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Course profile

Discrete Mathematics (MATH1061)

Study period
Sem 2 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mathematics & Physics School

Propositional & predicate logic, valid arguments, methods of proof.
Elementary set theory. Elementary graph theory. Relations & functions.
Induction & recursive definitions. Counting methods (pigeonhole, inclusion/exclusion). Introductory probability. Binary operations, groups, fields. Applications of finite fields. Elementary number theory.

This course provides an introduction to discrete mathematics. It is likely to be useful for students who are planning on further study in fields such as mathematics, computer science, engineering, science and information technology, and also for those intending to teach in these and related areas.


Course requirements

Assumed background

There is no particular assumed background, apart from a level of mathematical sophistication roughly equivalent to completion of Queensland Mathematical Methods (formerly Maths B) at high school or MATH1040. Concurrent enrolment in MATH1061 and MATH1040 is appropriate for students who do not have Mathematical Methods from high school but who have a strong mathematical background, however this will require you to do extra work in MATH1061.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

MATH1081 (advanced version), MATH7861 (co-taught).

Course staff

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Masoud Kamgarpour

Lecturer

Associate Professor Masoud Kamgarpour

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

The three lectures per week (no repeats) will be conducted on campus at the times and locations advertised in your personal timetable. ᅠAll lectures will have associated pre-work that you are expected to complete before attending the lecture.ᅠ Lectures themselves will be focused on problem-solving and applying the concepts seen in pre-work. Students are expected to attend these sessions in person unless they have a valid reason for being unable to attend (such as illness).ᅠ

Your weekly applied class will be conducted on campus – consult your personal timetable for times and locations. Note that there will be quizzes in your applied sessions, so you should ensure consistent attendance. Note that applied classes do not begin until week 2.ᅠ

There are no lectures or applied sessions on the public holidays (Ekka days and King's birthday). There will be no make up classes. Student can go to other Applied Sessions.

Aims and outcomes

The broad aim of this course is to provide students with a solid basis for mathematical reasoning and the opportunity to apply this reasoning to problems in mathematics.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Construct logically correct and mathematically sound proofs.

LO2.

Apply concepts of logic, set theory, relations, induction, principles of counting, probability, algebraic structures and elementary number theory to mathematical problems in more advanced mathematical courses and to problems encountered in other fields of study.

LO3.

Demonstrate an understanding and well-founded knowledge of the mathematics presented in this course and thus be able to apply techniques from this course to solve both familiar and novel problems.

LO4.

Select and use the appropriate level, style and means of written communication, using the symbolic, graphical, and diagrammatic forms relevant to the context.

LO5.

Understand some applications of mathematics to relevant fields, such as computer programming and logic.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set Assignment 1 5%

5/09/2025 4:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set Assignment 2 5%

24/10/2025 4:00 pm

Tutorial/ Problem Set Applied Classes Exercises
  • In-person
30%

The exercises are to be done in the Applied Sessions every week, except Weeks 1, 6, and 12. Students are allowed to talk to other students in the applied class to complete the exercises. No AI or other electronic help is allowed.

Examination Final examination
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
60%

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Assignment 1

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
5%
Due date

5/09/2025 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Each assignment requires you to answer a set of questions and submit your written solutions. These questions are designed to prepare you for the final exam, so it is recommended that you attempt to do them without using AI or other aids.

Submission guidelines

Submit this assessment item through the link in Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Assignment 2

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
5%
Due date

24/10/2025 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Each assignment requires you to answer a set of questions and submit your written solutions. These questions are designed to prepare you for the final exam, so it is recommended that you attempt to do them without using AI or other aids.

Submission guidelines

Submit this assessment item through the link in Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Applied Classes Exercises

  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
30%
Due date

The exercises are to be done in the Applied Sessions every week, except Weeks 1, 6, and 12. Students are allowed to talk to other students in the applied class to complete the exercises. No AI or other electronic help is allowed.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

If you are too unwell to attend any applied classes please note that you can miss up to two assessed classes without penalty. If you are unable to attend more than two assessed classes please email the SMP Student Administration team on math1061@uq.edu.au to explain your circumstances and request a re-weighting of your remaining exercises. You should include appropriate documented evidence with your request (e.g. a medical certificate). You can receive at most 3 exemptions per semester. Students unable to complete sufficient exercises during the semester should consider withdrawing and re-enrolling in a forthcoming semester.

Submission guidelines

Submit in person in your Applied Session.

Students may consult with each other for doing the questions, but they are not to consult AI or other electronic gadgets.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

There are no extensions or deferrals as assessments are completed in class.

If you miss more than two Applied Classses Exercises with valid documentation, then your other Applied Classes Exercises will count for more.

Late submission

If you miss your own Applied Session, then you can join any other Applied Session that week. There is no possibility for submissions outside of that week.

Final examination

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
60%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The exam will be held during the UQ exam period; the schedule will be provided by UQ Examinations.

Hurdle requirements

See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator

Open/closed book Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

One double-sided A4 cheat sheet allowed.

Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 1, a student must achieve an overall mark of less than 20%.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 2, a student must achieve an overall mark of at least 20% and not meet the requirements for a higher grade.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 3, a student will have achieved a final mark of at least 45% and not met the requirements for a higher grade.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 4, a student will have achieved a final mark of at least 50%, and achieved at least 40% of the total marks available on the final examination, and not met the requirements for a higher grade.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 5, a student will have achieved a final mark of at least 65%, and achieved at least 60% of the total marks available on the final examination, and not met the requirements for a higher grade.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 6, a student will have achieved a final mark of at least 75%, and achieved at least 70% of the total marks available on the final examination, and not met the requirements for a higher grade.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: To earn a grade of 7, a student will have achieved a final mark of at least 85%, and achieved at least 80% of the total marks available on the final examination.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

MATH1061 and MATH7861 will share lectures and cover essentially the same content. However there may be differences on assignments.ᅠ

Assignment submission

All assignments in this course must be submitted electronically. Ensure that your name, student number and applied class group number appear clearly at the top to the first page ᅠand ᅠsave your file in pdf format. ᅠMake sure that your pdf file is legible and that the file size is not excessive. Use the assignment submission link in Blackboard to submit the pdf file. If you have any questions regarding assignment submission, email math1061@uq.edu.au. Students should check that assignment marks are correctly entered in the Blackboard Grade Centre.

Pay careful attention to the general university guidelines on plagiarismᅠand use of AI. You are encouraged to work in small groups, particularly in applied classes. However, assignments must be completed individually, so everything you submit must beᅠyour ownᅠwork. Inappropriate copying or excessive collaboration will be taken very seriously.


Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
  • There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
  • Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
  • All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
  • You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
  • If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

The online Ed Discussion Board will be available for you to ask questions and get help. Please refer to the blackboard page for the link.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(28 Jul - 02 Nov)

Not Timetabled

Pre-class videos, readings, and quizzes

To prepare for each class, you will need to watch one or two short videos, read some pages of the textbook, and complete a short quiz.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Lecture

Lectures

Each week there will be three hours of lectures during which you will discuss important concepts, work through examples, and answer questions.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 13
(04 Aug - 02 Nov)

Applied Class

Applied Classes

Applied classes give students a chance to work through assignments and ask questions relating to both assessment pieces and material covered in lectures. Applied classes also give students the opportunity to discuss with their peers approaches to formulating and solving mathematical problems.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

Course guidelines

In the School of Mathematics and Physics we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold both students and staff accountable for actively contributing to the establishment of a respectful and supportive learning environment.

Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. We have developed a suite of resources to assist you in recognising, reporting, and addressing such behaviour. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team, or alternatively contact an SMP Classroom Inclusivity Champion (see Blackboard for contact details). Our Inclusivity Champions are here to listen, to understand your concerns, and to explore potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.