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Discrete Math Syllabus

Discrete Math Syllabus


 

George Washington High School

Course Syllabus



 

Course Name:  Discrete Mathematics

Instructor Name: Gayle Anderson

Contact Information:  gwanderson@mail.dps.k12.va.us

 

  • School Phone.: 434-799-6410
  • Room location  #: A-205
  • Email address:  gwanderson@mail.dps.k12.va.us
  • Planning Period: 7th Period

Course Description: 

Discrete Mathematics is the study of mathematical properties of sets and systems that have a countable (discrete) number of elements.  The main focus is problem solving in a discrete setting. Students will analyze and determine whether a solution exists, how many solutions exist, and focus on finding the best solution. Graphing utilities will be used to assist in teaching and learning.

Instructional Philosophy:

This course emphasizes Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning and Proofs, Set and Number Theory, Counting Methods, Graph Theory and Computational Methods.

Major Course Curriculum Map:

The skills that you will master throughout this course include e following standards prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education :

 

Unit 1:  Counting Methods

 

  • Fundamental Counting Principle
  • Pigeonhole Principle
  • Combinations
  • Permutations
  • Tree Diagrams of Independent Events

 

Unit 2:  Set and Number Theory

 

  • Set operations of intersection/union/difference/complement
  • Pascal’s Triangle
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Fibonacci Numbers

 



 

Unit 3:  Graph Theory

 

  • Euler and Hamilton Circuits/Paths
  • Kruskal’s, Prim’s and Dijkstra’s Algorithms of Connected Graphs

 

Unit 4:  Logical Reasoning

 

  • Venn Diagrams
  • Truth Tables Conditional Statements
  • Proofs-Short
  • Rules of Inferences
  • DeMorgan’s Law

 

Unit 5:  Probability and Statistics

 

  • Discrete Probability
  • Probability Theory
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Variance
  • Normal Curve Distribution

 

Unit 6:  Trees

 

  • Introduction
  • Application
  • Tree Traversal




 

Major Course Projects, Topics, and Activities:

 

  • Unit Test
  • Benchmark Test
     

 

TESTING / SOL DATES WILL BE SENT OUT LATER

Grading Scale:

Your grades in this course fall into the following categories: 

  • Gold Category = 40%
    • Tests, research project, final essays
  • Silver Category  = 35%
    • Friday quizzes, middle level projects or essays
  • Bronze Category = 25%
    • Smaller daily assignments

 

Grade Scale: We use a ten point scale, which is as follows: 

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 59 and below



 

Class Rules and Expectations

1.  Students are expected to maintain respect at all times by demonstrating:

  • Respect for themselves
     
  • Respect for their peers
     
  • Respect for the instructor



 

2. Each student is expected to arrive to class punctually, enter quietly, bring all required materials, and be seated and engaged with the bell work by the time the bell rings.

 

3.  Make sure to turn in your assignments on time. If you’re absent, it’s up to you to catch up by talking to me or your classmates about what you missed. You’ll have as many days as you were absent to make up the work. And if it’s an online assignment, just let me know when you’ve finished it.

 

4.  Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited. If detected, the student will receive a zero on the assignment, and additional disciplinary measures may follow if necessary.

 

5. The new GWHS cell phone policy will be strictly enforced. CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.

 

Supplies Needed: 

Chromebook, pens & pencils, (1)  3-ring binder, notebook paper or composition book

You may want to bring your own sanitizer, box of tissues. 

NOTE:  IT IS MANDATORY THAT FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOKS BE BROUGHT TO CLASS DAILY.

Homework Policy:

When you have homework, it will likely (but not always) be in the form of completing an assignment that was started in class. If you are absent, check on Canvas or with another student to find out what your homework is. Other missed homework assignments may be made up with a 10 point per day penalty up to three days late, unless we go over them in class first, in which case the highest grade you can receive is a 50%

Make-up Work Policy:

It is my goal for each of my students to grow and learn, so of course missed work from absences may be made up. However, make-up assignments must be completed and turned in within three days. If you are absent, you should check Canvas for notes and assignments. Schedule a time to meet with me if you have questions. It is usually not possible to make up missed lectures, notes, or guided work during a regular class period, so you should expect to spend if you have been absent. 

Extra Help: 

I am available after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays if you are in need of tutoring or extra guidance with any of the topics we cover in class. Please schedule these times with me in advance so that I can be sure to be available for you. 

 

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