Discrete Math
Spring Semester, 2015
INSTRUCTOR: Erik Sorensen
OFFICE: 210
Walker Hall
PHONE: 831-
5667
OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (10am-noon) or by
appointment
CLASSROOM
LOCATION: Noon-1pm Class (Section 01, Cook HALL, Room 311).
E-MAIL: esorensen2@radford.edu
HOMEPAGE: http://www.radford.edu/~esorensen2
TEXT: Discrete
Mathematics: Mathematical Reasoning and Proof with Puzzles, Patterns, and Games
(Ensley and Crawley)
Topics: Topics will include symbolic logic, set
theory, introduction to proofs, graph theory, and combinatorics.
Grading: Your course grade
will be based on the following:
Tests:
(60%); Homework/Group Work (10%), Attendance (5%); Final Exam: (25%). Letter grades will be assigned based on the
following scale:
90 - 100 A
87 - 89 B+
80 - 86 B
77 - 79
C+
70 - 76 C
60 - 69 D
0 - 59
F
Student Goals and Objectives of the Course: In accordance with the NCATE standards for
discrete mathematics, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the
concepts of discrete mathematics such as (but not limited to): Perform
operations on sets, prove logical statements using truth tables, prove problems
by mathematical induction, use counting properties to solve combinatorics
problems, understand basic principles of Graph Theory such as: path, cycle,
connected graphs, subgraphs, etc., determine the
shortest path in weighted graphs as it occurs in practical problems, and
understand and apply trees and (minimal) spanning trees. To problem solve
discrete mathematics problems; students will understand the application of an
algorithm by applying them to problem situations such as those involving search
and optimization. Students will develop the ability to communicate
mathematically.
Tests: There will be three tests. Each test counts for 20% of your course
grade. Tests will be multiple choice and the writing
of proofs (test #2).
Final: The final is comprehensive and counts for 25%
of your course grade.
Make-up
tests:
There are no make-up tests with the only exception being for Radford
University sanctioned events. If you miss a test, the final exam will count
for more of your course grade. For example, if you miss one test, the
final exam will count for 25% plus the percentage of the test(s) you missed.
Attendance
Policy: Attendance at all class meetings is expected
and strongly recommended. One of the biggest traps you can fall into in this
course is to not attend class regularly. It's your responsibility to sign the
class roll each day: if your name isn't on the roll, you're absent that day. If
you miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to get up to speed on
anything you missed before the next class. Please do not fall behind. If you
need help, let me know immediately!!
Snow Policy: Please be alert to Radford University’s homepage for inclement weather updates and check your email before coming to class should there be inclement weather pending.
Homework: Homework problems will generally be assigned
for each class meeting. Another big trap you can fall into is to not do the
homework regularly and to try to simply rely on the solutions that are
presented in class. The previous sentence is the most important statement on
this page. The old adage Mathematics is not a good spectator sport was never
truer than in this course. LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. TWO HOMEWORK GRADES
WILL BE DROPPED AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER.
Materials/Calculators: Students are encouraged to use calculators. No
restrictions are placed on the use of calculators in homework, in class, or on
tests.
Additional
Help: There is a Tutoring
Center (Learing Assistance and Resource Center: LARC)
located in Walker Hall, room 126. There will be math tutors available at
various times throughout each week of the semester. The phone number is
831-7704. The web address for the center is www.radford.edu/~larc. You are always
welcome to come to my office during office hours or by setting up an
appointment.
Students
with Disabilities: If you are
seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you
are required to register with the Disability Resource Office which is located
in Room 32 of Tyler Hall. The telephone number is 831-6350. To receive academic
accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper forms from the DRO and
meet with me at the beginning of the semester.
Radford
University Honor Code Policy: By
accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to
understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise
or exception. Violations of this academic integrity will not be tolerated. This
class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your
Student Handbook for details.