Math6014 Graph Theory

This is a required class in the PhD program in Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization. The objective is to provide rigorous treatment of Graph Theory at the level of an introductory graduate course. You do not need to know much about Graph Theory, but you do need the mathematical sophistication of a beginning mathematics graduate student in order to succeed in the course. You will be required to write rigorous mathematical proofs of non-trivial results. In addition to mathematical correctness attention will be paid to writing in an elegant and aesthetically pleasing way. An assignment will be due approximately every two weeks. Thus, in addition to learning Graph Theory, you will get to practice and improve your proof-writing skills. See the links below for sample problems you will be required to solve.

Instructor: Robin Thomas

Textbook: Diestel, Graph Theory. Notes on planar graphs.

Other texts you may wish to consult:
Bollobas, Modern Graph Theory (recommended source)
West, Introduction to Graph Theory
Bondy and Murty, Graph Theory with Applications
Even, Graph Algorithms
Lovasz, Combinatorial Problems and Exercises

Lecture Schedule: Fundamentals, Matching, Connectivity, Planar graphs, Coloring, Extremal Problems, Ramsey Theory, Random Graphs.
Lecture 1 Lecture 2 Lecture 3 Lecture 4 Lecture 5 Lecture 6 Lecture 7 Lecture 8 Lecture 9 Lecture 10 Lecture 11 Lecture 12 Lecture 13 Lecture 14 Lecture 15 Lecture 16 Lecture 17 Lecture 18 Lecture 19 Lecture 20 Lecture 22 Lecture 23 Lecture 24 Lecture 25 Lecture 26 Lecture 27 Lecture 28 Lecture 29

Grades: Approximately 30% homework, 30% midterm, 40% final.

Midterm exam. You will be asked to solve problems similar to proofs done in class or problems assigned in the problem sets below. You will be permitted to bring one letter size sheet of notes, one-sided only, and you will be required to turn it in at the conclusion of the examination. The midterm examination has been scheduled for October 11.

Problem sets: Problem sets will be posted here. You should be able to solve these problems, because they and their variations will appear in both the midterm and the final exam. Old problems are posted below.

no week 4 problems

no week 9 problems

no week 11 problems

Final examination. The Final examination will probably take place in the same room where the class meets, but that will not be confirmed until later. You will be permitted to bring one letter size sheet of notes, one-sided only, and you will be required to turn it in at the conclusion of the examination. You may be asked to state theorems we covered in class.

Homework: Each homework problem must be turned in on one-sided letter size paper. The text must be typed in 10pt font or larger. Figures and mathematical formulae may be drawn by hand in black ink. Do not fold pages or bend corners. Your work must be scannable at 300dpi. Electronic submission is allowed only in pdf format. Due dates will be strictly enforced. Clarity of exposition, ease of expression, mathematical elegance and overall physical appearance will all be factors in grading. A signed cover page must accompany each submission.

Homework 1. Solution.

Homework 2. Solution.

Homework 3.

Homework 4. Solution.

Honor Code: Discussing class material including problem sets is encouraged. However, no collaboration is allowed on problems assigned for homework, midterm or final.

Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 2:15-2:45 and after class, and by appointment.

Office: 217B Skiles.

This document: http://www.math.gatech.edu/~thomas/TEACH/6014

Old problem sets: First set Second set Third set Fourth set Fifth set Sixth set Seventh set Eighth set Nineth set