Syllabus · YMT211
About the course
Discrete Mathematics provides the foundational language and tools of computer science. Topics include logic and proof techniques, sets, functions and relations, sequences and cardinality, induction and recursion, counting, graphs and trees. The course emphasizes clear mathematical reasoning, writing precise proofs, and connecting theory to real software: data structures, databases, cryptography, networks, compilers and AI.
- Instructor
- Assoc. Prof. Ferhat Uçar
- fucar@firat.edu.tr
- Class
- Monday 08:15–12:00
- Room
- B101 / YM LAB 2
- Format
- Part 1: lecture · Part 2: hands-on Python lab
- Program
- UOLP (International Joint Degree Program), taught in English
- Language
- English
- Prerequisites
- None beyond high-school algebra. No prior programming is assumed for the math; basic Python helps in the labs.
Contact & channels
Reach me
Join the WhatsApp channel for announcements, check my calendar before you drop by, and book an office-hours slot for questions or your project.
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WhatsApp channel
Quick announcements and reminders land here first. Everyone is expected to join.
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Instagram · @dr.ferhatucar
Short, useful posts on AI, software and what we do in class.
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Public work calendar
My weekly schedule: classes, meetings and when I am available.
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Office hours booking
Questions, your project or advice: pick a time that suits you.
Philosophy
A language for precise thinking
We approach Discrete Mathematics as a language for precise thinking. Conceptual understanding comes before rote manipulation; clear definitions and well-structured arguments come before speed. Every week you meet an idea on the board and then make it run in Python.
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01
Clarity before formality
Build intuition with concrete examples, then generalize and prove.
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02
Every idea runs
Each lecture is followed by a lab where the mathematics becomes code you test yourself.
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03
Multiple proof strategies
Direct, contrapositive, contradiction and induction, chosen to fit the problem.
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04
Modeling and connection
Use discrete structures to frame real problems in software, data, security and networks.
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05
Productive struggle
Challenge is expected. Feedback, collaboration and reflection turn confusion into insight.
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06
Ethical scholarship
Integrity in reasoning, attribution and reuse of ideas, including ideas produced with AI tools.
Learning outcomes
What you will be able to do
- LO1
- LO2
- LO3
- LO4
Reason about sequences, sums and the cardinality of infinite sets.
- LO5
Prove properties with mathematical induction and analyze recursive definitions and algorithm growth.
- LO6
Solve counting problems with the product and sum rules, permutations, combinations and the pigeonhole principle.
- LO7
- LO8
Grading
How your grade is built
Midterm exam
40%
In-class written exam. The official date is announced by the faculty.
Final
60%
Final grade = 85% final exam + 15% semester project.
Inside the final (60%)
The project therefore counts for 9% of your overall course grade. Project details →
Weekly labs are autograded for instant feedback. They are the practice ground for the exams and the project, and completion is tracked. How labs work →
Policies
The fine print
- Late work
- Assignments submitted after the due date are penalized 10% per day, including weekends. Nothing is accepted more than five days late unless a documented medical or personal emergency is provided.
- Academic integrity
- Cheating, plagiarism and submitting someone else's work as your own lead to disciplinary action, which can include a failing grade and university sanctions.
- AI tools
- You may use AI assistants to explain concepts, generate practice problems and debug. You may not submit code or proofs you cannot explain line by line. In labs and project demos you may be asked to walk through your work.
- Attendance and participation
- Regular attendance is crucial. If you cannot attend, email the instructor in advance.
- Electronics
- Laptops and phones are for course work only. Anything that distracts others is not allowed.
- Communication
- Official course communication is by email. Urgent announcements also go to the WhatsApp channel.
- Accommodations
- If you need an accommodation for a disability or any other reason, contact the instructor as early as possible.