Computer Science 20
AllDiscrete
the MathMathematics
you need for for
your
Computer Science courses
Computer Science
that you won’t learn in your Math
Courses
1/23/12
1
Some Topics
• Formal logic
(p∨q) ∧¬(p∧q)
b
a
• Graphs and digraphs
c
• Probability
d
f
• Counting
• Number theory
p ≡ qr (mod m)
… see the “placement test” on the web site
1/23/12
2
Skills!!!
• How to do proofs
– By contradiction
– By induction
–…
• How to read and write mathematics
– And typeset!
• How to collaborate
• How to present clearly and persuasively
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3
3 Principles of Course Philosophy
1. Learning, not competing
2. Learn by doing, not by listening
3. Many small bites
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4
Typical Class Day
• Before class:
– Reading and check-in problems (30-60 mins)
• In class
– Mini-lecture (10-20 mins)
– Collaborative problem solving in groups of 4 (30-40
mins)
• After class and before next class
– Homework (60-90 mins)
• So class week =
– 3 hours class time
– ≤ 7.5 hours out-of-class time
• Most readings from MIT course notes
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5
Requirements
• Attendance is mandatory!
– See “Course policies” for details
– Official/emergency absences ⇒ email
cs20@seas.harvard.edu
– Class begins at 10:10 sharp
– Homework boxes removed at 10:15, no late
submissions
• 2 hour exams
• 3-hour final during exam period
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6
Tentative Grading Mix
•
•
•
•
•
Homework
35%
Midterms (2)
30%
Final exam
25%
Check-in questions 10%
(Poor attendance: Exclusion or failure)
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7
Support and Resources
• Web site
– Where schedule, HWs, slides, etc. are posted
• TFs
– See calendar on web site for office hours
• Volunteers
• Piazza (after study card day)
• Tool for answering check-in questions (see
course home page and get an account!)
• Reading assignments and check-in questions
are on the check-in tool
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8
And now – the course in action!
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9