Discrete Mathematics (6698.6)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
Home
/
Find your course
/
Discrete Mathematics
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
Online real-time
 Bruce, Canberra
UC College, Bruce, ACT
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Technology Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit Band 1 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 1 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit investigates topics from discrete mathematics in the broad areas of logic, sequences, and proofs; sets, relations, and probability; graphs and trees; and regular expressions and finite-state automata. Students will gain an understanding of the core elements in each of these areas and see how they build to important properties and/or theories. The treatment of these topics will cover both practical and theoretical aspects and will usually include at least one important application relevant to Information Technology.

This unit may be co-taught with 6699 Discrete Mathematics G.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Manipulate the language and notation of symbolic logic in order to apply to digital logic circuits;
2. Construct direct proofs and proofs by induction by utilising underlying principles of proofs;
3. Apply the notation of sets to investigate relations and their properties;
4. Analyse and create simple finite-state automata; and
5. Investigate properties of graphs and trees within a real-world application.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

6699 Discrete Mathematics G

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Year 12 mathematics.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025 On-campus Dr David Hartley
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025 Online real-time Dr David Hartley
2025 UC College, Bruce, ACT UC College Trimester 2 26 May 2025 On-campus Mr Tariq Alqura'N Alzyadat
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 On-campus Dr David Hartley
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 Online real-time Dr David Hartley
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 On-campus Dr David Hartley
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 Online real-time Dr David Hartley
2026 UC College, Bruce, ACT UC College Trimester 2 29 June 2026 On-campus Mr Tariq Alqura'N Alzyadat
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr David Hartley
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 Online real-time Dr David Hartley
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Required text: Susanna S. Epp, Discrete Mathematics with Applications, 4th edition, or 5th edition Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2011.

The lectures and tutorials will reference the 4th edition, however general mapping to the 5th edition is provided in this unit outline (some differences in problem sets are present).

The electronic version of the 5th edition is available from the publisher's website. Paper copies can be bought from many text-book suppliers. You can also find it in the Library.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Due to the individualised nature of some assessment tasks, blind marking will not be possible.

Special assessment requirements

In order to pass the unit student must complete all the assessment item and sit for the Final Exam.

The combined overall total must be 50% or above to pass the unit. 

The unit convenor reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes.

Final grades will be determined using the following table:

85 <= Final mark <= 100 Final grade = HD
75 <= Final mark < 85 Final grade = DI
65 <= Final mark < 75 Final grade = CR
50 <= Final mark < 65 Final grade = P
0 <= Final mark < 50 Final grade = N-Fail (NN, NX, NC, or NW)

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

Activities and Details Hours
Lecture attendance or listening, 4 hours per week for 11 weeks 44 
Tutorial preparation, approx. 2 hours per week for 11 weeks 22 
Tutorial attendance, 2 hours per week for 11 weeks 22 
Assessments (incl. preparation) 49 
Self-directed study 13 
Total 150 

Participation requirements

It is expected that you will attend two lectures and one tutorial each week.
 
Your participation in lectures and tutorial activities will enhance your understanding of the unit content and therefore the quality of your
assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items. Experience has shown
that students who do not attend classes, have difficulty passing the unit. 
 
 
Students should also be aware that the subject will be examined on material covered in all classes, It is the individual student's
responsibility to ensure that they are sufficiently familiar with this material. Attendance at classes is one of the best ways of ensuring this
familiarity. While some of the lecture notes and course materials are available online, these are intended to be broad outlines of the
lectures. Do not make the mistake of assuming that the materials perfectly substitute for class attendance and participation.
 
 

Required IT skills

All students are assumed to be able to:

  • Use the MS Word (or equivalent).
  • Read and print documents on the unit website.
  • Communicate using e-mail.
  • Use their own scientific calculator.

In-unit costs

The e-book version of the textbook should be available for around $65. If you decide to buy the hardcover version, it will be significantly more expensive. The calculator should be available for around $30-$45.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

Additional information

Lecture Attendance:

Students are expected to attend/view lectures prior to their weekly tutorial. Tutorial activities will involve tasks based on the lecture content and all lecture content is assessable.

Tutorial Attendance:

Please note that tutorials will not be recorded and, coupled with lecture content, inform assessment items.

Provision of information to the group:

It is assumed that all students will regularly open the unit's website and read any announcements there. It is also assumed that all students will regularly read e-mail received at their UC student accounts. Announcements made at lectures, via Canvas, or circulated by e-mail to UC student accounts will be deemed to have been made to the whole class.

Use of student email account:

All unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

Absence:

In all cases of absence, sickness, or other extenuating circumstances it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the Unit Convener is informed.

Next step

Apply now Enquire