Thinking Logically
Out of all of my classes this semester, the one that I look forward to doing the homework for the most is Discrete Mathematics, CS61. That may be an unpopular opinion since Discrete isn’t really known for being a very fun class, but I’ve really been enjoying it so far (though that opinion might change once I get my first exam score back). So without further ado, here’s my take on one of my favorite classes this semester, Discrete Mathematics.
Discrete Mathematics, or the more math heavy version Bridge to Higher Mathematics, is a requirement for Computer Science majors in both the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Sciences. Its goal is to help students further develop their math skills by learning how to better convey math in words, how to write proofs, and how math and logic connect to Computer Science. Lastly, it’s a prerequisite for more advanced classes in the Computer Science department such as CS105, Programming Languages. With those factors and its reputation, I thought it would be best to just get it over with now even though it’s not on the Class of 2025 Computer Science degree sheet until spring of second-year.
After about a month, I’ve learned a lot of new material. The pace in the class isn’t necessarily too terrible, but a lot of new things are thrown at you and you have to take it all in before the next class which is always just a mere two days away. Unfortunately for me, Discrete meets three times a week at 10:30 AM at Joyce Cummings Center which is a much earlier start time for my day than last semester and a much further walk so sometimes I’m a little tired and probably not paying as much attention. Fortunately for me, the class is short, only 50 minutes long and like most CS classes, there are TA and Professor’s Office Hours for 12 hours a day so I can pop in and ask questions whenever I need clarification or something. A little tip for CS Office Hours is one, to go, and two, to find TAs that are doing shifts at a convenient time for you and who can understand the way you ask questions and that you understand how they explain mathematical concepts. Other ways that concepts in class are reinforced are through the homework problems, textbook (which is one of the ones you should actually read!), recitations, and practice worksheets.
Discrete has given me insight into a new world of math and more relevantly Computer Science. I wish I would’ve started taking Discrete back when I took CS11 Intro to Computer Science since it would’ve helped me better understand concepts like Boolean Algebra, but taking Discrete alongside CS15 has been very enlightening and my Professor, Karen Edwards, has even been sitting in on CS15 lectures to see how the two classes overlap and can benefit each other.
I’ll leave you all with a challenge that might help you see why I like Discrete so much. Try solving the Lady or the Tiger logic puzzle and maybe you’ll start to see the joy of thinking logically.