Discrete Mathematics: Fall 2016

General information

Optional Textbook

• Discrete Mathematics and its applications, Kenneth Rosen (any edition would work)
• Online textbook:zyBooks. Procedure to access:
  • Sign up at zybooks.zyante.com
  • Enter zyBook code UCDAVISECS20KoehlFall2016
  • Click Subscribe
  Note that the cost to subscribe is $48.

Overview

This course covers discrete mathematics for computer science. I covers the concept of logic, logical propositions, and logical operations. We discuss the concept of proofs (what is a valid proof, how to detect fallacies in proofs) and cover the basic methods of proofs, with many applications. We learn how to deal with sets and functions, how to count (pigeon hole principle, combinatorics), as well as basic probabilities. Here is a more detailed list of objectives:

• Learn basic logic, and how to manipulate logical propositions.

• Demistify the concept of proofs: validity, fallacies ...

• Learn an set of methods of proof, with plenty of applications.

• Introduce the fundamental concepts of sets, and functions on sets.

• Learn how to count!

• Learn basic theory of probability

Being responsible for your grades

Regrading Policy

Regrading requests, if any, should be done within a week after the announcement/distribution of the graded papers. All requests must be submitted in writing, specifically explaining why additional credit is requested. Reevaluation may result in a decrease as well as an increase and is not limited to the specific question addressed by the student.

Late policy

If you turn in your homework late, you will only receive partial credit. If it is less than 24 hours late, you will receive 50% credit; if it is between 24 hours to 48 hours late, you will receive 25% credit; if it is more than 48 hours late, you will receive 0 credit. The only exception is when you bring me a doctor's note.

Grade breakdown

Grades for homework and midterms will be posted one week after the due/exam date. Please go to https://smartsite.ucdavis.edu/ to check your grades. It is very important you do check your grades.

Email policy

• All emails must have ECS20 at the start of the subject, for instance an example subject line is: “ECS20, Help with Homework 2″.
• Email TAs FIRST for all help with homeworks. Even better, go to any discussion sessions or office hours and ask directly!
• Email Prof. Koehl for more sensitive topics (e.g., illness, letters of accommodation, etc.);
  

Smartsite (http://smartsite.ucdavis.edu)

• Homeworks must be turned in in the homework box in Room 2131, Kemper Hall by 4:00 pm on the due date.
• Course gradebook will be maintained on Smartsite, it is your responsibility to ensure that the scores recorded there match the scores on materials passed back to you.

Academic Conduct

The rules for conduct in UC Davis classes can be summarized with three principles:

• Be polite.
• Don’t cheat.
• Don’t lie.

Be polite

As adults meeting in a professional context, we should all behave professionally: this means being polite and respectful to everyone we deal with.

As the instructor, it is my responsibility to teach as well as I can and to be available, polite and respectful to you.

You are responsible for treating me and your fellow students politely and with respect.

Don’t cheat

As the instructor, it is my responsiblity to make tests and assignments that are fair, to grade fairly, to look for cheating, and to refer students who cheat to Student Judicial Affairs for possible sanctions. The English department made the largest number of referrals to SJA last year, but Computer Science was in the top 10.

As students, it is your responsibility to avoid cheating and to discourage other students from cheating.

Don’t lie

Cheating is one form of lies, but there are other. Manipulating data, false claim of ownership of an assignment/idea, plagiarism are all forms of lies. Do not lie to the instructor, and even more importantly, do not lie to yourself!

Acknowledgements