This book is a short, concise introduction to key mathematical ideas for computing students which develops their understanding of discrete mathematics and its application in computing. The topics are presented in a well defined, logical order that build upon each other and are constantly reinforced by worked examples. Reliance on students' previous mathematical experience is kept to a minimum, though some basic algebraic manipulation is required. This book is appropriate for CS and Math students in an undergraduate Discrete Math course. The content constitutes an accepted core of mathematics for computer scientists (for example, the formal methods used in computer science draw heavily on the discrete methematical concepts covered here, particularly logic, sets, relations and functions). Emphasis is placed on clear and careful explanations of basic ideas and on building confidence in developing mathematical competence through carefully selected exercises. All chapters conclude with short applications/case studies relevant to computing, which provide further motivation to engage with the mathematical ideas involved, and also demonstrate how the mathematics can be applied in a computing context.
Too often, computing students¿ first experiences of university mathematics will be of abstract theoretical concepts that appear irrelevant to their chosen course of study. This book is a concise introduction to the key mathematical ideas that underpin computer science, continually stressing the application of discrete mathematics to computing. It is suitable for students with little or no knowledge of mathematics, and covers the key concepts in a simple and straightforward way.
The theoretical ideas are constantly reinforced by worked examples and each chapter concludes with a mini case study showing a particular application. This provides further motivation to the reader to engage with the mathematical ideas involved, as well as demonstrating how the mathematics can be applied within a computing context. The book also contains carefully selected exercises for which full worked solutions are provided
Rod Haggarty is Deputy Head of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University. He has extensive experience of teaching undergraduate mathematics, and has taught discrete mathematics to computing students for many years.
