Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module COMP1021: MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE

Department: Computer Science

COMP1021: MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • A-level Mathematics Grade A.

Corequisites

  • COMP1051 Computational Thinking

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • MATH1031 Discrete Mathematics

Aims

  • To introduce students to fundamental concepts from logic, discrete structures and mathematics that are necessary for and relevant to modern Computer Science.
  • To introduce students to the application of logic, discrete structures and mathematics to topics within mainstream Computer Science.

Content

  • Propositional and predicate logic.
  • Sets, functions and relations.
  • The notion and methods of mathematical proof.
  • Boolean algebra.
  • Combinatorics and probability theory.
  • Graphs.
  • Matrix and linear algebra.
  • Number theory.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an understanding of the fundamental notions from logic, discrete structures and mathematics and their relevance to mainstream Computer Science
  • an understanding of the concept of a mathematical proof
  • an understanding of mathematical notation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to apply methods and techniques from logic, discrete structures and mathematics
  • an ability to reason with and and apply methods of mathematical proof
  • an ability to use mathematical notation.
Key Skills:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to apply logical reasoning to practical scenarios
  • an ability to formalise general arguments.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to logic, discrete structures and mathematics, as well as their applications.
  • Practical classes enable the students to put into practice learning from lectures and strengthen their understanding through application.
  • Formative and summative assessments assess the application of methods and techniques, and examinations in addition assess an understanding of core concepts.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
lectures 44 2 per week 1 hour 44
practical classes 22 1 per week 2 hours 44
preparation and reading 112
total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 66%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 34%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Practical work 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Example formative exercises are given during the course. Additional revision lectures may be arranged in the module's lecture slots in the 3rd term.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University