Canvas, which gives access to important announcements, a discussion forum, staff contact details, the teaching schedule, assessment timelines, lecture notes and practice questions and answers. You are advised to read your student EMS email daily for important announcements. You should also visit the course Canvas site at least once a day for important announcements regarding the course and course-related documents.

A library subject guide is available at: http://rmit.libguides.com/mathstats 


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Online quizzes 

Weighting 15%  

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3-4. 

  

Assessment Task 2: Written tests with online submission

Each test will be a 1-hour test held during class time.

Weighting 50%  

This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4  

  

Assessment Task 3: Written assignments with online submission 

Weighting 35%  

This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4.