Unit Outline
School of Information and Communication Technology
College of Sciences and Engineering
KIT103
Computational Science
Semester 2, 2023
James Montgomery
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
 
Unit Coordinator
James Montgomery
Email: James.Montgomery@utas.edu.au
 
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
Computers and mathematics are powerful tools for modelling and reasoning about the world around us. They are also powerful tools for reasoning about computation itself. This unit explores the fundamental topics of sets, logic, combinatorics and number theory as they apply to modelling real-world problems, as well as to thinking about the operation of computers and program code. Learn just how much can be accomplished with a single line of Python. During the semester students will assemble their personal toolkit of mathematical and programming techniques, forming the foundation of further study in mathematics, data science or software development.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
apply the tools of discrete mathematics to model real world problems within a scientific computing environment
2
translate mathematical expressions involving discrete entities into valid program code
3
select appropriate mathematical and programming structures to suit a given scenario
4
solve abstract and real world problems using formal definitions and properties of fundamental mathematical structures without the use of a computer
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Alterations as a result of student feedback
From 2014 to 2020 this unit was co-taught with KMA155 Discrete Mathematics with Applications, with the same learning experiences but differently weighted assessment. In order that a student could take both units and gain useful, distinct skills from each, the two units were split in 2021, with the following key changes to KIT103:
  • Some reduction in foundational ('theoretical') mathematical topics and increased emphasis on applications, particularly to the understanding and testing of computer code
  • No test-based assessment: the three 20% in-semester tests and 10 small assignments have been replaced by four 15% assignments combining on-paper maths and in computer programming exercises and a final project, comprising tasks that integrate the various skills taught and a reflective piece summarising your learning in the unit
  • Simplified teaching pattern: three 50-minute lectures rigidly split into two on maths and one on applications are now a single 2-hour workshop that will vary the focus on mathematics or applications as required; the 50-minute mathematics tutorial and 50-minute computer lab are now a single 2-hour block, with the split between on-paper maths practice and tasks on the computer varied as needed.
These changes have been well-received by students and so have been maintained.
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Independent Learning
Involving reading, listening to audio, watching video, and/or completing exercises and/or quizzes, self-study is individual work undertaken when the student chooses (i.e. asynchronous), most likely through engagement with MyLO. The content is examinable, and may need to be completed prior to attending classes and/or attempting assessment tasks.
1
Weekly
Workshop
A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity that involves a mix of presentation of new information/ideas/skills and guided activities related to that information/ideas/skills. All students are expected to attend.
2
Weekly
Tutorial
A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity in a small-group setting where the primary purpose is the clarification, exploration or reinforcement of subject content presented or accessed at another time or place (e.g. lecture, preparatory work). It is reliant on student-teacher and student-student interaction and dialogue for achievement of its learning outcomes. The students enrolled in the tutorial are expected to attend. Begins in Week 2.
2
Weekly
Attendance/Engagement Expectations
It is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit.
 
If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, family commitments) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.
 
Learning anything, but particularly potentially challenging skills like mathematics and programming, requires practice. While participation in live activities is not mandatory, we strongly recommend that you participate in all tutorials, as it is when you are practising the unit's skills that you will learn them. The tasks will be available beforehand and you should attempt them before attending class, seeking assistance on any parts where you had trouble.
Workshops will be live streamed using Zoom, with recordings available through Echo360 within 3 hours of each lecture. Each workshop will have time for working in groups on a newly introduced concept or skill.
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT TASK 1:
Assignment 1: Sets and Functions
Week 5
15 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 2:
Assignment 2: Boolean Algebra and Conditional Program Logic
Week 7
15 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 3:
Assignment 3: Combinatorics
Week 9
15 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 4:
Assignment 4: Fun with Numbers
Week 11
15 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
ASSESSMENT TASK 5:
Project & Portfolio
Week 13
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Assignment 1: Sets and Functions
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Complete maths and programming exercises related to sets, and design test cases to test the operation of provided code

TASK LENGTH:
1-2 pages maths answers + 1 Python source file
DUE DATE:
Week 5
WEIGHT:
15 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME
1
Show the steps used to solve a mathematical problem
LO4
2
Write valid Python literals and comprehensions to define or generate values as required by the task
LO1, LO2
3
Provide a set of sufficient test cases for validating the correct operation of a specified solution
LO2
 
Assessment Task 2: Assignment 2: Boolean Algebra and Conditional Program Logic
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Complete maths and programming exercises related to Boolean algebra, functions that make decisions, K-maps, and bitsets

TASK LENGTH:
2-3 pages maths answers + 1 Python source file
DUE DATE:
Week 7
WEIGHT:
15 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME
1
Show the steps used to solve a mathematical problem
LO4
2
Solve mathematical problems based on natural language descriptions
LO4
3
Write valid Python literals, comprehensions and functions to define or generate values as required by the task
LO1, LO2
4
Complete the implementation of functions as specified
LO1
5
Provide a set of sufficient test cases for validating the correct operation of a specified solution or components of a solution (implemented in code)
LO1
 
 
Assessment Task 3: Assignment 3: Combinatorics
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Complete maths and programming exercises related to permutations and combinations

TASK LENGTH:
2-3 pages maths answers + 1 Python source file
DUE DATE:
Week 9
WEIGHT:
15 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME
1
Show the steps used to solve a mathematical problem
LO4
2
Solve mathematical problems based on natural language descriptions
LO3, LO4
3
Write compact but readable Python code to perform the requested process and generate a correct result
LO1
4
Complete the implementation of functions as specified
LO1
5
Adapt natural language descriptions of a scenario into appropriate Python expressions and functions
LO2, LO3
6
Provide a set of sufficient test cases for validating the correct operation of a specified solution or components of a solution (implemented in code)
LO1
7
Explain why cases were selected in relation to the specified solution
LO1, LO3
8
Justify modelling and process choices for specified parts of the solution
LO3
 
Assessment Task 4: Assignment 4: Fun with Numbers
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Complete maths and programming exercises related to number systems, primes and secret codes

TASK LENGTH:
2-3 pages maths answers + 1 Python source file
DUE DATE:
Week 11
WEIGHT:
15 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME
1
Show the steps used to solve a mathematical problem
LO4
2
Solve mathematical problems based on natural language descriptions
LO4
3
Complete the implementation of functions as specified
LO1
4
Adapt natural language descriptions of a scenario into appropriate Python expressions
LO2
5
Provide a set of sufficient test cases for validating the correct operation of a specified solution or components of a solution (implemented in code)
LO1
6
Explain why cases were selected in relation to the specified solution
LO1
7
Justify modelling and process choices for specified parts of the solution
LO1
 
Assessment Task 5: Project & Portfolio
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Demonstrate the application of your skills to a set of more substantial problems, integrating (mathematical) planning, implementation and testing.

Reflect on your progress in the unit with reference to the skills development assignments and small case studies in the project.
TASK LENGTH:
3-4 pages justification and maths working + 1-3 Python source files + 2-4 page reflection document
DUE DATE:
Week 13
 
WEIGHT:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME
1
Solve mathematical problems based on natural language descriptions
LO4
2
Show mathematical working as a step prior to implementing a solution in code
LO4
3
Adapt natural language descriptions of a scenario into appropriate Python expressions
LO1, LO2
4
Write compact but readable Python code to achieve a desired outcome
LO1
5
Justify modelling and process choices for each case study
LO3
6
Provide a set of sufficient test cases for validating the correct operation of components of your solution (implemented in code)
LO1
7
Explain why cases were selected in relation to the specified solution
LO1
8
Describe personal development toward the unit’s learning outcomes with reference to assignments and project work completed, using the provided headings as a guide
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late Penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.