Two ends of the same journey: Discrete Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

Two ends of the same journey: Discrete Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

Students entering the Master of Artificial Intelligence program must take the foundational course on Discrete Mathematics. What is this course all about and how can you prepare while on your journey to become a true AI professional? Find out in the article.

For anyone wishing to become a true AI professional, gaining a deep understanding of Discrete Mathematics is of the utmost importance. In the vast realm of artificial intelligence this fundamental pillar is often overlooked, but it is crucial to AI functioning. The reason being is that this branch of mathematics is essentially the mathematics of computers. 

While some may feel daunted by this, in RMIT’s Master of Artificial Intelligence program, lecturer Dr. Nguyen Hieu Thao does his best to demystify the subject and make Discrete Mathematics accessible, regardless of the student’s background.

Through his guidance, Dr. Thao unveils the multifaceted nature of Discrete Mathematics, likening it to a key that unlocks the secrets of problem-solving across various domains. From manufacturing processes to computer algorithms, Discrete Mathematics provides the framework and principles for turning complex problems into manageable components, facilitating their resolution. "Almost every task or operation in real life can be interpreted as a function," he asserts. “Functions encapsulate the transformation of inputs into outputs, embodying the essence of computational processes.”  

Dr. Thao further sheds light on functions when he notes “look at myself as a lecturer of this course, what is my function? Roughly speaking, I turn students (input) into masters of tools and principles of Discrete Mathematics essential for their future careers as AI experts (output).” 

Integral to the Discrete Mathematics course are multiple choice quizzes designed to fortify students' comprehension.  Students must review the learning materials in order to complete the quizzes and there are five questions per topic and around ten questions per quiz.

Students pointing at white board

Dr. Thao emphasises the importance of consistent engagement with learning materials, drawing parallels between mental agility and physical fitness. "Quizzes are there to flex one's mental muscles," he states, advocating for regular practice to nurture one’s problem-solving ability. Much like athletes training rigorously to excel in their sport, students must engage in regular practice to sharpen their mathematical prowess.

The bridge between Discrete Mathematics and AI becomes evident as Dr. Thao states that every Machine Learning algorithm is nothing more a function. For example, mastery of recursive functions, a cornerstone of Discrete Mathematics, is paramount for navigating the architecture and complexity of recurrent neural networks, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the two. 

Beyond the confines of academia, Discrete Mathematics finds surprising applications in cryptography, safeguarding sensitive information in cyber systems. Dr. Thao highlights the RSA cryptosystem as a testament to the practicality of Discrete Mathematics in cyber security. 

Dr. Thao ends his assessment of the course by stating that Mathematics in general, and specifically Discrete Mathematics, is simply the starting point of a journey – one that moves into computing theory, programming languages, data science and then ends in artificial intelligence. “They are strongly related to each other, these two ends,” Dr. Thao notes. “They are parts of the same journey.”

Are you looking to future-proof your career and become an AI professional? Find out what RMIT’s Master of Artificial Intelligence can do for you! 

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