Computer Science
Discrete Mathematical Structures
Spring 2008
Instructor: Ken Lambert
Office Hours: Ken Lambert
Room: Urban Bldg 1 Room 232
Computational Structures - 23725 - CIS 154 - WB1
Phone: 515-248-7230
E-mail Address:
Book: D.S. Malik and M.K. Sen, Discrete Mathematical Structures:
Web site: Supplementary information for the course is
available from the publisher at http://www.course.com
DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to Discrete Structures, which is part of the computer science curriculum. In this course, we learn how theory and applications complement each other. We motivate proofs by presenting examples to show their relevance to the concept. Not only do we present proofs, we show how proofs are constructed. We do the same thing with algorithms – first show how the algorithm works, then formally present the algorithm. We provide a rich collection of exercises for each chapter, including a set of programming exercises.
PREREQUISITES: Any high-level programming language. Pre-calculus mathematics background.
COURSE COMPETENCIES:
COURSE ORGANIZATION
Lecture -- 9 hours per week reading text and online reading/research
Through out the chapter, there are “Exercises”, please complete every third question and include prior question answers if needed to solve. Submit for grading. Example: question 12 needs the solution to 11, do 11 and 12. Start with question 3.
Tests
Final Examination
GENERAL POLICY
You should make every effort to read all assigned pages. Handouts can be obtained from me personally or via electronic means. Exams will be announced approximately one week in advance. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in advance if the student cannot complete a regularly scheduled exam.
COURTESY
It is expected that students will conduct themselves in a courteous manner to the professor and fellow students. That includes no cell-phone calls, minimal talking in class, and no other actions that are disruptive to the class. Make every effort to arrive on time to class.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Assignments will normally be due one week after they are assigned. Assignments can be submitted up to one week late for half credit. Assignments submitted later than one week past the due date will receive no credit.
Email Assignments to: knlambert@dmacc.edu
Subject of Email: CIS154 & Chapter & Date-of-Assignment
Attachments: Use distinct file names
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend ALL discussion sessions. Failure to attend may affect you grade. Students are responsible for material covered on the days they miss. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the class in a constructive manner.
GRADING
Exams -------------- 80%
Homework--------- 20
-------
100%
All work assigned will be given a maximum amount of points that can be earned. At the end of the course, all points will be aggregated and the total will be divided into your earned points, then truncated, for a final earned percentage. That percentage will be used in the table below to set your final letter grade for the course.
A 100 - 91 %
B 90 - 81
C 80 - 71
D 70 - 61
Below 61 will earn an F for the course
No incompletes will be given
Guidelines for
using the chat rooms, discussion board and e-mail
The chat rooms, discussion board and e-mail system are available to allow discussion among the class members and the instructor. While it perfectly acceptable to give or receive help via these tools, it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to share computer code or to discuss test questions!
If you are helping someone who has posed a question regarding a problem that they are having with an exercise, it is acceptable to provide suggestions that are general in nature. However it is inappropriate to share answers that reflect a solution. Plagiarism is penalized by a score of 0 on that assignment
Unsolicited e-mail sent to other students enrolled in the course is strongly discouraged! E-mail exchanges should result from discussion in either the chat room or on the discussion board.
Submitting
Assignments & Contacting the Instructor
Assignments may be submitted by attaching them to an e-mail using the e-mail link within the course. Do not attach them to an e-mail sent to my general DMACC e-mail account. When submitting an assignment you will need to attach the assignment with your name clearly indicated on the answer sheet. Do not zip files that you are submitting. The files are small enough that zipping is not necessary.
You will be informed of your score and/or any corrections that you need to make via your e-mail account within the course.
The preferred method for asking me questions is via the e-mail link within the course. This e-mail service is available 24X7. If you send an e-mail to my general DMACC e-mail account, you may not receive a reply for several days. If you do send an e-mail to my general account at DMACC, please place CIS154: in the subject line, followed by a brief description like (exercise 2, question 4, need help). I will always respond quickly to e-mails sent within the e-mail account of the course or if the subject line of my general DMACC account has CIS154 in it.