Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module MATH1031: DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH1031: DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

Type	Open	Level	1	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2020/21	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination 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

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	27	2 per week in weeks 1-10, 11-13, 21 (excluding collection examination)	1 Hour	27
Tutorials	12	Weekly in weeks 2-10, 12-13, 21.	1 Hour	12	■
Seminars	6	Weekly in weeks 14-19	2 Hours	12	■
Preparation and Reading				149
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 70%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Written examination	2 hours	100%	Yes
Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 30%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Presentation in Week 19		33%	Yes
Written Report		67%	Yes

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.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University