Introduction to Discrete Structures

Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Requisites: courses 31A, 31B. Not open for credit to students with credit for course 180 or 184. Discrete structures commonly used in computer science and mathematics, including sets and relations, permutations and combinations, graphs and trees, induction. P/NP or letter grading.

Review Summary

Clarity
3.3 / 10
Organization
5.0 / 10
Time
0-5 hrs/week
Overall
3.3 / 10

Reviews

    Quarter Taken: Winter 2021 Online
    Grade: A+

    When I took this class, the ratings from Bruinwalk were pretty awful. However, I didn't feel like it was a "bad" class (taking it during remote learning might also be a factor).

    Exams were not easy. However, we were given 24 hours. That being said, expect to spend more than 6 hours on it if you're not trying to crazily rush through it. (FYI, the final took me almost an entire day. The midterms were not that bad though.) Also, he released practice exams before the midterms and the final, which were very helpful.

    Homework is fairly light.

    In terms of lectures, I think he explained things pretty clearly. Some reviews say that his lectures were confusing, but I think that's mainly because the material for this class could be inherently hard for some people, depending on your background. Worst case, even if you are not following the lectures very well, the textbook gives a very comprehensive explanation of everything. I'd say that one could do this class by just reading the textbook without going to lectures. Of course, if you still have questions, you can go to his office hours and he's very willing to explain things to you.

    Quarter Taken: Winter 2019 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Cameron doesn't speak super clearly all the time, and mumbles sometimes which is particularly annoying when he's explaining a proof. He also isn't the best at explaining things. The exams were alright overall, but the first midterm had a ton of mistakes which messed with a lot of people.

Course

Instructor
James Cameron
Previously taught
21W 20W 19W 18F

Grading Information

  • No group projects

  • Attendance not required

  • 2 midterms

  • Finals week final

  • 100% recommend the textbook