Experience is the best teacher: how I approach the discrete mathematics module

Mathematics based modules are a big part of the BSc Computer Science (CS) journey for online, distance and flexible learners at the University of London. One of the maths modules that can pose a challenge to CS students is Discrete Mathematics. Discrete Mathematics studies objects that are distinct or countable. The Discrete Mathematics module is wrapped within ten topics.  

Each topic is expanded over a two-week period which equates to a total of 20 weeks. A topic is comprised of subtopics supplemented with a quiz at the end. It is important to complete all the quizzes as they test your understanding of the subtopic; I found them extremely helpful.

VLE  

The virtual learning environment (VLE) is your friend, and it is important to know your way around it. As you navigate around your VLE take note of the following segments:  

Course Material 

Arranged in weeks (week one to week 22), the material section comprises short lecture videos, quizzes, group discussions, peer-review activities and a formative assessment at the end of each topic.  

Grades 

Assisting in monitoring progress, we can see our progress on summative and formative assessments. We will unpack assessments further in the assessments area later in the blog.

Discussion forum 

Used for interacting with tutors and fellow students. At the very top of the forums, a tutor group is assigned. It is particularly important to subscribe to your tutor group and other relevant tutor groups. Tutors run webinars on each topic and, once subscribed, you will get webinar and thread notifications. I recommend you attend these sessions as this heightens understanding.  

Resources 

These consist of past assessment papers; I found these useful for revision purposes.

Webinars  

Apart from the well-designed lecture videos, we also have access to online seminars for my current module, where my module leader hosts three online meetings. The first is an introduction discussion, the second is the mid-term brainstorm, and the final one is an assessment preparation workshop.  

In addition to the seminars hosted by the module leader, my group tutors host classes to supplement the lecture videos and prescribed books. Be sure to take the opportunities given to you to engage fully in your programme, such as subscribing to the tutor groups.

Assessments  

The course involves both summative and formative assessments, both essential in our learning journey. 

Formative assessments 

Although they do not count towards our final marks, I found these immensely helpful in measuring my learning progress per topic, and subtopic. These evaluation methods include quizzes, peer-review assessments, worksheets at the end of the topic, questions from the prescribed book and group discussions. The quizzes are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), while the peer-reviewed assessments can be a question set which we are required to answer in the discussion forum. We will then grade each other's answers. Group discussions require us to answer proposed questions and discuss them within the discussion forum.  

Summative assessments  

The final grades are distributed as follows: five summative quizzes, the midterm worksheet and the final assessment.  

Five summative quizzes   

At the end of each topic (one to five) there will be a summative quiz. We are given four attempts at trying to score the highest mark – try to achieve 100%! These are worth 20% of your overall marks.  

Midterm assessment  

We then have our midterm appraisal. This is to be completed over several days as a typed or handwritten PDF document and submitted before the due date, via the VLE. This bears a weight of 30% towards your final grades. Questions are based on topics one to five, respectively.  

Final assessment  

All ten topics are evaluated and thus it carries 50% of our grade. We are allocated four hours to complete the assessment, which is carried out virtually.  

Resources  

Here are some helpful readings to supplement the course material:  

• Rosen, K. H.Discrete Mathematics and its Applications. (New York: McGraw Hill, 2012)7th Edition [9780073383095].  
• Mackinson, D. Sets, Logic and Maths for Computing. (London: Springer,2012) 2nd Edition [9781447125006].  
• Koshy,T. Discrete Mathematics with Applications. (Massachusetts: Elsevier Academic Press, 2004) [9780080477343].

Additionally, I highly recommend the Youtube channel Kimbery Brehm, in particular the Discrete Mathematics playlist.

Thenjiwe studies BSc Computer Science in South Africa.  

Please note: teaching and assessment formats discussed in this blog are correct at the time of publishing for online, distance and flexible learners. Please refer to your VLE and programme regulations for the most up to date information.