Combinatorics and Graph Theory3450: 415/515; (3 credits)
Text: Introductory Combinatorics (5th edition) by Richard Brualdi
Instructor: Dr. Stefan ForceyE-mail:
Office: 275 CASPhone: 330-972-6779 330-972-7400 (dept)
Office Hours: MTuF 2-3pm. W 3:30-4:30 pm.
Course Objective: Combinatorics is what it says on the tin: the study of combining. We start with the simplest building blocks: sets, numbers, shapes—and see what we can make. First we ask how to count the structures we build, then we ask how to relate them to each other. In this class we will learn the basics of enumerative combinatorics, including generating functions, recurrence relations, inclusion-exclusion, and other topics. We will also see some of the basics of the theory of graphs. All of these topics have many applications to computer science, biology, and many other fields.
Important Note: All relevant course information will be posted on the course webpage:
Be sure to check this page frequently for announcements, including homework assignments and exam dates.
Homework: Homework will be a fundamental part of this course, and will constitute a large percentage of your grade. Homework will be assigned in class and posted on the course webpage, and will be due in class roughly once a week. I encourage you to work in groups outside of class on the homework. However, you must write the solutions yourself in your own words to receive credit. Please make sure your homework is legible, and stapled. Late homework will be accepted for a maximum of 50% of the possible grade, and will not be accepted at all more than three days after it is due.
Exams: There are two regular exams (dates TBA) and a final exam onFriday, Dec. 9, 10:00-11:55 am in our regular classroom. Makeup exams are given at my discretion. You MUST CONTACT ME PRIOR to the exam to be considered for a makeup.
Grade Basis: Each regular exam will be 200 points, and the final exam will be worth 300 points. The homework will be worth 200 points, and there will be a 100 point poster project, for a total of 1000 points.
Letter Grades: A (90%), B (80%), C (70%), D (60%). Also: +/- grades, given at my discretion.
Office of Accessibility: Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility at 330-972-7928. The office is located in Simmons Hall, Room 105
Important dates:
• Aug 22. Day one. Aug. 26: Last day to add.
• Sep. 5: No class on Labor day. Last drop day.
• Oct. 9: Last day to w/draw.
• Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break.
• Dec. 2: Last day. Dec 9. Final exam 10 am