Math 311W - Concepts of Discrete Mathematics
Fall 2009
Instructor: Misha Guysinsky
Office: 112A McAllister
Email: guysin_m@math.psu.edu
Webpage: http://www.math.psu.edu/guysin_m
Textbook:Numbers, Groups & Codes, second edition by J.F. Humphreys and
M.Y. Prest
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to discrete math-
ematics, specifically number theory, sets, functions, and relations,
group theory and error-correcting codes. The course will cover roughly
chapters 1,2,3,4 and 5(as time permits). For many, this course
will also be a first experience with rigorous proofs, and writing proofs will
be a significant aspect of the course.
GRADING: There final grade will be based on homework (40%), one in-class
midterm examination (20%), a final exam (25%) and a written term paper
due at the end of the semester (15%). The dates of the midterm and final
exams and term paper due date will be announced later in class and on
the course webpage.
HOMEWORK: Students are allowed and encouraged to discuss homework
problems with other current students in this course; however, each student
should write up his or her own solutions (simply copying another student’s
solution is not allowed). Homework will generally be assigned each week,
and the assignments will be posted on the course webpage. Homework will
be due Wedneday 9:55 am. Late homework will be accepted only in exceptional
cases. Occasionally, quizzes may be given in class in lieue of collecting homework; these will
be considered as part of the homework grade.
TERM PAPER: Students will be required to write a term paper on a topic
covered in the course. This will involve solving mathematical problems and
writing a clear description of the problem and solution. Details will be
given later in the semester. Term papers should be completed individually,
without discussion with others.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT: Students are expected to abide
by the University and Eberly College of Science policy about academic in-
tegrity. For the university policy, please see Policies and Rules, Student
Guide to the University, Policy 49-20; for the college policy please refer to
the following webpage:
http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/Integrity/index.html
Special Fall 2009 Flu Protocols: In compliance with Pennsylvania Department of
Health and Centers for Disease Control recommendations, students should NOT
attend class or any public gatherings while ill with influenza. Students with
flu symptoms will be asked to leave campus if possible and to return home
during recovery. The illness and self-isolation period will usually be about a
week. It is very important that individuals avoid spreading the flu to others.
Most students should be able to complete a successful semester despite a
flu-induced absence. Instructor will provide students who are absent because of
illness with a reasonable opportunity to make up missed work.
Students with the flu do not need to provide a physician's certification of
illness. However, ill students should inform their teachers (but not through
personal contact in which there is a risk of exposing others to the virus) as
soon as possible that they are absent because of the flu. Likewise students
should contact their instructors as quickly as possible to arrange to make up
missed assignments or exams.
If you have questions about academic policy-related issues, please call the
Associate Dean/Chief Academic Officer of your college. For health-related
questions you can email Dr. Margaret Spear, director, University Health
Services, at uhsinfo@sa.psu.edu.