Topics in Graph
Theory: Products

MATH 756
  Fall, 2023
3 lecture hours, 3 credits
TR 2:00-3:15, Harris 4145
SYLLABUS
Virginia Commonwealth University

INSTRUCTOR:
  Richard Hammack Office: Harris Hall 4166
  E-mail: rhammack@vcu.edu
Office hours:
  Phone: (804) 828-6237 (Note: VCU does not provide voicemail)
Web page:
www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/
Tuesdays: 12:30-1:45
Thursdays: 9:30-10:45
  Course web page: www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/Math756/
and by appointment.


TEXTBOOK:
  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:
  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.

CALENDAR:
  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.

EXERCISES:
  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:
  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.

NO-EXAM OPTION:

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!)

FINAL GRADES:


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:
 
  • 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.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW:

Friday October 27


BOILERPLATE:


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