MATH 2732 - Discrete Mathematics

Purpose: to help other instructors teaching the same course

Common Course ID: MATH 2732
CSU Instructor Open Textbook Adoption Portrait

Abstract: This open textbook is being utilized in a mathematics course for undergraduate students by Dr. Youngsu Kim at California State University, San Bernardino. The open textbook provides problem sets via WebWork, instructor-developed worksheets, and embedded videos through PlayPosit. The main motivation to adopt an open textbook was to provide high-quality, affordable materials tailored to students in computer science and engineering. Most student access the open textbook in Canvas.

MATH 2732 – Discrete Mathematics

Brief Description of course highlights:  MATH 2732 is an introductory course to discrete mathematics for students in computer science and engineering. It covers topics including propositional logic, set theory, combinatorics, and an introduction to graph theory. https://catalog.csusb.edu/coursesaz/math/

Student population: Students are mostly computer science or engineering majors. They typically have completed a calculus course but may have limited proof-writing experience.

Learning or student outcomes:  The CSUSB Mathematics Department is committed to developing and measuring the outcomes of our teaching efforts. Please see the following website for a list of these outcomes: https://www.csusb.edu/mathematics/undergraduate/advisingLinks to an external site

Goal 1 Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of mathematics
1.1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts, algorithms, operations, and relations

Goal 2 Students will attain procedural fluency in mathematics
2.1. Students will correctly apply mathematical theorems, properties and definitions
2.2. Students will calculate efficiently, flexibly, and with appropriate accuracy

Key challenges faced and how resolved:
- Challenge: Commercial textbooks are expensive, yet only partially used.
- Resolution: Adopted an OER textbook supplemented with WebWork for homework, instructor-created worksheets, and interactive videos.

Textbook or OER/Low cost Title: Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction (3rd ed.)

Brief Description: This OER textbook offers clear explanations, engaging exercises, and a natural progression through discrete topics. It integrates well with WebWork for automatic grading. The instructor supplemented the core text with lecture slides, worksheets, and PlayPosit videos.

Please provide a link to the resource  https://discrete.openmathbooks.org/dmoi3.html

Authors:  Oscar Levin

Student access:  All course materials are accessed through Canvas. External links to the textbook and WebWork are embedded there. No purchase or registration was required.

Supplemental resources: WebWork, Instructor-created worksheets, PlayPosit, Lecture slides

Provide the cost savings from that of a traditional textbook.  Approximately $3,762 = $114 × 33 students

License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

OER/Low Cost Adoption Process

Provide an explanation or what motivated you to use this textbook or OER/Low Cost option.To reduce financial barriers while maintaining instructional quality. The OER platform allowed for alignment with course learning outcomes and enabled deeper student engagement through various OER materials and tools.

How did you find and select the open textbook for this course? Another faculty recommended me checking out the textbook.

Sharing Best Practices: Nothing is perfect. Listen to the students.

Describe any key challenges you experienced, how they were resolved  and lessons learned. Integration of OER and LMS systems (like Canvas/WebWork/PlayPosit) may take some prep time. Students like working together in the classroom.

Instructor Name:  Youngsu Kim
I am an assistant professor at California State University, San Bernardino. 

Please provide a link to your university page.
https://www.csusb.edu/mathematics/faculty-staff

Please describe the courses you teach
MATH 2732 – Discrete Mathematics
MATH 2270/4270 – Differential Equations I & II
MATH 1201 – Introduction to Statistical Thinking
MATH 4600/6016 – Abstract Algebra and Graduate Algebra

Describe your teaching philosophy and any research interests related to your discipline or teaching.  I strive to connect abstract mathematical concepts with concrete examples and real applications. My research interests lie in commutative algebra and algebraic geometry, and I explore ways to integrate open resources and interactive technologies into teaching.