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MATH40840

Academic Year 2025/2026

Discrete Mathematics (MATH40840)

Subject:
Mathematics
College:
Science
School:
Mathematics & Statistics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Richard Smith
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Discrete mathematics is concerned with the study of mathematical structures that are in some sense finite or discrete. Examples of such objects include graphs, permutations, and finite geometries. As an area it has witnessed explosive growth the last fifty years due to its strong ties to theoretical computer science. The aim of this module is to present several core topics and tools in discrete mathematics.

The topics covered will include

basic counting, e.g. partitions of sets and integers
Ramsey theory, monochromatic sets, the infinite and finite Ramsey theorems
generating functions, formal power series and
(time allowing) partially ordered sets.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, the student is expected to be able to understand the definitions, theorems and examples covered in the module, and to solve problems concerning these notions. This includes, but is not limited to, stating and proving theorems, constructing their own examples and solving enumeration problems related to the discrete structures encountered in the module.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

26

Tutorial

10

Specified Learning Activities

24

Autonomous Student Learning

50

Total

110


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, tutorials, enquiry and problem-based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

The student should already have a solid foundation university-level mathematics and have completed some level 1 or 2 modules related to algebra, analysis, or elementary discrete mathematics. In particular, the student should not be unfamiliar with producing and writing mathematics proofs.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Written closed-book examination. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
80
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Two 50-minute written closed-book in-class tests (worth 10% each). Week 6, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 12:00 - 12:50