MA210      Half Unit
Discrete Mathematics

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Dr Robert Simon

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Data Science, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Data Science, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Requisites

Additional requisites:

MA103 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics, or an equivalent course giving a background in rigorous mathematics.

Course content

This is a course covering a number of concepts and techniques of discrete mathematics. Topics covered: Counting: selections; inclusion-exclusion; permutations/partitions and their types; generating functions; recurrence relations. Graph Theory: basic concepts; walks, paths, tours and cycles; trees and forests; planarity; colourings and chromatic polynomial. Coding theory: basic concepts; linear codes.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Winter Term.

Formative assessment

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

 

Indicative reading

PJ Cameron, Combinatorics (CUP 1994)

An alternative book is: NL Biggs, Discrete Mathematics (OUP 2004)

Extensive notes covering the course content in full will be distributed, so you may well not need either book.

Assessment

Exam (90%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period

Continuous assessment (10%)


Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Course Study Period: Winter Term

Unit value: Half unit

FHEQ Level: Level 5

CEFR Level: Null

Total students 2024/25: 10

Average class size 2024/25: 10

Capped 2024/25: No
Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills