Discrete Mathematics

Course overview

In this first-year undergraduate course, students learn about a variety of mathematical concepts used in computer science:

  • Formal logic and proofs form the basis for any rigorous mathematical reasoning. It is important to know the difference between syntax and semantics, and to know what is acceptable as a proof.
  • Sorting and searching are the most-used non-trivial algorithms.
  • Recurrence relations allow to reason about how efficient a recursive algorithm is.
  • Number theory: calculations in the computer work because finite rings and fields are mathematically sound structures.
  • Graphs can be used to describe many kinds of relations between items. Trees are a specific form of graph.

Textbook

  • Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (8th Edition), Kenneth H. Rosen, 机械工业出版社

Instructors

Assistants