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Discrete Structures

Course Code: CS-204
Credit Hours: 3 (3+0)
Prerequisites: None


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

CLODomainBT Level
Understand the fundamental concepts of discrete mathematics, including logic, sets, and functions.C2
Apply combinatorial techniques and discrete probability in problem-solving.C3
Analyze graphs, trees, and their applications in computer science.C4
Develop proofs using direct, indirect, and mathematical induction methods.C3

(BT = Bloom’s Taxonomy; C = Cognitive Domain)


Course Contents

Week 1: Introduction to Discrete Structures

  • Importance of discrete structures in computer science
  • Applications in algorithms, databases, and networking
  • Class Activity: Discuss real-world applications of discrete mathematics

Week 2: Logic and Propositional Calculus

  • Propositions, logical operators, and truth tables
  • Logical equivalence, implications, and predicates
  • Assignment: Create truth tables for given logical expressions

Week 3: Methods of Proof

  • Direct proof, indirect proof, and proof by contradiction
  • Mathematical induction and strong induction
  • Task: Prove basic theorems using different proof methods

Week 4: Sets and Set Operations

  • Definitions and representations of sets
  • Venn diagrams, Cartesian products, and power sets
  • Operations: Union, intersection, difference, and complement
  • Reading Material: Chapter 2 from “Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications” by Kenneth H. Rosen
  • Assignment: Solve problems on set theory and Venn diagrams

Week 5: Relations and Their Properties

  • Definition and types of relations: Reflexive, symmetric, transitive, and equivalence relations
  • Representing relations using matrices and digraphs
  • Class Activity: Identify relation types from examples

Week 6: Functions and Their Types

  • Definitions and types: Injective, surjective, bijective functions
  • Composition of functions and inverse functions
  • Assignment: Solve problems involving types of functions

Week 7: Combinatorics – Basics

  • Basic counting principles: Addition and multiplication rules
  • Permutations and combinations
  • Task: Solve combinatorial problems

Week 8: Combinatorial Analysis

  • Pigeonhole principle and inclusion-exclusion principle
  • Advanced counting techniques
  • Reading Material: Chapter 6 from the textbook
  • Assignment: Apply combinatorial principles to solve problems

Week 9: Midterm Exam

  • Coverage: Weeks 1–8
  • Format: Short answer questions and problem-solving

Week 10: Discrete Probability

  • Basic concepts of probability theory
  • Conditional probability and independence
  • Bayes’ theorem and its applications
  • Assignment: Solve probability problems based on real-world scenarios

Week 11: Graph Theory – Fundamentals

  • Graphs: Definitions, types, and representations (adjacency matrix and list)
  • Graph terminology: Paths, cycles, and connectivity
  • Task: Draw and analyze graphs for practical scenarios

Week 12: Advanced Graph Theory

  • Trees, spanning trees, and minimum spanning trees
  • Graph traversal techniques: BFS and DFS
  • Assignment: Implement BFS and DFS in Python

Week 13: Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates

  • Boolean functions and expressions
  • Simplification using Boolean identities and Karnaugh maps
  • Applications in digital circuits
  • Task: Simplify Boolean expressions and design simple circuits

Week 14: Recurrence Relations and Generating Functions

  • Solving linear recurrence relations
  • Homogeneous and non-homogeneous recurrence relations
  • Reading Material: Chapter 8 from the textbook
  • Assignment: Solve recurrence relation problems

Week 15: Algebraic Structures

  • Groups, rings, and fields: Definitions and examples
  • Applications of algebraic structures in cryptography
  • Task: Solve problems involving groups and rings

Week 16: Course Revision and Final Exam Preparation

  • Review key concepts and practice problems
  • Mock test and Q&A session

Teaching Methodology

  • Lectures and interactive discussions
  • Problem-solving sessions and tutorials
  • Written assignments and quizzes
  • Peer review and feedback

Assessment Criteria

ComponentWeightage (%)
Assignments20%
Midterm Exam20%
Quizzes10%
Final Exam30%
Class Participation10%
Project/Case Study10%

Textbook

  • “Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications” by Kenneth H. Rosen, 7th Edition

Reference Materials

  • “Discrete Mathematical Structures” by Kolman, Busby, and Ross
  • “Concrete Mathematics” by Ronald Graham, Donald Knuth, and Oren Patashnik
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