MCS-256: Discrete Calculus and Probability (Spring 2014)

Overview

This course covers discrete mathematics, except graph theory, that are needed in computer science. Specifically we will learn proofs by induction, recurrence relations, summation techniques, generating functions, asymptotics, enumerative combinatorics (how to count without counting), and discrete probability. Mathematics majors will learn how to think and work with discrete structures to complement their training in the continuous math. Computer Science majors will learn about mathematics techniques necessary for the design and analysis of algorithms.

Prerequisite

MCS-119 or MCS-121 (Calculus I), and either MCS-220 (Introduction to Analysis) or MCS-236 (Graph Theory).

Textbooks

There is no official textbook in this course. The following textbooks are useful. Additional reference on reserve

Exams

There will be four unit exams and one comprehensive final examination. Most exams are in-class but some unit exams may be take-home. In either case, you must work individually; no cooperation or help is allowed. In-class exams are closed-book, and closed-notes. You may, however, use a single 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper with hand-written notes for reference. Both sides of the sheet may be used.

Homework

Homeworks are due at the start of class on the due date. However, you may submit your solution several times before the official due date. I'll take a quick look at your work and give as much feedback as possible as to whether you're on the right track. To get fast response and maximum benefit from these early submissions, I strongly suggest you meet with me one-on-one to discuss your answer. You are allowed (even encouraged) to cooperate on homework problems. However, all answers must be entirely in your own words. If you work as a team or receive help from a classmate, acknowledge it. Acknowledgment should appear at the top of your problem solution. Homework writeups should follow the homework guidelines.

Late homework policy

Turn in homework on time. Each class day late reduces the possible points by 25%.

Grading

Exams are worth 72% of total grade. There are five exams: four unit exams and a comprehensive final. The best four will count 16% each; the lowest score will count 8%. Homework is worth 28% of total grade. The lowest homework assignment score will be discarded.

If you earn at least 93% of the possible points, you will receive an A, at least 88% for an A-, at least 83% for a B+ and down by 5 percentage points each to the lowest passing grade of at least 48 for a D. There is no curve, although I reserve the right to adjust your grade at the end of the course. Grade adjustment will be based on class participation, and my perception of your effort to learn.

Attendance

If you miss a class you are still responsible for the materials covered. Any handouts distributed in class will also appear in the drop box in front of my office.

Honor

You are expected to be familiar with the college academic honesty honor code policy, and to comply with that policy. If you have any questions about it, please ask. In doing an assignment, you may discuss the problems and their solutions with fellow students, but you should make an effort to solve each problem on your own. Give credit to the people and/or reading sources that help you find the solutions, be they textbooks, journals, or internet postings. Be explicit and acknowledge clearly what sort of help you received. Failure to do so will be considered cheating. A first violation of the honor code will result in a grade of 0 on the homework or exam in question. Any further violation will result in an automatic F for the course and a notification to the Office of the Provost.

Disability Services

Gustavus Adolphus College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or you think you may have a disability of any nature) and, as a result, need reasonable academic accommodation to participate in class, take tests or benefit from the College's services, then you should speak with the Disability Services Coordinator, for a confidential discussion of your needs and appropriate plans. Course requirements cannot be waived, but reasonable accommodations may be provided based on disability documentation and course outcomes. Accommodations cannot be made retroactively; therefore, to maximize your academic success at Gustavus, please contact Disability Services as early as possible. Disability Services is located in the Advising and Counseling Center. Disability Services Coordinator, Laurie Bickett, (lbickett@gustavus.edu or x6286) and Disability Specialist, Kelly Hanson, (khanso10@gustavus.edu or x7138) can provide further information.

Help for Students Whose First Language is not English

Support for English Language Learners and Multilingual students is available through the Academic Support Center and the Multilingual/English Language Learner Academic Support Specialist, Laura Lindell (x7197). She can meet individually with students for tutoring in writing, consulting about academic tasks and helping students connect with the College's support systems. When requested, she can consult with faculty regarding effective classroom strategies for ELL and multilingual students. Laura can provide students with a letter to a professor that explains and supports appropriate academic arrangements (e.g. additional time on tests, additional revisions for papers). Professors make decisions based on those recommendations at their own discretion. In addition, ELL and multilingual students can seek help from peer tutors in the Writing Center.

MCS 256 Syllabus--Spring 2014

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