IST 230
Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics
Fall 2000
Prerequisite: IST 110. (Prerequisite or concurrent: MATH 22 and 26, or Math 40)
Textbook: Discrete Mathematics, Washburn/Marlowe/Ryan, AWL.
Instructor: Connie Yu, Ph. D, Sun Certified Java Programmer
150 CLRC, phone: 949-5275
E-mail:
URL: http://cac.psu.edu/~xky/yu.html
Office Hours: MTW 10:30-11:30 or by appointment.
Course Overview
IST 230 is one of the five introductory core courses for the Baccalaureate IST degree program in Penn State. The course is the introduction to formal languages, mathematical logic, and discrete mathematics, with applications to information sciences and technology. The emphases of the course are the applications of mathematical concepts and methods to problems of information sciences and technology, e. g. information storage, information retrieval, information management, etc. in terms of both computers and humans.
While abstract concepts are introduced, students are not tested on in-depth understanding of the theories. Instead, students are tested and assessed based on their understanding of how the concepts are applied in information sciences and technology.
Students of this course are expected to participate actively in reading, exploration, presentations, discussion (face-to-face and on-line), group projects, and individual projects.
Grade: The grades will be assigned based on the percentage of the total points earned. A (92%), A- (89%), B+ (86%), B (82%), B- (79%), C+ (76%), C (70%), D (60%). A total of 400 points are distributed as follows:
1. Mid-Semester Exams (200 points): There are two mid-semester exams, each is worth 100 points. Only students with valid verifiable reasons are permitted to take pre-arranged make-up exams. Portions of these tests may be given in forms of take-home or project.
2. Take-home Assignments (100 points): An assortment of collected homework assignments and projects. Deadlines are strictly observed. No make up for any missed assignment.
3. Final Exam (200 points): The final exam consists of two parts: One part is in-class exam given in the final week. Another part is a presentation and the compilation of a “portfolio.”