Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the language and key methods of the area of Discrete Mathematics. The focus is on mathematical concepts in discrete mathematics and their applications, with an emphasis on computation. For instance, to specify a computational problem precisely one needs to give an abstract formulation using mathematical objects such as sets, functions, relations, orders, and sequences. In order to prove that a proposed solution is correct, one needs to apply the principles of mathematical logic, and to use proof techniques such as induction. To reason about the efficiency of an algorithm, one often needs to estimate the growth of functions or count the size of complex mathematical objects. This unit provides the necessary mathematical background for such applications of discrete mathematics. Students will be introduced to mathematical logic and proof techniques; sets, functions, relations, orders, and sequences; counting and discrete probability; asymptotic growth; and basic graph theory.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MATH1004 or MATH1904 or MATH1964
Assumed knowledge ?	Coordinate geometry, basic integral and differential calculus, polynomial equations and algebraic manipulations, equivalent to HSC Mathematics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sam Jeralds, samuel.jeralds@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rosie Cameron, rosalind.cameron@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam multiple choice and written answers	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly online quizzes 3-10 Weekly online quizzes	6%	Multiple weeks	2 hours per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly online quizzes 1-2 #earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Aug 2025	2 hours per quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 1 written calculations	5%	Week 04 Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Sep 2025	3-4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Quiz multiple choice or written answer	15%	Week 08	40 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2 written calculations	10%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Nov 2025	6-8 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorials Contribution to tutorials	2%	Weekly	50 minutes per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assignments: There are two short release assignments. Your work for each assignment must be submitted electronically via Canvas by the deadline. Note that your submission will not be marked if it is illegible or if it is submitted sideways or upside down. It is your responsibility to check that your assignment has been submitted correctly and that it is complete (check that you can view each page). Late submissions will receive a penalty. A mark of zero will be awarded for all submissions more than 10 days past the original due date. Further extensions past this time will not be permitted. The maximum extension you can be awarded through Special Consideration for the assignments is 7 calendar days. If you are affected for more than 7 calendar days you will be granted a mark adjustment. This means that your final exam mark will count instead for the assignment mark. The closing date for submissions (with a late penalty) is the same for all students. It is not changed if you are granted an extension. This allows for timely release of the marks and feedback. Note that the assignments are not eligible for a Simple Extension through the Special Consideration system since they are short release assignments (released to you to complete within 10 working days).
Quiz: One quiz will be held in-person on campus during Week 8. You must sit the quiz at the time and location that appears as Assessment on your timetable. If you are unable to sit the quiz at that time for a valid reason, then you have the option to apply for Special Consideration or Special Arrangements. The better mark principle will be used for the quiz so the only reason to apply for Special Consideration or Special Arrangements is if you want to apply for a replacement quiz. The better mark principle means that the quiz counts if and only if it is better than or equal to your exam mark. If your quiz mark is less than your exam mark, the exam mark will be used for that portion of your assessment instead. Quiz feedback will be returned through Canvas.
Weekly Online Quizzes: There are ten (equally weighted) weekly online quizzes. The first two quizzes are used for the Early Feedback Task. Each online quiz consists of a set of randomized questions. You should not apply for special consideration for the quizzes. The better mark principle will apply for the total 8% - i.e. if your overall exam mark is higher, then your 8% for the weekly online quizzes will come from your exam. The deadline for completion of each quiz is 23:59 Sunday (starting in week 3). The precise schedule for the quizzes is found on Canvas. We recommend that you follow the due dates outlined above to gain the most benefit from these quizzes.
Tutorial Contribution: This is a satisfactory/non-satisfactory mark assessing whether or not you contribute to class activities during the tutorials. It is 0.25 marks per tutorial class up to 8 tutorials (there are 12 tutorials in total).
Final Exam: The final exam for this unit is compulsory and must be attempted. Failure to attempt the final exam will result in an AF grade for the course. Further information about the exam will be made available at a later date on Canvas. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Even though the use of AI is allowed for some assessments, it is better for your learning to do your own work to complete your assessments.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Representing complete or close to complete mastery of the material.
Distinction	75 - 84	Representing excellence, but substantially less than complete mastery.
Credit	65 - 74	Representing a creditable performance that goes beyond routine knowledge and understanding, but less than excellence.
Pass	50 - 64	Representing at least routine knowledge and understanding over a spectrum of topics and important ideas and concepts in the course.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% of assessment weight per day for assignments.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Set Theory	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Sets, Functions and Sequences	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	Divisibility, Prime numbers, Euclidean Algorithm	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	Counting, choosing k items from n	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	Binomial Theorem, Inclusion-Exclusion and Catalan numbers	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 06	Discrete Probability Theory	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	Basics on Graph Theory	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	Equivalence Relations, Closures	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	Propositional Logic	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	Quantifiers, Predicates, and Proofs	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	Induction, Recursion, and O-notation	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	Running times, Complexity Theory, and Models of Computations	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 13	Models of Computation and Revision	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture attendance: You are expected to attend lectures. If you do not attend lectures you should at least follow the lecture recordings available through Canvas.
Tutorial attendance: Tutorials start in Week 2. You should attend the tutorial given on your personal timetable. Attendance at tutorials and contribution will be recorded to determine the contribution mark. Your attendance will not be recorded unless you attend the tutorial in which you are enrolled. We strongly recommend you attend tutorials regularly to keep up with the material and to engage with the tutorial questions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Recommended textbook: Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (Eigth Edition) by Kenneth H. Rosen

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. construct logically correct and mathematically sound proofs
LO2. apply concepts of logic, set theory, relations, induction, principles of counting, probability, algebraic structures, elementary number theory, graph theory, and asymptotic growth to mathematical and computational problems in more advanced courses
LO3. demonstrate an understanding and well-founded knowledge of the mathematics presented in this course and thus be able to apply techniques from this course to solve both familiar and novel problems
LO4. understand some applications of mathematics to relevant fields, such as computer programming and logic.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Only very small changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Lectures: Lectures are face-to-face and streamed live with online access from Canvas.
Seminars: Semiars are face-to-face classes where a lecturer presents solutions to questions on the practice class sheet. Active participation is most welcome.

Tutorials: Tutorials are small classes in which you are expected to work through questions from the tutorial sheet in small groups on the white board. The role of the tutor is to provide support and to some extent give feedback on your solutions written on the board.
Tutorial sheets: The question sheets for a given week will be available on the MATH1964 Canvas page. Solutions to tutorial exercises for week n will usually be posted on the web by the afternoon of the Friday of week n.
Ed Discussion forum: https://edstem.org

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MATH1064: Discrete Mathematics for Computation

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links