Thursday, June 25, 2009

Is Discrete Mathematics a useless subject?

What is Discrete Mathematics?

Discrete Mathematics is the part of mathematics devoted to the study of discrete objects. Here, discrete means consisting of distinct or unconnected elements.

Why study Discrete Mathematics?

There are several important reasons for studying discrete mathematics. First, through this course you can develop your mathematical maturity: that is, your ability to understand and create mathematical arguments. You will not get very far in your studies in the mathematical sciences without these skills.

Second, discrete mathematics is the gateway to more advanced courses in all parts of the mathematical sciences. Discrete mathematics provides the mathematical foundations for many computer science courses including data structures, algorithms, database theory, automata theory, formal languages, compiler theory, computer security, and operating systems.

Goals of a Discrete Mathematics Course

A discrete mathematics course has more than one purpose. Students should learn a particular set of mathematical facts and how to apply them; more importantly, such a course should teach students how to think logically and mathematically. A discrete mathematics course blends and balances these five themes.

  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Combinatorial Analysis
  • Discrete Structures
  • Algorithmic Thinking
  • Applications and Modeling

There are no useless subjects. Every subject offered in a college or a university has a purpose. Even the one-unit PGP subject offered by NDKC has a significance.

1 comment:

  1. Uhmmm... does ROTC count?
    No, I don't think so.
    Good thing it's now extinct!

    ReplyDelete