Combinatorics and Graph Theory (Math 351)

Instructor: M. Kate Kearney
E-Mail: kearney@gonzaga.edu
Office Number: Herak 227B Bollier 225
Office Hours:
• 1:00-2:00 Mondays (zoom)
• 9:30-10:30 Thursdays (zoom or in-person, by appointment only)
• 1:00-2:00 Thursdays (virtual Math Learning Center)
• 1:30-2:30 Fridays (zoom)
or by appointment. See Blackboard for a zoom and appointment links.

Homework: Is posted here.

Course Announcements:

Course description:
An introduction to combinatorics and graph theory with topics taken from counting techniques, generating functions, combinatorial designs and codes, matchings, directed graphs, paths, circuits, connectivity, trees, planarity, and colorings. Fall, odd years.

Prerequisite: MATH 231 Minimum Grade: D or MATH 301 Minimum Grade: D

Course learning outcomes:
• to understand a variety fo basic definitions and techniques from combinatorics and graph theory.
• to attempt to solve challenging problems and appreciate the depth of knowledge in the field.
• to apply combinatorial techniques to a variety of problems both within mathematics and more broadly.

Class meets MWF 10:00-10:50 am in Herak 257*. In accordance with Gonzaga's attendance policy you should not miss more than 6 meetings of this course.

We will be using the book Applied Combinatorics, Second Edition by Fred Roberts and Barry Tesman.

Grades will be assigned based on the following:
Homework60%
Project10%
Exams30%

• Homework will be assigned approximately once a week. Homework assignments will be announced in class and subsequently posted on this webpage. Late homework will be accepted for up to 50% credit for up to one week after the due date.*

• Projects will be assigned later in the semester.

• Midterm Exams will be scheduled later in the term. Expect one exam to occur in late September, and one in early November. These exams will cover basic content from class. Exam dates will be confirmed at least two weeks prior to the exam. Make-ups must be confirmed with your Professor at least 24 hours prior to the exam.

• Final Exam will be held as scheduled by the University on Tuesday, Dec 14, 1:00-3:00 pm. The final will be cumulative and will show your ability to use the content learned in class.

Makeup Examinations
Make up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. You must have approval from your instructor to take a make up exam. Aside from extreme extenuating circumstances, you should discuss any missed exams at least 24 hours prior to the exam.*



*Pandemic Note: We are still living in a global pandemic. Although I am vaccinated against COVID-19, I have children at home who are too young to be vaccinated. In the event that I or my children need to be in quarantine I will most likely move classes temporarily online in an attempt to disrupt our schedule as little as possible. I also recognize that exposure of yourself or your family may cause students to need to miss class at some point during the semester. I do not plan to record lectures, but I will make class notes available on OneDrive and will be available regularly for virtual office hours. If you need flexibility on timing of assignments or exams beyond what normal class policies allow, please contact me and we can discuss an appropriate solution.

Please follow the ZagOn webpage for up to date information about University guidelines related to the pandemic. Please be considerate to your community by wearing a mask in class and washing your hands regularly. I will be wearing a mask when I meet with you and prefer to meet on zoom when possible.



Academic Integrity
While collaboration and good use of resources are important for the learning process, you are expected to complete all your work on your own. You may talk with other people about how to solve homework problems, but your write-up should be done individually. Quizzes and tests are strictly your own work and any evidence of sources outside your own brain will be considered cheating. Sharing your work inappropriately with another student is also considered cheating.

Any cases of cheating will be dealt with seriously. You will be asked to meet with me and the math department chair. Severe cases may result in failure of the course and will be reported to the Dean.

Please refer to the student handbook for a description of the University's Academic Honesty policy.


A NOTE ON HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT:

Consistent with its mission, Gonzaga seeks to assure all community members learn and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Title VII, Title IX and Gonzaga's policy prohibit harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct. Gonzaga encourages anyone experiencing harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct to talk to someone from the Campus and Local Resources list found in the Student Code of Conduct Website: http://www.gonzaga.edu/Student-Life/Community-Standards/Student-Code-of-Conduct.asp about what happened so they can get the support they need and Gonzaga can respond appropriately. There are both confidential and non-confidential resources and reporting options available to you. Gonzaga is legally obligated to respond to reports of sexual misconduct, and therefore we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of a report, unless made to a confidential resource. Responses may vary from support services to formal investigations. As a faculty member, I am required to report incidents of sexual misconduct and thus cannot guarantee confidentiality. I must provide our Title IX coordinator with relevant details such as the names of those involved in the incident. For more information about policies and resources or reporting options, please visit the following websites: www.gonzaga.edu/eo and www.gonzaga.edu/titleix.

NOTICE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES/MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides reasonable accommodation for their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability/medical condition requiring an accommodation, please call or visit the Disability Access office (room 208 Foley Library, 509-313-4134).

CLASS ATTENDANCE:

I follow strictly the university's standard policy on absences: the maximum allowable absence is two class hours (100 minutes) for each class credit. For a three-credit class meeting three times a week, the maximum number of absences allowed is six. For a three-credit class meeting twice a week, the maximum number of absences allowed is four. The grade for excessive absences is "V", which has the same effect as "F" (Fail) and is counted in the GPA. (See also "Class Attendance Policy" online catalogue: Absence Policy)

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS:
In compliance with Washington State law (RCW 28.10.039), it is the policy of Gonzaga University to reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of their academic course or program. The Policy on Religious Accommodations for Students describes procedures for students requesting a Religious Accommodation and for faculty responding to such a request.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Academic honesty is expected of all Gonzaga University students. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and theft. Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, (1) a failing grade for the test or assignment in question, (2) a failing grade for the course, or (3) a recommendation for dismissal from the University. (See also: "Academic Honesty" )

COURSE EVALUATION:

At Gonzaga, we take teaching seriously, and we ask our students to evaluate their courses and instructors so that we can provide the best possible learning experience. In that spirit, we ask students to give us feedback on their classroom experience near the end of the semester. I will ask you to take a few minutes then to carry out course/instructor evaluation on-line. Please know that I appreciate your participation in this process. This is a vital part of our efforts at Gonzaga to improve continually our teaching, our academic programs, and our entire educational effort.