Math 475
Spring 2005
Course Description
Course title: Combinatorics and Graph Theory
Mathematics Department Course Page for Math 475
Class time TuTh 12:30 -- 1:45
Class location: Room 1308 Math Building
Professor:
Mike Boyle
Office: Room 4413, Math Building
Phone: 301-405-5135
Prerequisites.
MATH 240 or 461; and MATH 241. Talk to me if you don't have
these preprequisites.
Required text:
Applied combinatorics, Alan Tucker, Fourth edition
Syllabus.
I expect to cover roughly the first eight chapters of
the text with some additional material on nonnegative
matrices, random permutations and perhaps other things.
The emphasis will be on problems rather than proofs (but
there will be some proof).
Grading.
The weighting in your course score points (600 possible) will be
- 200 Final Exam
- 200 Midterm exams (probably two midterm exams)
- 200 Homework
(The total possible points for homework will be normalized to 200.)
Course Grades.
Here is the correspondence of course grade and percentage
of possible points scored: A 85-100%, B 75-84%, C 65-74%, D 55-64%.
F 0-54%. It is possible that the curve
will be relaxed, but it won't be
made tougher.
Conflicts.
If you know before an exam that you have a schedule conflict,
contact me in advance. In this case, we can often
arrange an early exam.
On-line grades. We will use the online gradesheet
provided by the mathematics department.
After giving me an alias you will be able to see your grades from a
link I'll put on the course website.
Expectations/philosophy. You are expected to
come to class, do the homework, and most important of all be
actively engaged in trying to understand. Two tips for success:
- Don't fall behind. (For this, make a regular schedule of work.)
- Make friends. Help each other. (On homework, it's usually
best to try alone first.)
Academic integrity.
(Follow the link -- especially, observe the guideline for what
is and is not cheating in this class.)
Religious observances.
If your religion dictates that you cannot take an exam or
hand in assigned work on a particular date, then contact
me at the beginning of the semester to discuss
alternatives. You are responsible for making these
arrangements at the beginning of the semester.
Disabilities.
If you have some disability related to testing under the usual timed,
in-class conditions, you may contact the office of Disabled Students
Services (DSS) in Shoemaker. If they assess you as meriting private
conditions and/or extra time, then you may arrange to take your tests
at DSS, with extra time as they indicate. You must arrange this well in
advance of a test (in particular: no retakes). Click to
Disability Support Services for further information.