AMS 301 — Finite Mathematical Structures

Combinatorics, graph theory, recurrence relations, generating functions, and discrete probability — the discrete-mathematics foundation for computer science and operations research.

Instructor: Prof. Tan H. Cao

Term: Spring

Location: SUNY Korea

🔗 Official course page (Stony Brook AMS): AMS 301 — Finite Mathematical Structures

Course overview

A first course in discrete mathematics. Develops counting techniques, graph-theoretic reasoning, and recursive thinking — the foundational tools for theoretical computer science and operations research.

Main topics

  • Basic counting principles; permutations and combinations
  • Inclusion–exclusion; pigeonhole principle
  • Generating functions and recurrence relations
  • Graphs and trees; Eulerian and Hamiltonian paths; matching
  • Discrete probability and expectation

Prerequisites

AMS 151/161 (Applied Calculus) or equivalent.