Introduction to Combinatorics
Math / Comp Sci / Stat 475
Fall 2013
Meetings: Van Vleck B115, MWF 12:05pm–12:55pm
Lecturer: Robert Harron
Email
rharron at math.wisc.edu
Office
Van Vleck 319
Office Hours
Tuesdays 1:25pm–2:25pm
Fridays
12:55pm–1:55pm
Course website: http://math.wisc.edu/˜rharron/teaching/math475/
Textbook: Richard A. Brualdi’s Introductory Combinatorics, Fifth Edition
Official description: Problems of enumeration, distribution, and arrangement. Inclusion-exclusion
principle. Generating functions and linear recurrence relations. Combinatorial identities. Graph
coloring problems. Finite designs. Systems of distinct representatives and matching problems in
graphs. Potential applications in the social, biological, and physical sciences. Puzzles. Problem
solving.
Assignments: There will be weekly assignments. Problems will be posted after each lecture, then
bundled together and due at a specified time each week.
Exams: There will be one midterm during class time and a final during the usual exam period:
Midterm:
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 12:05pm–12:25pm
Final:
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:45am–9:45am
Check if you have a conflict with these, and if so, email me within the next week.
Grading scheme:
Homework
25%
Midterm
25%
Final
50%
Remarks:
• Reading ahead in the book is a simple way to keep up with class. Even if you dont understand
as you’re reading, the feeling of familiarity during the lecture will be helpful. Still, try to see
if you can understand, or work out some of the examples.
• Calculators will not be allowed during exams.
Getting help: If you are having trouble with the course, or even if there are just some questions
you would like to ask, it is important that you do so. Math is a subject that constantly builds on
what has come before, so your problems can quickly snowball. Please talk to me if you have any
questions, either after class time or stop by my office hours. Or better yet, ask your questions in
class!