MATH121 Discrete Mathematics

Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Mathematics

I. Course Number and Title
MATH121 Discrete Mathematics
II. Number of Credits
3 credits
III. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester
IV. Prerequisites
MATH140 (C or better) or Permission of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
V. Other Pertinent Information


A comprehensive departmental final is included in the course.

VI. Catalog Course Description
This course enables students to strengthen and increase the understanding of discrete mathematics with special emphasis on computer science applications. Topics include sets, number systems, the nature of proof, formal logic, functions and relations, combinatorics, recurrence relations, trees and Boolean algebra.
VII. Required Course Content and Direction
  1. Learning Goals:

    1. Course
    2. Students will:
      1. demonstrate an understanding and apply the concepts and procedures for expressing mathematical ideas clearly, precisely and unambiguously;
      2. demonstrate a proficiency in analyzing an argument’s form to determine whether the truth of the conclusion follows necessarily from the truth of the premises;
      3. apply the logic of quantified statements and the precision of thought and language to achieve a mathematical certainty;
      4. demonstrate a proficiency in discovering and characterizing regular patterns associated with repeated processes;
      5. apply the concepts of set theory, including Boolean logic and work with functions such as discrete sets, one-to-one and onto, existence of inverse functions, and the interaction of composition of functions and the properties of one-to-one and onto; and
      6. apply the concept of equivalence relations as used in modular arithmetic and cryptography.

    3. Core (if applicable)
    4. Category I:
      Mathematics or Science
      Students will be able to:
      1. accurately translate descriptive problems into mathematical formulas and solve them

      Category III:
      Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
      Students will be able to:
      1. demonstrate an understanding of solving problems by:
        1. recognizing the problem
        2. reviewing information about the problem
        3. developing plausible solutions
        4. evaluating the results
  2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

    1. variables and the language of sets, relations and functions
    2. logic of compound statements
    3. logic of quantified statements
    4. elementary number theory and methods of proof
    5. sequences, mathematical induction and recursion
    6. set theory
    7. functions and relations
    8. counting and probability
    9. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
      2. The assessment of course learning goals is based informally on participation in classroom discussions with other students and the teacher, and formally on written exams, assignments, papers and/or performance-based tasks and projects.

      3. Core (if applicable)
      4. All Core Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, College Level Mathematics or Science, and course Objectives will be assessed as follows:
        • formal assessment activities using open-ended questions reflecting theoretical and applied situations
    10. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      There is a departmentally selected textbook and calculator. The instructor will provide specific details for each section. See course format.
VIII. Teaching Methods Employed

Revision/Approval Date: 5/2012