Discrete Structures

Course Syllabus

Professor

Name and Title

Dr. David A. Reimann, Professor
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan

Office

252 Putnam

Student Meetings

I will be regularly available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays 2:15 am - 3:30 and by appointment. I expect to meet with you often outside of class. Drop in in person or virtually (via Google Meet) to talk about the course, mathematics, computer science, Albion, or if you just want to hangout!

You can contact me to outside of my normal office hours if you have questions. I encourage you to use Google Chat (preference) or email to send me a meeting request. I will respond as soon as I can.

Email

dreimann@albion.edu

Website

http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/

Phone

517-629-0426 (Office)
517-629-0361 (Department)

Course

Course

Math 239

Course Name

Discrete Structures

Credit

1.0 Unit

CRN

1489

Catalog Description

A survey of discrete mathematics with topics selected from set theory, functions and relations, number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, logic (predicate calculus, quantifiers), introduction to proof techniques, and probability. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required in any mathematics course used as a prerequisite for another mathematics course.

Core/Category

This course fulfills the Modeling and Analysis Mode. From the catalog: Courses in this mode derive some essential or simplified features from logical, physical, social or biological phenomena, and describe and interpret them within an analytical framework. In order to fulfill this mode of inquiry, courses must:

1. explore logical, physical, social or biological phenomena;
2. enable students to decide which features of the phenomena to describe and what simplifying assumptions to make;
3. derive predictions from the model and interpret them in the original context;
4. consider the usefulness and the limits of the model and compare it with other possible models.

Prerequisite

Math 141

Meeting Times

Mon Wed Fri 1:00–2:05 pm (Palenske 227)

Website

http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/Fall2021/courses/math239/

Schedule

http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/Fall2021/courses/math239/schedule.php

Resources

Required Books and resources

Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction 3/e by Oscar Levin
The text is a free, open source textbook available three ways:

• an interactive online ebook
• a free pdf version
• a physical copy Amazon

You will also need to purchase access to edfinity, the online homework system we will use in the course. The access costs is somewhere between $14 to $29 per term.

1. If you already have an Edfinity account from a previous course, please sign into it. Otherwise, go to step 2.
2. Go to the following registration link: https://edfinity.com/join/P8BG4A7B
3. You will be prompted to pay (if applicable) and enroll in our section.
4. Start working on your assignments :)

Required Software

1. Google Meet
2. A modern up-to-date web browser (or several)

Required and Optional Computer Hardware

1. Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux
2. A modern up-to-date web browser (or several)
3. A network connection — an optional hardwired connection is best
4. An optional auxiliary monitor can be helpful

Albion College Technology

Guides & Resources - For Students

Student Learning Outcomes

The learning objectives for this course are aligned with learning objectives from Computer Science Curricula 2013: Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Computer Science, a product of The Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) IEEE Computer Society.

More specifically, learning objectives of this course are aligned with and cover a majority of the Discrete Structures (DS) knowledge area.

Performance Evaluation

Assignment Policies

Generally, no credit will be given for assignments submitted after the due date except in the cases of an official College event or documented serious circumstance beyond your control. If you miss class because of participation in an official College event you must make prior arrangements with me. In situations of a documented serious circumstance beyond your control, please contact me as soon as possible. With an excused absence, it is possible that an alternative assignment will be used. Credit for other late assignments will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Extra Credit

I may include some optional extra credit on some assignments. However, you should plan on completing the regularly scheduled course assignments to earn points in the course.

Elements

Element	Points	Description
Engagement	280	Points based on attendance, timeliness, and participation. Engagement points will be given each day based on preparation and participation. This is a combination of the time present in class and the quality of contributions to class discussions. (35 @ 8 points each)
Meetings	20	Each student will meet with the instructor for about 5 minutes the second week and the week after the first test to discuss course issues. (2 @ 10 points each)
HomeWork	300	Various problem sets
Tests	300	3 @ 100 points each
Final Exam	100	mostly new material
Total	1000

Grade Determination

Points %	Grade	Interpretation
93.0–100.0+	4.0	Represents work outstanding in quality. The student not only shows unusual mastery of the required work for the course, but also has independently sought out and used additional related materials, demonstrating the ability to discover new data, to develop new insights and to bring them to bear on the work at hand.
90.0–92.9	3.7
87.0–89.9	3.3
83.0–86.9	3.0	Represents work which is higher in quality than that of a 2.0, or more than satisfactory. The student has shown the ability and the initiative to fulfill more than the basic requirements of the course.
80.0–82.9	2.7
77.0–79.9	2.3
73.0–76.9	2.0	Represents work which fulfills all of the basic requirements for the course. It means that the student has a grasp of the material and techniques or skills sufficient to proceed with more advanced courses in the area.
70.0–72.9	1.7
67.0–69.9	1.3
60.0–66.9	1.0	Represents work seriously attempted but which is below the 2.0 level in quantity and quality. The student is advised not to continue advanced work in the field.
0–59.9	0.0	Represents work unsatisfactory in either quantity or quality. It results in the student's not being able to continue with further work in the field and results in no credit, although it is recorded on the permanent record.
	I	Incompletes may be given only because of illness, or other unavoidable circumstances, as approved by the Petitions Committee. An Incomplete is not to be issued to a student who simply has failed to turn in some assigned work before the end of the semester. The "I" grade should be used rarely and for legitimate reasons. A final grade of Incomplete must be removed within four weeks after the end of the semester in which it was incurred, unless the deadline is extended by the Petitions Committee. Grades of "I" count as zeros in the calculation of the end-of-semester grade point average, and, if they are not removed within the required time, become zeros automatically on the student's record.

Attendance and Conduct

Classroom Issues

Many of the topics and content explored in the course will be taught and communicated via class demonstrations, activities, and discussions. Therefore, attendance and participation are crucial for a complete understanding of course material.

Some class sessions will be recorded. This is being done as a resource for students who miss the class as it is happening live, either due to illness or some other excused reason, and for students who simply wish to review the class session as a study tool. The video and audio recording are to be used for educational purposes only and will be available through Google for the duration of the course. The file is meant only for students currently enrolled in the course and may not be copied or shared with anyone else.

Policies and Expectations

When Calhoun County is experiencing substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rates, students must wear a mask at all times in classrooms and other indoor public spaces. Research clearly indicates that an infected person wearing a mask may reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease to others. Since a person infected with COVID-19 may not exhibit symptoms for several days, they may unknowingly spread the virus when interacting with others. If Calhoun County transmission rates drop to low or moderate levels, then vaccinated individuals will be allowed to remove masks indoors, but unvaccinated individuals must still wear masks indoors at all times.

When masks are required, failure to wear a mask in class is an Irresponsible Student Action (ISA) that is subject to disciplinary action that may result in suspension or expulsion. In particular:
ISA 3c. Any attempt to, or participation in, actions which endanger the health or safety of any person(s).
ISA 9a. Individual or group activity which results in disturbance or distress to others and/or adversely affects the living, learning, or working environment. This includes College staff, student-staff, or faculty.

The following is the Albion College statement on attendance: "Regular attendance in all classes is expected. Every absence from class is inevitably a loss — usually one which can never be made up. A student has the responsibility to inform his or her faculty member, whenever possible in advance, of an absence due to serious or prolonged illness, and verification of absences due to emergency reasons, may be obtained from the Office of Residential Life."

In this course class absences are only excusable in documented extreme cases of unforeseen hardship (such as illness or the need for quarantining) or official College event, as described in the Student Handbook. Please notify me in writing (email is preferred) prior to official college events (sporting, class trips, etc.) that make it impossible for you to attend class. If you miss class because of participation in an official College event you must make prior arrangements with me. In extreme cases of unforeseen hardship, please contact me as soon as possible. In either case, you are still responsible for all material and assignments.

In the event that you find yourself experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, I request that you do the following:

• Stay home! This is the best way to prevent spreading COVID-19 as supported by scientific evidence.
• Follow College guidelines for daily symptom reporting
• If you are self-quarantining/isolating, it is my expectation that you will contact me to review missed coursework and arrange a timeline and plan for completing that work. In the case that you are not able to make up missed coursework by the end of the semester, we will need to consider options that may include a withdrawal or incomplete for the semester.

In cases where you have not taken personal responsibility, you will forfeit the possibility of earning points. No credit will be given for a missed test or other scheduled in-class assignment, nor will late assignments be accepted.

It is my expectation that you will contact me to review missed coursework and arrange a timeline and plan for completing that work. In the case that you are not able to make up missed coursework by the end of the semester, we will need to consider options that may include a withdrawal or incomplete for the semester.

I will do what I can to work with students to facilitate their successful completion of the course. I encourage you to contact me if you have questions or concerns. The Office of Student Development is also available for assistance regarding extended absences.

Academic Honesty, Integrity, and Expectations

Policies

As an academic community, Albion College is firmly committed to honor and integrity in the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, as a member of this academic community, each student acknowledges responsibility for his or her actions and commits to the highest standards of integrity. In doing so, each student makes a covenant with the college not to engage in any form of academic dishonesty, fraud, cheating, or theft.

The goal of this course is for you to learn a rigorous academic discipline, not penmanship, typing, or other forms of plagiarism. Chapter III of the Student Handbook details instances and penalties for academic dishonesty. It also describes acceptable usage of the campus computing/networking facilities. In this class you are expected to do your own work unless explicitly stated.

Here are some things which will be considered cheating:

• Using or turning in another's work as you own - with or without their permission.
• Allowing someone else to use or turn in your work as theirs - in whole or in part.
• Joint effort on an assignment with individual submissions represented as individual work.
• If a student cannot explain why the solution is correct or how the solution was obtained.

Here are some things which are encouraged:

• A submission using help from the instructor, student assistants, or the texts.
• Discussion of the concepts related to the course material.
• Discussion of assignments to understand what is required.

Typically, I grade papers one problem at a time. If you turn in someone else's work as you own, it really stands out. Please do your own work! If you are having trouble on an assignment come see me as soon as possible - I'm here to help!

We, as students and faculty, have the privilege and challenge of promoting higher standards of ourselves, the College, and society in general. Here are several expectations we should have this semester.

What you should expect of me.	What I expect from you.
To attend class regularly and punctually and to adhere to the class schedule.	To attend class regularly and punctually.
Come to class prepared.	Come to class prepared.
Grade and return work in a reasonable amount of time.	Fulfill all course assignments and requirements.
Know course material thoroughly and prepare and present it conscientiously.	Uphold academic honesty in all activities.
Maintain scholarly, professional, and courteous demeanor in class.	Maintain scholarly, professional, and courteous demeanor in class.
Be available at reasonable times for consultation.	Keep all appointments except for extreme cases.

Communication is essential in any relationship. Our student-teacher relationship is no exception. If you have any concerns with the class material or logistics, please talk to me as soon as possible.

Educational Environment

Discriminatory Harassment

Albion College seeks to create a welcoming environment in which all students can learn. If a student experiences harassment or discriminatory treatment, there are several ways they can report it. Please see this webpage (https://www.albion.edu/student-life/student-development/current-students/report-discriminatory-harassment) for details.

Relationship Violence, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment

Albion College is committed to providing an educational environment where we are all able to learn, teach, and work freely and where the dignity, safety, and self-respect of all members of our community are protected. Interpersonal violence, like sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual harassment are incompatible with this mission and will not be tolerated at Albion College.

Confidential, on-campus support resources includes Counseling Services (517-629-0236); Haley Hill, Victim Advocate in the Anna Howard Shaw Center for Gender Equity (hlhill@albion.edu or 517-629-0613); and Local Sexual Assault Advocates (LSAAs). Off-campus, Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun County (888-383-2192) provides 24/7 resources, support, and advocacy to survivors and S.A.F.E. Place (888-664-9832) provides 24/7 crisis support, shelter, and advocacy to survivors.

If you would like to make a report through our campus process contact Keena Williams, Chief Belonging Officer and Title IX Coordinator (titleix@albion.edu, 517-629-0174, or you may fill out a bias report form. To view the full Title IX policy visit www.albion.edu/offices/office-of-belonging/title-ix/.

If you wish to report to the police, you can contact Albion Department of Public Safety (517-629-3933 — non-emergency) or Michigan State Police Post Number 54 (269-558-0500 — non-emergency) or call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency.

Academic Accommodations and Support

Instructor Support

This course will be challenging because of the complexity and breadth of the material. Most students will struggle and need additional help at some point during the semester; I expect that and so should you. Learning is hard work! Successful students attend most all classes, start assignments early, and complete all assignments. They use feedback to help master the material, which is critical in a course where material builds throughout the course. Successful students develop effective study skills and take advantage of College-wide support resources listed below. Successful students quickly reach out to me about their struggles.

If you are struggling with the course material or keeping up with the pace of the class, seek help as soon as you are experiencing difficulty. Do not wait until the end of the term to seek help!

Ac­com­mo­da­tions statement

It is the policy of Albion College to accommodate students with disabilities and qualifying diagnosed conditions in accordance with federal and state laws. Any student who feels that they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis, should contact Accessibility Services Director, Elizabeth Rudolph (erudolph@albion.edu), to develop a plan for reasonable accommodation(s) based on supporting documentation.

If you have completed this process and requested accommodations for this semester, plan to meet with Elizabeth Rudolph and with me as early as possible to discuss a plan for implementing these modifications in this class. It is best to schedule these meetings at least one week prior to their implementation.

Accessibility Services is housed in the Cutler Center on the first floor of the Stockwell Library and is open during regular business hours. The main phone is 517-629-0562 or email cutler@albion.edu for more information.

Cutler Center

The Cutler Center for Student Success and Academic Achievement is located in the Stockwell Library and provides free supplemental peer tutoring (math, science, economics and more), writing assistance, fellowship advising, accessibility accommodations, success coaching, supplemental advising, and loaner laptops and calculators. The Cutler Center has student drop-in hours Monday–Friday noon–2pm with their 15 Minute Fix. The Cutler Center is also home to the First-Year Peer Mentor Program, Stockwell Scholars, Transfer Advising, and the TRIO Student Support Services program. To connect with the Cutler Center, please email cutler@albion.edu or call 517-629-0562 to be connected to the resource you need to be successful this term.

Covid -19

Together Safely

See the Together Safely page for detailed information on Covid-19.

Mental Health

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, mood changes, excessive worry, problems with eating and/or sleeping, or family or interpersonal problems, Albion College provides mental health services to support students. Counseling Services offers free, confidential psychological services: call (517) 629-0236 or email counseling@albion.edu to talk to someone or, if this is an emergency, call 516-629-1234 and ask to speak to the counselor on call.