Course Syllabus

Porter Ridge High School

Discrete Math Honors for Computer Science – Fall 2021

Mrs. Greer: emily.greer@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

Course Description:  The purpose of this course is to introduce discrete structures that are the backbone of computer science. Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are countable or otherwise distinct and separable. The mathematics of modern computer science is built almost entirely on discrete mathematics, such as logic, combinatorics, proof, and graph theory. At most universities, an undergraduate-level course in discrete mathematics is required for students who plan to pursue careers as computer programmers, software engineers, data scientists, security analysts and financial analysts. Students will be prepared for college level algebra, statistics, and discrete mathematics courses.  The word discrete means characterized by distinct or individual parts or discontinuous.

 

Course Objectives: More details can be found at http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/curriculum/

    DCS.N.1 Apply operations with matrices and vectors.

     DCS.N.2 Understand matrices to solve problems.

     DCS.N.3 Understand set theory to solve problems.

     DCS.N.4 Understand statements related to number theory and set theory.

     DCS.F.1  Apply recursively defined relationships to solve problems.

     DCS.SP.1 Apply combinatorics concepts to solve problems.

     DCS.GT.1 Understand graph theory to model relationships and solve problems.

     DCS.GT.2 Apply graph theory to solve problems.

     DCS.L.1 Evaluate mathematical logic to model and solve problems.

 

Discrete Math Honors is an honors level course. This course is also available in the Program of Studies at the College Preparatory level. Students earning credit for an Honors level course receive an elevated number of Quality Points for their Grade Point Average. Students choosing the Honors level course should be aware that this Honors level course will include:

  • Required extension opportunities that are directly related to the Standard Course of Study. This includes additional content beyond that covered in the College Preparatory level.
  • More challenging coursework and assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of understanding for grades.
  • Projects and presentations will be more in depth.
  • Students will have to focus and study regularly to master the content.
  • The expectation that students can move through the coursework at an accelerated pace and students experiencing difficulty should quickly seek guidance from their teacher on how they can be more successful.

 

 

Pacing: There will be 10 units in this course in the order listed below.

                Unit 1: Sequences

Unit 2: Series

                Unit 3: Matrices

                Unit 4: The Leslie Matrix & Markov Chains

                Unit 5: Vectors & Number Theory

                Unit 6: Set Theory

                Unit 7: Logic

                Unit 8: Graph Theory

                Unit 9: Trees

                Unit 10: Modeling Projects & Counting

 

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 3:15 – 3:45pm and by appointment

 

Supplies: notebook, pencil, graphing calculator, and Chromebook

 

Grading: Grades will be consist of two categories: Tests and Assignments. Grades can be accessed on the Power School Parent Portal

  • TESTS (60%): There will be an assessment/project for each unit.
  • ASSIGNMENTS (40%): Daily assignments will be given to reinforce the understanding of the material.

 

Resources:

 

 

Online Learning Platform: Canvas

The majority of assignments not completed on paper must be submitted on our learning platform, Canvas.  Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations.  Students will be shown how to submit assignments on Canvas as needed.  Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected.  If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. Please note that student activity is logged while in Canvas so instructors will be able to see if the student opened the assignment, if there was any activity including a log of student activities during on-line tests and quizzes.  Students are not allowed to leave the testing window during assessments.  Doing so is considered cheating and will be handled as set forth in the Porter Ridge HS handbook.

NOTICE: Although many assignments are submitted and graded in our learning platform, Canvas, the "final" grades shown may not be properly weighted and do not contain assignments that were not graded in Canvas.  For the student's official grades, please continue to access the parent portal through Powerschool. Login information should be the same as last year. If you need assistance accessing the parent portal, please contact the school.”

Classroom Procedures:

  • HALL PASSES: There is a sign out sheet by the door. If a student needs to leave the room for any reason during a test or quiz, he/she must leave his/her cell phone with me.
  • CELL PHONES: Phones and earbuds will be taken when used at inappropriate times.

 

  • BEHAVIOR: You are expected to behave in a scholarly manner when you are in the classroom.
  • CHEATING: Cheating/Plagarism is unacceptable. If a student is caught cheating on an assignment and/or test, the student will receive a zero. This applies to both the student giving and receiving answers.
  • ATTENDANCE: Attendance and punctuality are VERY important. It is very difficult to do well in Calculus if you are not attending class.
    • You are expected to attend class at the regularly scheduled time. Otherwise you will be counted absent.
    • You are expected to do assignments when they are assigned and completed by the due date.
    • You are expected to check Canvas for assignments and due dates.
    • You are expected to make up work when you are absent.

 

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at emily.greer@ucps.k12.nc.us.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due