Course Goals
This course introduces the mathematical structures and methods that form the foundation of computer science. The material will be motivated by applications from computer science. Students will learn: (1) specific skills, e.g., binary and modular arithmetic, set notation, etc.; (2) general knowledge, e.g., counting, proof, and analysis techniques; and (3) how to think, e.g., general problem solving techniques.
Sections
Lecture Section 01: M,W,Th 10:30 AM-11:35 AM, Richards Hall 458
Lecture Section 02: M,W,Th 4:35 PM-5:40 PM, Behrakis Health Sciences Cntr 310
Office Hours
Office hours may change during the semester.
Expectations of Students
We expect that you will study with friends and often work out problem solutions together, but you must write up you own solutions, in your own words. Cheating will not be tolerated. Professors, TAs, and peer tutors will be available to answer questions but will not do your homework for you. One of our course goals is to teach you how to think on your own.
This course has two kinds of homework – weekly online assignments that will be entirely completed electronically, and 4 written assignments distributed across the period of the course. For the written assignments, we require that all submissions be neat, organized, and typeset. You may use plain text or a word processor like Microsoft Word or LaTeX for your submissions. Your submission should be written entirely by yourself. If you sought help from or collaborated with any other student, then their names must be acknowledged in your solution.
Assignments are expected to be turned in on time. Late assignments will be penalized by 50%. If you have a valid excuse for turning in a late assignment, you should let us know, in writing, in advance. If you are sick at the time of an assignment or exam, let us know as soon as possible so we can make other arrangements.
If a student misses a class, it is his or her responsibility to get the notes from a classmate (arrange this in advance if possible), go over them, and then if necessary come to the course staff with questions.
No electronic devices (computers, recording devices, phones, etc) in class without permission first. The only exception is your TurningPoint clicker. Bring that with you every day.
If you don't understand something, please ask questions. We love questions. One of the benefits of attending a university as opposed to reading a book is that you get to interact with faculty.
Books and Supplies
We require you to purchase is a TurningPoint Responder Card RF (also referred to as the TurningPoint clicker). You can purchase the card from the Northeastern University bookstore. Once you do, please log on to Blackboard and register the card. You can do that by logging in to the class, then clicking on Tools (on the left), and then find and click on the TurningPoint Registration Tool. You have to bring the card to every class.
Printouts of our text are available at the bookstore at a very modest price. Even though the text is available online, most student find it convenient to own the hardcopy version. There are also handouts that you will be expected to read during the semester. Click on the "Text and Handouts" link to the left for more information.
Assignments and Exams
There will be on-line homework assignments, written homework assignments, two midterm exams, quizzes, and a cumulative final. We will have weekly quizzes during both the recitations and the lectures. We will drop the lowest recitation quiz grade and the two lowest lecture quiz grades, so if you miss a recitation and a lecture or two, no worries. There will be no make-up quizzes, so it is your responsibility to try to attend all of the lectures and recitations. Your grade will be computed as follows:
| on-line homework | 15% |
|---|---|
| written homework | 15% |
| weekly recitation quizzes | 10% |
| lecture participation (clickers) | 5% |
| midterm exams | 30% |
| final exam | 25% |
Last Updated:
