Syllabus
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce mathematical structures that support the foundations of computer science. These include sets, matrices, trees, graphs, logic and proof, mathematical induction, relations, functions, sequences, summations, and elementary combinatorics.
Accreditation/Certification requirements
This course addresses required capabilities from the ABET Accreditation expectations. Specifically, it addresses the following component of Criterion 3. Student Outcomes:
An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program’s student outcomes and to the discipline
COURSE MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
- Textbook: Discrete Mathematics: an Open Introduction, by Oscar Levin, 3rd ed. (free online, available for purchase)
- Blackboard (slides, assignments, grades, announcements)
- Microsoft Teams (ask/answer questions, group discussions)
Grading Criteria
- Homework (15%)
- Quizzes (15%)
- Exams (3) (15% each)
- Final Exam (20%)
- Participation and Effort (5%)
Homework
Homework will be assigned for each topic we cover (generally weekly). Students are expected to submit their work individually, though you are encouraged to work in a collaborative environment. Homework will be assigned and submitted via Blackboard.
GRADING NOTES AND POLICIES
- Completion Time. Please note how long it took you took to complete each assignment. You will be asked to report this when submitting assignments.
- Late penalty. Homework will be accepted up to 24 hours after the due date without a penalty.
- Dropping the lowest score. You will be allowed one excused homework assignment (the lowest grade will be dropped).
- Excused absences and extensions. No assignments will be accepted after one week of its due date, including those for university official excused absences. This allows graded material to be returned at a reasonable time and for the solution to be disseminated to all students. Excused absences requiring greater than a week to complete missing work will be dropped, increasing the weight of all other assignments.
Quizzes
Quizzes are short (10-mins) and will typically be given each Thursday. You will be more successful if your practice beforehand.
| Letter Grade | Numerical Grade |
|---|---|
| A | 93 > |
| A- | 89 – 93 |
| B+ | 86 – 89 |
| B | 82 – 86 |
| B- | 78 – 82 |
| C+ | 75 – 78 |
| C | 72 – 75 |
| C- | 68 – 72 |
| D+ | 65 – 68 |
| D | 62 – 65 |
| D- | 55 – 62 |
| F | 55 < |
Academic Integrity
academic integrity, n.: the process of maintaining honesty about ideas and their sources, and avoiding behaviors such as cheating on tests, plagiarizing papers, falsifying data.
Villanova University, Office of the Provost
Take a moment to review the University’s policies and guidelines for academic integrity. The computing sciences department encourages collaborative working. Additionally, the internet provides a wealth of computer science and programming resources. We encourage you to utilize those resources, but please do so in a way that does not violate the spirit of the University’s Code for Academic Integrity.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory at all class meetings. Where possible, students should inform their instructors if they plan to be late or absent from class. Excused absences do not count toward a failure in the course for first year students. Four or more unexcused absences may result in failure of the course. Absence from class does not release the student from work assigned. Students who miss an in-class obligation (exam, presentation, etc.) due to an excused absence will not be penalized – arrangements including a make-up assignment, alternate time for a presentation, or exemption from the assignment will be made in such circumstances.
Accommodations
Students with disabilities who require reasonable academic accommodations should schedule an appointment to discuss specifics with me. It is the policy of Villanova to make reasonable academic accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. You must present verification and register with the Learning Support Office by contacting (610) 519-5176 or at learning.support.services@villanova.edu. For physical access or temporary disabling conditions, please contact the Office of Disability Services at (610) 519-4095 or email Stephen.mcwilliams@villanova.edu. Registration is needed to receive accommodations.
Counseling Services
It is common for college students to feel overwhelmed by academic or personal matters. The University Counseling Center, located in 206 Health Services Building, offers individual counseling to discuss personal concerns. More information can be found on their website (www.villanova.edu/counselingcenter) or you can also reach them by phone: (610) 519-4050.
Inclusive Learning
Villanova University supports an inclusive learning environment where diversity and individual differences are respected, appreciated, and recognized as a source of strength and intellectual inquiry. Our different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enrich our learning together; they are welcome and valued in this course. We will demonstrate respect and diligence in understanding how other peoples’ perspectives, behaviors, and world views may be different from our own and how they inform our own understanding. As it is every member’s responsibility to contribute to the creation of a healthy and safe community, students are required to comply with University health and safety directives, guidelines, rules, regulations and protocols in times of emergency and/or public health concern. Violations may be referred for action under the Code of Student Conduct.
Copyright Notice
The materials used in Villanova University courses (“Course Materials”) generally represent the intellectual property of course instructors, third parties and/or the University which may not be disseminated or reproduced in any form for public distribution (e.g., sale, exchange, etc.) without the written permission of the course instructor. Course Materials include all written or electronic documents and materials, including syllabi, current and past examination questions/answers, and presentations such as lectures, videos, PowerPoints, etc., provided by a course instructor. Course Materials may only be used by students enrolled in the course for academic (course-related) purposes. None of these materials may be (i) retained after the course term expires, (ii) further disseminated, or (iii) accessed by or made available to others. Published course readings (book chapters, articles, reports, etc.) available in Blackboard are copyrighted material. These works are made available to students through licensed databases or fair use. They are protected by copyright law and may not be further disseminated or reproduced in any form for distribution (e.g., uploading to websites, sale, exchange, etc.) without permission of the copyright owner.