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Topics
in Graph
Theory: Products
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MATH
756
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Fall,
2023
3 lecture hours, 3 credits
TR
2:00-3:15, Harris 4145
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SYLLABUS
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Virginia Commonwealth University
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| TEXTBOOK: |
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Handbook of Product Grpohs (2nd
Edition), by R. Hammack, W. Imrich & S. Klavzar
CRC Press, Taylor & Francis
ISBN 978-1-4398-1304-1 |
COURSE DESCRIPTION: |
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This is a course in the structural and
algebraic properties of graph products. We will discuss
material from at least the first 16 chapters of the
textbook, with additional topics depending on student
interest. You are expected to read the text actively at the
schedule posted on the course calendar, and to work as many
exercises as possible.
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| CALENDAR: |
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Please keep up with the readings and exercises
as posted on the Course Calendar on the course web
page (or go to www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/Math756/Cal2023F.html).
The calendar will be updated often, but should always
accurately reflect what we will do in the next two weeks.
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| EXERCISES: |
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Although I will not collect
homework, your working the exercises is a fundamental
component of the course. Suggested exercises for each
chapter are listed on the course calendar. You do not
necessarily have to work them all -- concentrate on the ones
that capture your interest, but also do enough to prepare
yourself for the tests. Although most exercises have at
least a hint of a solution in the Appendix, it is important
that you only look up a solution as a last resort, or to
confirm your own solution. We can discuss solutions in
class, or in office hours. |
| GRADED WORK: |
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There will be three tests and a final exam.
Each test will consist of 10 to 15 questions taken from the
exercises, and you will be asked to solve a subset of these
questions (e.g. five or six, of your choice). The final exam
will be of the same format, except the it will be
cumulative, and you will be asked to solve more problems. The
tests and exam are closed-book and in-class. Phones,
computers, etc. must be put away.
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NO-EXAM OPTION:
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Instead of taking the exam, you have the
option of writing a research paper on a topic of your choice
(subject to my approval). This paper should contain some
original work of your own, such as new proof of an existing
result, or substantial work on an unsolved problem. The
paper should be of appropriate length and depth, but there
is no exact page requirement. (For example, a 3-page
publishable paper would suffice!)
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FINAL GRADES:
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I will grade on the 10-point scale (A:
90-100; B:80-89; etc.). Your highest two test
grades contribute to 70% of your grade. Your final exam (or
paper) contributes 30%. |
COURSE POLICIES: |
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- Attendance: Attendance is not normally taken.
You are responsible for all material covered in
lectures.
- Honor System: Any instance of
cheating is considered an honor offense and is dealt
with according to University policy.
- You are expected to work lots of
exercises for practice.
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LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW:
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Friday October 27 |
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