Instructor: F. Mohsin
Office: Swords 339
Email: fmohsin@holycross.edu
Lecture times: TuTh 12:30PM - 1:45PM
Location: Swords 359
Office hours
Office hours location: Swords 339
Canvas
We'll use Canvas for assignment submission, lecture notes sharing etc.
All assignment's written reports must be submitted in pdf format. I would prefer a digital file (written in Word or LaTex).
It is fine if you put in pictures taken of handwritten assignments, but it must be legible.
Course description
An introduction to discrete structures for computer science.
Some topics of study include set theory, proof techniques, relations
and functions, Boolean algebra, predicate calculus, combinatorial
analysis, graphs, and discrete probability.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Textbook
A Logical Approach to Discrete Math, by David Gries and Fred Schneider, First edition, 3rd "corrected" printing.
A copy of the front and
back pages of the Gries & Schneider text containing all the axioms and theorems we will use this semester.
The textbook for CSCI 135 is available through the Holy Cross library. Search the title of the text book, "A Logical Approach to Discrete Math," from the library website (library.holycross.edu). You should then get to the SpringerLink page for the textbook where you can download a PDF of the textbook from the publisher.
Course requirements
Exams: There will be one midterm and one final exam on dates to be determined later.
Midterm Exam: TBD.
Final Exam: TBD (during scheduled exam week)
Homework: There will be regular homework assignments, approximately one per week. Due dates and assignments will vary depending on how quickly we move. Generally, HWx will be due immediately at the start of the very next class after we have finished discussing Chapter x, although it is expected that you work on it continuously as we cover topics. Progress checks will be made periodically. All homework must be hand-written in pen or typeset using LaTeX.
Grading
Participation/Quizzes: 10%
Homework: 30%
Midterm exam: 30%
Final exam: 30%
Late Policy The maximum possible score for an assignment will be reduced by 10% for each day or portion of a day that the assignment is turned in late. So the maximum possible score for an assignment turned in up to 24 hours late is 80%, and the maximum possible score for an assignment turned in up to 48 hours late is 80%, and so on. The penalty will be determined when the complete assignment has been received by the instructor. Late work will not be accepted after the graded assignment is returned to the class or after the solutions have been discussed in class.
Collaboration Policy
In doing any work in this course it is expected the work you turn in is your own. In completing your work you may only use your text, your class notes, and your course instructor.
You may choose no more than two study partners for the entire semester. You are allowed to discuss strategies for solving homework problems
with these (up to two) other students, however any work you turn in must be your own work (i.e.
you may not simply copy another student's answers and turn them in as your own).
In addition you must clearly indicate the names of your study partners on each assignment.
Attached to each homework you must submit a discussion log indicating whom you worked with, what you discussed, and when you worked together (dates and times).
Please familiarize yourself with the Math and CS Department's policy on Academic Integrity as well as the College's Academic Integrity Policy.
Excused Absence Policy
Class attendance is expected and will be counted toward the participation part
of the grade. If you have a confirmed reason why you cannot attend an exam at
the day or time it is given, you must contact your instructor well ahead of
time to arrange to take it at another time. Please see the
College Policy on excused absences.
Reasonable Accommodations and Accessibility Services
The instructor is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to the educational opportunities associated with this course. For details or to request accommodation, please refer to College procedures on Requests for Reasonable Accommodations and the Office of Accessibility Services.
Consistent with applicable federal and state law, this course may be video/audio recorded as an accommodation only with permission from the Office of Accessibility Services.