Combinatorics and Graph Theory
3450: 415/515; (3 credits)
Text: Introductory Combinatorics (5th edition) by Richard Brualdi
Instructor: Dr. James (J.P.) CosseyE-mail:
Office: 234 CASPhone: 330-972-8127 (office); 330-972-7400 (math dept)
Office Hours: Will be announced shortly. If you can’t make these, email me and we can figure out a time to meet.
Course Objective: Combinatorics, to put it simply, is the art of counting. While this may sound easy, it turns out it can be quite difficult. 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 every week and a half. 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 note that UNSTAPLED HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED (now might be the time to splurge for a 4 dollar stapler). 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 three in-class exams (dates TBA) and a final exam ona date TBA 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 100 points, and the final exam will be worth 200 points. The homework will be worth 200 points, and there will be a 50 point individual research project, for a total of 750 points.
Letter Grades: A (90%), B (80%), C (70%), D (60%). Also: +/- grades, given at my discretion.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: You can only receive a grade of Incomplete if you have at least a C average on work completed and are unable to finish the course due to circumstances beyond your control. The Dean’s Office must approve all Incompletes. For the deadlines to drop classes, please see the webpage: Attendance is required. No activated electronic devices (cell phone, pager, etc) are allowed in the classroom. Plus and minus grading will be used.
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.