Students
MATH2907 – Discrete Mathematics II
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Paul Bryan
Contact via email
Lecturer
Steve Lack
Contact via email
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
MATH1007 or MATH1020 or MATH1025
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The purpose of this unit is to give a grounding in discrete mathematics. It is important preparation for theoretical computing, software engineering and abstract algebra. The unit explores topics in areas such as computability and computational complexity; formal languages and finite state machines; recurrence relations and generating functions; computational applications of graphs, trees and matrices; and formal methods in programming. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Apply a broad range of standard mathematical techniques used in computer science.
- ULO2: Use formal mathematical methods to design, model and validate solutions to computational problems.
- ULO3: Understand the theoretical limitations of computing devices and the problems that can be solved by a computer.
- ULO4: Communicate mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning, particularly in areas concerning how computer programs work.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit
Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is 3not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.
Special Consideration
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration.
Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted:
- Project, skills exercise – YES, Late Penalty applies
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills Exercise | 20% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual | No | Observed |
| Examination | 50% | No | Examination Period | Individual | No | Observed |
| Project | 30% | No | 24/05/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
Skills Exercise
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
You will undertake exercises that develop and assess your discrete mathematics skills, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through consistent practice to support mastery of essential concepts.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply a broad range of standard mathematical techniques used in computer science.
- Use formal mathematical methods to design, model and validate solutions to computational problems.
- Understand the theoretical limitations of computing devices and the problems that can be solved by a computer.
- Communicate mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning, particularly in areas concerning how computer programs work.
Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
In the exam, you will be assessed on your ability to apply the concepts and techniques acquired in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply a broad range of standard mathematical techniques used in computer science.
- Use formal mathematical methods to design, model and validate solutions to computational problems.
- Understand the theoretical limitations of computing devices and the problems that can be solved by a computer.
- Communicate mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning, particularly in areas concerning how computer programs work.
Project
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 24/05/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
In this project, you will apply the knowledge gained in the unit to a larger-scale mathematical problem, extending beyond the short questions typical of assignments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply a broad range of standard mathematical techniques used in computer science.
- Use formal mathematical methods to design, model and validate solutions to computational problems.
- Understand the theoretical limitations of computing devices and the problems that can be solved by a computer.
- Communicate mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning, particularly in areas concerning how computer programs work.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Lectures (beginning in Week 1): There are two one-hour lectures each week.
SGTA classes (beginning in Week 2): There is one two-hour sgta each week.
Resources
Suggested textbooks The following textbooks are useful as supplementary resources, for additional questions and explanations. They are available from the Macquarie University library:
- Kenneth H Rosen, Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications, McGraw-Hill, any edition.
Other useful resources and materials will be made available via the MATH2907 iLearn site.
Methods of Communication
We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to your lecturers from your university email address.
Technology Used and Required
Students are expected to have access to an internet-enabled computer with a web browser and Adobe Reader software. Most areas of the university provide wireless access for portable devices. There are computers for student use in the Library.
Furthermore, some assessments may require you to write solutions to problems in handwritten form and to scan them in for online upload. So you should have access to a device, such as a flatbed scanner or mobile phone, that will allow you to make electronic images of your work.
Difficulties with your home computer or internet connection do not constitute a reasonable excuse for lateness of, or failure to submit, assessment tasks.
Unit Schedule
Here is a provisional weekly plan for topics covered. Any changes will be announced via iLearn.
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Graph colouring |
| 2 | Network flows |
| 3 | Minimal spanning trees |
| 4 | Languages |
| 5 | Grammars |
| 6 | Deterministic finite state machines |
| 7 | Non-determinism |
| 8 | Minimization |
| 9 | Turing machines |
| 10 | Counting |
| 11 | Recurrence relations |
| 12 | Generating functions |
| 13 | Revision |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.03 of the Handbook