MATH 172 – Combinatorics



Class times: Tues/Thur 3:30-5:00pm

Instructor: Sylvie Corteel

e-mail: lastname at berkeley dot edu

Course homepage: math.berkeley.edu/~corteel/Math172.html

Office hours: TBD, Zoom.

Textbook: Introductory Combinatorics, 5th Ed., Richard A. Brualdi

Further reading: How to Count: An Introduction to Combinatorics, R.B.J.T. Allenby and Alan Slomson

Topics: Selected topics from Chapters 2-8 and 11-14 of Brualdi

Combinations and Permutations of Multi-sets
The Binomial and Multinomial Coefficients
The Inclusion-Exclusion Principle
The Pigeon-Hole Principle
Recurrence Equations
Generating Functions
Special Counting Sequences: Catalan numbers, Stirling Numbers
Graph theory
Polya counting

Prerequisites: Math 55 (Discrete Mathematics)

Grading: Homework, Quizzes, Midterm, Final, Oral presentation

Homework Policies: No homework will be accepted after class for any reason. You may work together on homework problems, but your solutions should be written up independently and reflect your own understanding of the material.

Final exam:

Special accommodations: In case of disability, extracurricular activities, or religious holidays, please follow official university procedure.

Date

Topics

Reading

Homework