Discrete Structures

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

120 hours

One first year mathematics subject (12.5 points)

OR

Admission to the MC-ENG Master of Engineering (Software)

None

None

433-255 Logic and Computation

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the Disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit Website:http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Formal logic and discrete mathematics provide the theoretical foundations for computer science. This subject is an introduction to the science of computing. It provides a grounding in the theories of logic, automata and formal languages, providing concepts that underpin virtually all the practical tools contributed by the discipline, for automated storage, retrieval, manipulation and communication of data. Topics include: sets, functions, relations, and combinatorics; propositional and predicate logic; proof principles; induction and recursion, well-ordering; regular languages, finite-state automata, context-free grammars and languages, pumping lemmas, parsing.

Please refer to Overview.

• Two homework sets, one during each half of the semester, expected to take 16 hours each (24%)

• A 45-minute mid-semester written test (12%)

• A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (64%)

To pass the subject, students must obtain at least:

• 50% overall
• And at least 32/64 in the written examination

K. Doets and J. van Eijck. The Haskell Road to Logic, Maths and Programming. King's College Publ., 2004

M. Sipser. Introduction to the Theory of Computation. Thomson Course Technology, second edition, 2006

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On successful completion of this subject students should have:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline; and
• Ability to undertake problem idntification, formulation and solution

Students taking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.