Faculty of Information Technology
MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 6 units, leading on to 31 units in all. Students rate it 3.0 out of 5 from 1 review and call it moderate.
Fine as a maths unit. Logic, proofs and graph theory are useful for later algorithms units. Lectures move fast and the notes are dense, so I mostly learned from the practice classes. Assessment is fair if you do the weekly problem sets.
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
6 units list MAT1830 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Prerequisite: VCE Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4 with a raw study score of at least 25.
Prohibition: MAT1077, MTH1112
Computation relies on discrete structures and formal reasoning to describe, analyse and solve problems involving data, systems, algorithms and computational processes. This unit introduces foundational discrete mathematics for computer science, including set theory, functions and relations, propositional and predicate logic, introductory methods of proof, sequences and series, elementary number theory, counting and combinatorics, and discrete probability.
You will learn how these mathematical ideas are used to model computational objects and relationships, reason about program behaviour, analyse structured and recursive processes, count possibilities, and work with uncertainty. The unit emphasises practical mathematical reasoning and interpretation in computer science contexts, helping you build confidence with the formal language and problem-solving techniques used in later computing studies.
You will develop the ability to manipulate discrete structures, apply logical and proof techniques, reason with sequences and number patterns, apply counting and probability methods, and explain mathematical ideas clearly. The unit provides essential foundations for later study in algorithms, programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software systems and theoretical computer science.
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| October intake teaching period, Malaysia campus | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
Apply discrete structures, including sets, functions and relations, to model and solve foundational problems in mathematics and computer science;
Use logic, introductory proof methods, sequences and elementary number theory to express, analyse and justify mathematical and computational claims;
Apply counting, combinatorial reasoning and elementary discrete probability to analyse possibilities and uncertainty in computational contexts;
Communicate discrete mathematical reasoning using appropriate notation, terminology, structured working and interpretation;
Plan, monitor and reflect on your development of discrete mathematical fluency through focused practice, feedback and responsible use of learning supports.
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled activities. Applied sessions start from Week 2 of the semester.
Course notes booklet (available as a pdf from the course Moodle page
The following textbooks are available at the library and may prove useful if you want additional resources beyond the course notes. It is not recommended that you buy them unless you find that you need your own copy.
"Discrete Mathematics" (7th Ed) by Richard Johnsonbaugh. ISBN: 0131354302.
"Discrete Mathematics for Computing" (3rd Ed) by Peter Grossman. ISBN: 9780230216112
You should regularly check the course Moodle page for announcements.
You may bring whatever resources you wish to classes.
MAT1830 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2027 handbook.
MAT1830 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
MAT1830 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 6 units, including FIT2014, FIT3234, FIT3235, FIT4047, MTH2051 and MTH2141. Those lead on to 31 units in all.
In 2027, MAT1830 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
Students who took it rate it moderate to do well in and light on workload (1 rating). The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester.
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
MAT1830 is part of Computer science, Data science and Software engineering.
It is rated 3.0 out of 5 from 1 review. Read the reviews above or add your own.