Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

Harvard Summer School

CSCI S-20

Section 1

CRN 34851

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This course teaches all the math not taught in the traditional calculus/linear algebra sequence that is needed to take more advanced courses in theory of computation and/or algorithms. That is, it teaches discrete mathematics, logic, and basic probability, but does not teach calculus or linear algebra. It also gives a good introduction to reading mathematical notation and writing formal proofs. A principal objective of the course is to not just teach a set of mathematical topics, but also to prepare students to think mathematically and to read and write mathematics.

Credits: 4

Term

Summer Term 2026

Part of Term

Full Term

Format

Live Attendance Web Conference

Credit Status

Graduate, Noncredit, Undergraduate

Section Status

Open

Instructor Info

Rebecca Nesson, PhD

Executive Director, Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and Lecturer on Computer Science, Harvard University

Kitty Ascrizzi, ME

Preceptor in Computer Science, Harvard University

Meeting Info

MW 12:00pm - 3:00pm (6/22 - 8/7)

Participation Option: Online Synchronous

Deadlines

Last day to register:

Prerequisites

MATH S-Ar or the equivalent.

Notes

This course meets via web conference. Students must attend and participate at the scheduled meeting time. See minimum technology requirements. Open to admitted Secondary School Program students by petition. Harvard College students: This course is eligible for degree credit, but see important policy information. The pre-recorded lectures are the same as those used in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences course Computer Science 20.

Syllabus

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Tuition

All Sections of this Course

CRN	Section #	Participation Option(s)	Instructor	Section Status	Meets	Term Dates
34851	1	Online Synchronous	Team Taught	Open	MW 12:00pm - 3:00pm	Jun 22 to Aug 7
26502	1	Online Synchronous	Adam Hesterberg	Open	Th 7:40pm - 9:40pm	Jan 25 to May 15