Unit Outline

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

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Prior to 2021 the unit was co-taught with a discrete mathematics unit, with 60% of the assessment through on-paper tests. These marks have been redistributed to a smaller number (10 down to 4) of skills-development assignments and a 40% project plus small portfolio/reflection.

The regular schedule of assignments and final project have been well-received by students, so this sturcture has been maintained this year. However, we will seek to reduce the number of components/questions within each skills assignment.

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

If your unit is offered On campus, 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 are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

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 14	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(S)


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(S)


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(S)


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(S)


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 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.