MA316      Half Unit
Graph Theory

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Prof Konrad Swanepoel

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Data Science, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Data Science, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Requisites

Pre-requisites:

Students must have completed MA103 before taking this course.

Additional requisites:

Or equivalent course giving a background in rigorous mathematics.

Course content

This course examines the basic concepts and techniques of graph theory. The topics to be covered are: fundamental concepts, connectivity, matchings, colourings, extremal problems, and a selection of the following: Ramsey theory, the probabilistic method, random graphs.

Teaching

1 hours of lectures in the Spring Term.
10 hours of classes and 20 hours of lectures in the Winter Term.

Formative assessment

Problem sets weekly

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

 

Indicative reading

D. B. West, Introduction to Graph Theory, Prentice Hall 2001

R. Diestel, Graph Theory, Springer 2010.

Further reading:

N. L. Biggs, Discrete Mathematics, OUP 2004

J.A.Bondy and U.S.R. Murty, Graph Theory with Applications, North-Holland, 1976

B. Bollobas, Modern Graph Theory, Springer 1998.

Assessment

Exam (90%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period

Problem sets (10%) weekly


Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Course Study Period: Winter and Spring Term

Unit value: Half unit

FHEQ Level: Level 6

CEFR Level: Null

Total students 2024/25: 9

Average class size 2024/25: 9

Capped 2024/25: No
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Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills