Course Outline

MTH212 Discrete Mathematics

Course Coordinator:Nicholas Coxon (ncoxon@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2026Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Discrete Mathematics embraces several topical areas of mathematics and is the study of objects and systems that assume only distinct values, such as integers. In this course, you learn how to work with mathematical reasoning to solve problems in set and number theory, logic and proofs, Boolean algebra, combinatorics, elementary probability, relations and functions, recursion, graph theory, and algorithm development as it applies to computer science.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Self-paced learning resources available from the course website. 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial/workshops 2hrs Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

  • Introduction to logic and proofs,
  • number theory, set theory and Boolean algebras,
  • recursion and mathematical induction,
  • theory and application of functions and relations,
  • counting and probability,
  • graphs and trees,
  • matrix algebra and applications to graphs,
  • introduction to algorithm efficiency – the big-O notation.

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the important mathematical approaches to an understanding of a range of discrete systems. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Use a range of mathematical skills to develop logical arguments, construct proofs and solve problems in both theory and application areas like computer science. Knowledgeable
Empowered
3 Communicate important ideas and information in the language of mathematics without ambiguity. Knowledgeable
Ethical

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

MTH101 or MTH102 or MTH103

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

MTH512

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

A foundational level of algebra is assumed, in particular skills in manipulation and rearrangement of algebraic expressions and equations.

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Students are able to submit their problem attempts to the Discussion Board for feedback and peer review.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 25%
6 hours
Week 4 Online Submission
All 2 Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 25%
6 hours
Week 8 Online Submission
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50%
135 minutes
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Assignment 1
Goal:
To consolidate and develop your knowledge of mathematics as a language to solve familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Authorship Statement:
Format:
The assignment will be submitted online in a .PDF format.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
​​Marks are awarded for: 
clarity of thinking through development of problem solutions
1 2 3
2
accuracy of outcomes through appropriate use of mathematics as a language​​
3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Assignment 2
Goal:
To consolidate and develop your knowledge of mathematics and its language to solve familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Authorship Statement:
Format:
Students will submit their assignment online in a .PDF format.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
​​Demonstrate a working knowledge of the concepts, rules, formulae, tools and techniques specific to each topic area.
1 2
2
Use problem solving strategies and mathematical reasoning to interpret, analyse and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems in discrete.
2
3
Communicate using mathematical symbols and conventions.
3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Exam
Goal:
To consolidate and develop your knowledge of mathematics and its language to solve familiar and unfamiliar problems covering the whole course.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format:
To be completed in the examination period.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
​​​Demonstrate a working knowledge of the concepts, rules, formulae, tools and techniques specific to each topic area.
1 2
2
Use problem solving strategies and mathematical reasoning to interpret, analyse and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems in discrete.
2
3
Communicate using mathematical symbols and conventions.​​​
3
Generic Skills:
Collaboration, Problem solving, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Susanna Epp 0 Discrete Mathematics with Applications, Metric Edition (5th Edition) n/a

Specific requirements

It is recommended that you possess a good quality scientific hand-calculator. You will not require a graphics, programmable or CAS calculator for this course and these are not recommended. It is your responsibility to learn to use your calculator properly.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: