Cs173 __top__ Jun 2026

: Students learn the fundamentals of predicate logic and how to write clear, literate proofs using techniques like direct proof, contrapositive, and contradiction.

: These form the language of the course, defining how data can be grouped, mapped, and compared. : Students learn the fundamentals of predicate logic

The course emphasizes and clear written arguments . Students learn not just how to compute, but how to prove that their solutions are correct. Success in CS 173 is often a strong predictor of success in upper-level CS theory courses. Students learn not just how to compute, but

We studied the P versus NP problem— Easy to verify, hard to solve. I could check the warmth of your hand in a millisecond, But to compute the path that led there Would take longer than the heat death of the universe. I could check the warmth of your hand

CS 173 has evolved over the years, notably through the work of Professor Margaret Fleck, who authored the primary textbook, Building Blocks for Theoretical Computer Science . CS173: Discrete Structures Syllabus