Discrete mathematics
Dr David Wilson (Gippsland) and Dr Richard Farmer (Peninsula)
6 points
* 3 hours lectures and 1 hour tutorial per week
* Second
semester
* Gippsland/Peninsula, Distance
* Prerequisites: GCO1815 or
Year 12 Mathematics
* Prohibitions: MAT1130
Objectives On the completion of this subject, students should be able to understand the basic principles of logic; methods of mathematical proof and the use of predicate calculus to prove that a computer program meets its specifications; to express quantitative and logical relationships between variables and statements in programming languages; to appreciate the limitations of the computer as a calculating machine; display an understanding of finite state machines, regular grammars, and their applications; to perform operations with relations and functions, and understand their applications to the study of relational data bases; to demonstrate an understanding of graphs, directed graphs and trees; tree traversal, and binary trees.
Synopsis This subject aims to provide students with a basic understanding of logic and the ability to use techniques in finite and discrete mathematics; in particular, mathematics relevant to the design and development of good computer software. Topics covered include the techniques of propositional calculus and applications to the design of computer programs; techniques for constructing standard mathematical proofs; predicate calculus and how it may be used in proving that a computer program meets its specification; Boolean algebra and applications to the design of simple combinatorial switching circuits; graphs and graph theoretic algorithms; computability, finite state machines, regular grammars, and their applications.
Assessment Continuous assessment: 40%
* Examination (3 hours): 60%
Prescribed texts
To be advised
Recommended texts
Hirschfelder R and Hirschfelder J Introduction to discrete mathematics Brooks-Cole, 1991
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