MAT385-001 - Discrete Math - Fall, 2016

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: MEP 443; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu

MEETING TIME/PLACE: MW, 4:50pm - 6:05pm, MEP316

EXPECTED BACKGROUND: C- or better in the calc II series (MAT 228 or MAT 229).

TEXT: Mathematical Structures for Computer Science, 6th Ed., J. L. Gersting. (Yes, I know there's a 7th edition; no, I don't think that it's worth it, and I hope that you can all find copies of the 6th somewhere -- probably on the web!)

GRADING: There will be two exams, a project, and a comprehensive final. Homework will be assigned regularly and handed in for grading. Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Homework: 20% Project: 5% Two Exams 50% Comprehensive Final 25%

The tests will be given in class, closed book. Make-up exams will not be given except in extreme circumstances. I use the standard grading scale, with a small buffer zone for the assignment of plus/minus grades: <60 60-70 70-71 71-79 79-80 80-81 81-89 89-90 90-91 >91 F D C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A I do curve, as necessary and as I see fit.

PROJECT: The project will be something fun that you choose to do, outside of what we do in class. It will be partly graded by your peers.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned regularly. You should expect to do a lot of homework in order to do well in the course. Each homework assignment will be handed in, generally two class periods after it is assigned, so that a few homework problems (chosen at random) may be graded. Hence, exercises assigned on a Monday would generally be due a week later on the next Monday (barring holidays, etc.)

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned or discussed in class. Attendance will be taken, and may be used along with class effort (as measured by participation - asking questions, answering other students' questions, group work, etc.) to resolve borderline grades.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to withdraw from any class (with a grade of W) is October 31st. After that day it is not usually permitted.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: are on-line (see the course homepage)

OFFICE HOURS: MWF 11:30-1:00; MW 3:30-4:45; TR 12:10-1:30. I am also available at other times by appointment, and at random when approached with a smile.

Notes:

• Course homepage: http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat385/
• I reserve the right to alter this syllabus if necessary. Any changes will be discussed in class, and all students will be notified.
• If you need accommodations for a physical, psychological, or medical disability please talk with me so that I may do my best to meet your needs.
• The Departmental Syllabus for all Mathematics courses is a part of the syllabus for this course. Additional information concerning Secondary Education Students is available on the Departmental Syllabus.
• No electronics (other than calculators, and laptops when explicitly allowed) are permitted in class without a doctor's orders. If you should choose to use another electronic device (intentionally or not) without my permission, you will be excused from class immediately, and not allowed to return to class that day.
• NKU's course evaluation policy