School of Information and Physical Sciences

MATH1510: Discrete Mathematics

Callaghan
Semester 2 - 2023

OVERVIEW
Course Description Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that
are discrete, separated or distinct; in contrast with calculus which
deals with continuous change. It is an important area of pure and
applied mathematics, as well as providing the mathematical basis
for the understanding of computers and modern computation.
Discrete Mathematics is important in the sciences, where it has
increasing application in many areas, an exemplar of which is the
understanding of DNA sequences in molecular biology. The
Discrete Mathematics course introduces first year students to the
basic concepts of discrete mathematics, covering topics such as
sets, logic, enumeration methods, probability, recurrence
relations, induction and graph theory. The course provides
important background for students pursuing a BMath degree. It
covers much of the mathematics essential for students majoring
in Computer Science or Software Engineering, and is a
compulsory course in those degree programs.

Assumed Knowledge HSC Advanced Mathematics (Bands 5 or 6), or equivalent.

Contact Hours Callaghan
Lecture
Face to Face On Campus
4 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Workshop
Face to Face On Campus
2 hour(s) per Week for 11 Weeks

Unit Weighting 10
Workload Students are required to spend on average 120-140 hours of
effort (contact and non-contact) including assessments per 10
unit course.

CRICOS Provider 00109J

MATH1510: Discrete Mathematics
Callaghan Semester 2 - 2023

CONTACTS
Course Coordinator Callaghan
A/Pr Jeffrey Hogan
[email protected]
(02) 4921 7235
Consultation: see Canvas

Teaching Staff Other teaching staff will be advised on the course Canvas site.

School Office School of Information and Physical Sciences

SR233, Social Sciences Building
Callaghan
[email protected]
+61 2 4921 5513
9am-5pm (Mon-Fri)

SYLLABUS
Course Content • Elementary set theory
• Relations and functions
• Graph theory
• Modular arithmetic
• Logic and proofs
• Enumeration techniques
• Elementary probability theory
• Recurrence relations

Course Learning On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Outcomes 1. Read, interpret and write some basic mathematical notation

2. Recognise and/or construct examples of mathematical objects introduced during the course,
such as sets and functions

3. Identify and use several mathematical models, (e.g. propositional logic, trees) including
some of those underlying computing and information technology

4. Recognise valid, logical, mathematical arguments and construct valid arguments/proofs

5. Simplify complex mathematical scenarios using logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Course Materials
Students enrolled in the course can login to the course Canvas site to access the materials used to support this course.
Students should visit the Canvas site on a regular basis for announcements, lecture notes, and assignments.

Recommended Text:
Richard Johnsonbaugh, Discrete Mathematics, Prentice Hall. (7th or 8th edition)

COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS
In order to pass this course, each student must complete ALL of the following compulsory requirements:

Contact Hour Requirements:

- Workshop There is a compulsory attendance requirement in this course. Students must attend a minimum of 80%
of workshops to meet course requirements. Attendance records will be kept and maintained via myUON.

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MATH1510: Discrete Mathematics
Callaghan Semester 2 - 2023

SCHEDULE
Week Week Begins Topic Learning Activity Assessment Due
1 17 Jul Logic and Proofs Lecture
2 24 Jul Proofs and Sets Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 1
3 31 Jul Sets and Relations Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 2
4 7 Aug Relations and Graphs and Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 3
Trees
5 14 Aug Graphs and Trees Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 4
Assignment 1
6 21 Aug Graphs and Trees Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 5
7 28 Aug Review and Algorithms and Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 6
Recurrence Relations I
8 4 Sep Algorithms and Recurrence Lecture and test in workshop Mid Semester Test in
Relations I (ctd) workshop
9 11 Sep Algorithms and Recurrence Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 7
Relations II
10 18 Sep Counting and Probability I Lecture and Workshop Workshop Quiz 8
Assignment 2
Mid Term Break
Mid Term Break
11 9 Oct Counting and Probability II Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 9
12 16 Oct Counting and Probability III Lecture and workshop Workshop Quiz 10
13 23 Oct Review Review in tuesday lecture.
No workshop.
Examination Period
Examination Period

ASSESSMENTS
This course has 4 assessments. Each assessment is described in more detail in the sections below.

Assessment Name Due Date Involvement Weighting Learning

Outcomes
1 Workshop quizzes (x10) Workshops of weeks 2-7, 9-12 Individual 30% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2 Formal examination Formal examination period Individual 30% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
3 Written Assignments 11:59pm Friday, weeks 5 and 10 Group 10% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4 Midsemester test Workshops, week 8 Individual 30% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Late Submissions The mark for an assessment item submitted after the designated time on the due date,
without an approved extension of time, will be reduced by 10% of the possible maximum mark
for that assessment item for each day or part day that the assessment item is late. Note: this
applies equally to week and weekend days.

Assessment 1 – Workshop Quizzes

Assessment Type In Term Test
Description Ten written in-class quizzes, done in workshops, worth 3% each.
Weighting 30%
Due Date In workshops, weeks 2-7 and 9-12
Submission Method In class
Assessment Criteria Mathematical correctness and clarity of arguments
Return Method In class
Feedback Provided In class

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MATH1510: Discrete Mathematics
Callaghan Semester 2 - 2023

Assessment 2 - Formal examination

Assessment Type Formal Examination
Description A formal examination covering the entire course. Non-programmable, non-graphing
calculators and a double-sided A4 sized resource sheet are allowed.
Weighting 30%
Due Date Formal examination period
Submission Method Online
Assessment Criteria Mathematical correctness and clarity of arguments
Return Method Not returned
Feedback Provided No

Assessment 3 - Written Assignments

Assessment Type Written Assignment
Description Two written assignments, worth 5% each
Weighting 10%
Due Date Week 5 (Assignment 1) and Week 10 (Assignment 2), both at 11:59pm on Friday.
Submission Method Online
Assessment Criteria As described on Canvas
Return Method Online
Feedback Provided Online

Assessment 4 – Midsemester test

Assessment Type In Term Test
Description An in-class test covering material from the first half of the course. Non-programmable,
non-graphing calculators and a double-sided A4 sized resource sheet are allowed.
Weighting 30%
Due Date Week 8, in workshop
Submission Method In class
Assessment Criteria Mathematical correctness and clarity of arguments
Return Method In class
Feedback Provided In class

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grading Scheme
This course is graded as follows:
Range of Grade Description
Marks
85-100 High Outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge
Distinction and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
(HD) an outstanding level of academic achievement; mastery of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
75-84 Distinction Excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge
(D) and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
a very high level of academic ability; sound development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
65-74 Credit Good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and
(C) understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a
high level of academic achievement; reasonable development
of skills*; and achievement of all learning outcomes.
50-64 Pass Satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and
(P) understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an
adequate level of academic achievement; satisfactory
development of skills*; and achievement of all learning
outcomes.
0-49 Fail Failure to satisfactorily achieve learning outcomes. If all
(FF) compulsory course components are not completed the mark
will be zero. A fail grade may also be awarded following
disciplinary action.
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MATH1510: Discrete Mathematics
Callaghan Semester 2 - 2023

*Skills are those identified for the purposes of assessment task(s).

Communication Communication methods used in this course include:

Methods

Course Evaluation Each year feedback is sought from students and other stakeholders about the courses
offered in the University for the purposes of identifying areas of excellence and potential
improvement.

Oral Interviews (Vivas) As part of the evaluation process of any assessment item in this course an oral examination
(viva) may be conducted. The purpose of the oral examination is to verify the authorship of the
material submitted in response to the assessment task. The oral examination will be
conducted in accordance with the principles set out in the Oral Examination (viva) Procedure.
In cases where the oral examination reveals the assessment item may not be the student's
own work the case will be dealt with under the Student Conduct Rule.

Academic Misconduct All students are required to meet the academic integrity standards of the University. These
standards reinforce the importance of integrity and honesty in an academic environment.
Academic Integrity policies apply to all students of the University in all modes of study and in
all locations. For the Student Academic Integrity Policy, refer to
https://policies.newcastle.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=35

Adverse The University acknowledges the right of students to seek consideration for the impact of
Circumstances allowable adverse circumstances that may affect their performance in assessment item(s).
Applications for special consideration due to adverse circumstances will be made using the
online Adverse Circumstances system where:
1. the assessment item is a major assessment item; or
2. the assessment item is a minor assessment item and the Course Co-ordinator has
specified in the Course Outline that students may apply the online Adverse Circumstances
system;
3. you are requesting a change of placement; or
4. the course has a compulsory attendance requirement.
Before applying you must refer to the Adverse Circumstance Affecting Assessment Items
Procedure available at:
https://policies.newcastle.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=236

Important Policy The Help button in the Canvas Navigation menu contains helpful information for using the
Information Learning Management System. Students should familiarise themselves with the policies and
procedures at
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/no-room-for/policies-and-procedures
that support a safe and respectful environment at the University.

This course outline was approved by the Head of School. No alteration of this course outline is permitted without Head of School
approval. If a change is approved, students will be notified and an amended course outline will be provided in the same manner as the
original.
© 2023 The University of Newcastle, Australia

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