Due Dates

• Phase 1: At the beginning of Module B evaluation workshop
• Phase 2:  At the beginning of Module C evaluation workshop
• Completion: At the beginning of the final evaluation workshop

Background and Objective

We have already discussed a few examples that demonstrate the usefulness of discrete math for representing real-world problems.  In this mini project, you will find your own real-world problem that can be represented using discrete math.  By doing this project, you are expected to understand the usefulness of discrete math and demonstrate your competency in this topic.

Here are examples of mini projects from Fall 2002 (Example 1, Example 2) and Spring 2003 (Example 3, Example 4).  Note that the requirements for these semesters were different from the ones for this semester.  Thus, these examples will not get full credit under this semester's requirements.

Approach

Requirements/Instructions

• Choose an object/phenomenon that interests you.  Your project must be unique, i.e., substantially different from the examples in class/exercises,  other students' projects, and the posted sample projects.
• If your object/phenomenon is not widely known, you must describe it so that any one can understand it.
• Informally describe the logic-structure connection involving the object/phenomenon, cf. examples discussed in class/exercises.
• There is no length requirement.  Your mini project must be word-processed (except for special symbols/diagrams/schematics, if any).  Note that most math symbols are available in the font "Symbol."
• Self-evaluation (must be included at the end of the submission): Make sure that your submission satisfies the above requirements.  Give 1 pt if it is the case, 0 pts if not.
  

• Your Phase 1 must be complete.
  
• Respond to the feedback of the instructor on Phase 1, if any.
• Formally define the structure of your object/phenomenon.  Also try to define the structure components as much as possible 
• Write up your logical specification as clearly as possible.  You may use First-Order Logic formulae; but that is not required.  However, it would be good if you try this because that would force you to write up your conditions clearly.
  
• Explain how the structure would satisfy the logical statements.  Examine whether unintended structures would also satisfy the logical statements.
  
• There is no length requirement.  Your mini project must be word-processed (except for special symbols/diagrams/schematics, if any).
• Self-evaluation (must be included at the end of the submission): Make sure that your submission satisfies the above requirements.  Give 1 pt if it is the case, 0 pts if not.
  

• Your Phase 1 and 2 must be complete.
  
• Respond to the feedback of the instructor on Phase 2, if any.
• Technical requirements
  
• Theme:  Your project demonstrates the logic-structure connection.
  
• Uniqueness:  Your project must be unique.
• Complexity:  Your problem must be reasonably complex.  That is, a problem that appears too simplistic may not receive full credit.  On the other hand, you may simplify a very complicated problem as long as you can justify the process.  If you are not sure about the complexity level, check with the instructor.
• Completeness:  All the essential aspects of the problem must be represented.  If this becomes unreasonably complex, you may omit certain aspects as long as you can justify the process.  You must try to eliminate unintended structures.
• Correctness:  Your project must be convincing and the use of discrete math must be correct.
• Connections:  You must compare your structure with others (e.g., those discussed in class/exercises) with respect to similarities and differences.
  
• Clarity: Your project must be understandable by other students and the instructor.
  
• Your project must be your own work.  Upon submission, you may be asked questions (either oral or written) about your project.  Be prepared to answer questions.
• There is no page-number requirement (neither minimum nor maximum).  However, a single paragraph would probably be insufficient to deliver the content required here.  On the other hand, you do not need to write a 10-page paper (this is not a full term paper).  Your mini project must be word-processed (except for special symbols/diagrams/schematics, if any).
• Self-evaluation (must be included at the end of the submission): Evaluate your work with respect to all of the above requirements and include it at the end of your project.  Assign a grade between 3 and 0 depending on how well your project satisfies the above requirements.
  

Grading

• Phase 1: 1 point based on whether all the requirements are met
• Phase 2: 1 point based on whether all the requirements are met
• Final evaluation: 3, 2, 1, or 0 points based on the instructor's review of your self-evaluation

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