| Unit name | Discrete Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EMAT10704 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Miss. Lee |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Discrete mathematics is the mathematical study of discrete objects, that is, sets of distinct elements. It is used whenever objects are counted, relationships between finite sets of objects are studied, or when processes involving a finite number of steps are analysed. Discrete mathematics underlies almost all present-day information processing systems, and a thorough knowledge of the subject is necessary to appreciate the capabilities and limitations of computers.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit provides the programme’s foundational background in discrete mathematics that is essential for later units covering algorithms, simulation, computer science, data science and artificial intelligence. This unit also develops a student’s mathematical maturity and their ability to understand and construct mathematical arguments which are clear, precise, and rigorous.
An overview of content
Discrete mathematics will cover foundation level material in discrete mathematics including number systems and arithmetic, logic, mathematical proof, sets, relations, functions, discrete probability, information theory and graph theory. The unit will also cover how to apply discrete mathematical tools and techniques to real-world problems. Students will learn to understand and construct mathematical arguments which are clear, precise, and rigorous.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Throughout the unit there is a focus on students developing their mathematical maturity. Students will become familiar with foundational mathematical language and jargon and be able to clearly communicate convincing mathematical arguments. Students will be able to apply tools and techniques of logical, relational, recursive, and quantitative thinking to problem-solving.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through lectures and formative problem sheets supported by interactive workshop sessions.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Regular formative worksheets will provide students with feedback via worked solutions and participation in the interactive workshop sessions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
A single summative exam at the end of the teaching block (100%)
When assessment does not go to plan
Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EMAT10704).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
