In this course, we will be learning the analytical tools needed for solving complicated sums and analyzing data.  These tools are used extensively in analyzing algorithms.

Course web site:  All handouts, homework assignments, reading assignments, and important materials are available at  www.gac.edu/~kaiser/mcs256/ .

Prerequisites: MCS-121 and one of MCS-236 and MCS-220, MCS-122 or MCS-132 is encouraged.  I expect that you are comfortable with finding and writing proofs of various kinds (direct proofs, induction proofs, both strong and weak, and so on) and that you enjoy solving hard mathematical problems.

Objectives:   In the words of the textbook authors, you will learn``to evaluate horrendous looking sums, to solve complex  recurrence relations and to discover subtle patterns in data.''  Additionally, you will become better readers of mathematics, you will begin to make connections between material you've learned in previous courses to material you learn in this one, and you will become more adept at problem solving.

Text:  E  Concrete Mathematics A Foundation for Computer Science, by Graham, Knuth, and Patashnik
This book is hard to be read.   For each class session, you are encouraged to read the pertinent portion of the text at least twice  beforehand and at least once afterward.   Study the book with a pencil in hand.   Make notes in it.   Mark where you have questions.     Summarize what you've read by asking yourself if you were to   box off the important ideas in this section, what would go in the box.   Do NOT try the exercises without reading the text;   simply skimming the examples is not sufficient.  

Classes:        Classes will be used for lectures, problem solving, discussions, and other fun activities.     You should prepare for classes by doing the reading beforehand (reading assignments are posted on the Web),   thinking about the problems in the text, and formulating questions of your own.   You should also participate as much as possible in class.

Attendance, both physical and mental, is required.

Should you need to miss a class for any reason, you are still responsible for the material covered in that class. This means that you will need to make sure that you understand the reading for that day, that you should ask a friend for the notes from that day, and make sure that you understand what was covered. If there is an assignment due that day, you should be sure to have a friend hand it in or put it in my departmental mailbox (in Olin 324). You do not need to tell me why you missed a class unless there is a compelling reason for me to know.

Homework:    Trying to solve problems is how you ensure that you really learn and understand the material in the course.
I will assign homework problems frequently and post them on the Web. 

All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day indicated.   You may hand in up to two late homework assignments without penalty as long as each is handed in no more than one week late and before I hand back graded assignments.   All other late homeworks will be heavily penalized.

You will be expected to sign the honor pledge on every graded paper and test.   

Course grade:    Homework will count for 36% of your total grade. Tests will count  another 60%, with the lowest score counting 6%, the highest score counting 18%, and the remaining three scores counting 12% each.   The remaining 4% will come from class participation, prep problems, pop quizzes, etc.  

Accessibility:
Please contact me during the first week of class if you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations. I will do my best to facilitate the  necessary arrangements.   All discussions will remain confidential.