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MATH1031: DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • Normally, A level Mathematics at grade A or better, or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with a range of tools for counting discrete mathematical objects.
  • To introduce students to graph theory and its varied applications.
  • To develop the students' ability in group working, written and oral skills.

Content

  • Principles of counting: permutations and combinations, combinatorial vs arithmetical proof.
  • Pigeonhole principle, inclusion and exclusion, mathematical induction.
  • Recurrence relations, Fibonacci numbers, generating functions, and partitions.
  • Basic concepts of graphs.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Ability to solve a range of predictable and less predictable problems in Discrete Mathematics.
  • Awareness of some fundamental mathematical concepts applicable in this field.
  • A broad knowledge and basic understanding of Discrete Mathematics.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • students will have basic mathematical skills in the following areas: Spatial awareness, Abstract reasoning, Modelling.
  • students will develop the ability to write mathematical reports with rigour and precision

Key Skills:

  • students will have basic problem solving skills.
  • students will further their oral and written skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Tutorials provide the practice and support in applying the methods to relevant situations as well as active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
  • Weekly coursework provides an opportunity for students to consolidate the learning of material as the module progresses (there are no higher level modules in the department of Mathematical Sciences which build on this module). It serves as a guide in the correct development of students' knowledge and skills, as well as an aid in developing their awareness of standards required.
  • Seminars in term 2 will develop the students ability for self-study on an extended and open-ended programme, and enhance their group working skills.
  • Presentations in week 19 will develop students oral communication skills.
  • The written report will train students to write an extended report with precision and rigour of expression.
  • The end-of-year written examination provides a substantial complementary assessment of the achievement of the student.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures272 per week in weeks 1-10, 11-13, 21 (excluding collection examination)1 Hour27 
Tutorials12Weekly in weeks 2-10, 12-13, 21.1 Hour12Yes
Seminars6Weekly in weeks 14-192 Hours12Yes
Preparation and Reading149 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written examination 2 hours100Yes
Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Presentation in Week 19 33Yes
Written Report  67Yes

Formative Assessment

Weekly written assignments during term 1. Normally, each will consist of solving problems and will typically be one to two pages long. Students will have about one week to complete each assignment. 45 minute collection paper in the beginning of Epiphany term. Submission of written work in week 17 for feedback.

More information

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Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.