Graph Theory (Math 224) Fall 2005

Class meets at 2:15 in REISS 264 on MWF. Last updated 11/01/05.

You can reach me by voice-mail at 7-2703 or by e-mail kainen at georgetown.edu

See the index page for information on office hours and location.

Other general information, including for other courses, on the index (classroom) page . Back to the graph theory page.

The text is Introduction to Graph Theory by R. J. Trudeau, Dover Publ, NY, 1993. We will cover most of the book and some additional topics given in class. Students are expected to _make a sincere effort_ by

Schedule for midterms:

Students will also be required to make a class presentation (in a group) during the last three classes Dec. 2, 5 and 7; I'll discuss this in class later. On Nov. 18 and 21, we'll go over several possible papers, including applications and theory. I'll have posted some of them online by the 16th.

  1. Doing the homework - both informal problems to be discussed in class as well as those to be written up for collection. For the latter, I expect you to write clearly (both in terms of legibility and your reasoning.) This may entail a rough draft which you then rewrite.
  2. Asking yourself constantly: "Could I give an example of this?"
  3. Attending class on a regular basis; a few misses are acceptable, as everyone has occasional conflicts, but you should be here most of the time.
  4. Paying attention to lectures and doing the reading and problems so that you are prepared for the quizzes.
  5. Studying thoroughly and effectively for the tests.
  6. Bringing your questions to class!

I recommend that you use the text aggressively - just plunge in! Try to work problems on your own, looking back to see what is there if you get stuck. Basic concepts will be explained in class but not necessarily all of them. Read the book with a critical attitude, skipping the voluminous "explanations" but looking for those points that are confusing. One way to identify such confusions is to see whether you can work the examples given in the text or in class.

Then bring your questions to class!

Calculators are not allowed for use on quizzes, tests, or the final. They won't be needed in any case.

I suggest that you collaborate with some of your classmates. Studying in a group helps prevent you from dozing off and someone else can better quiz you on a concept than you can do it yourself. However, you should do homework on your own. It is your best chance to learn the material.

As I mention in class, the sina qua non for the class is _effort_ which you can demonstrate through homework, quizzes and class participation. In general, I have found that students who do make a real effort will not be disappointed in their grade - more specifically, you have a good chance of earning at least a "B" and possibly better, though of course this is not guaranteed.

Grades are based on the following:

Quizzes will be frequent and unannounced. You are expected to attend most classes, but occasional absences are acceptable. In general, quizzes are brief and are designed to show that you have been paying attention.

I expect you to do the homework assignments. If you can't be there the day it is due, give it to someone else to hand in for you. Neither quizzes nor homework can be made up later. Also, please save your old homework, quizzes, and tests so that you can use them for review and so that I can go over them with you in the event you have difficulties later.

BTW, sometimes your solutions are different than the ones given in class. In fact, sometimes they are better! That is worth an extra plus in my grade book ;-)

Homework or quizzes which are not picked up in class will be in a box outside Reiss 258. Be sure to pick them up asap since you'll need to have them later, and also since there may be valuable information in the corrections.

Back to the graph theory page .