263-4310-00L  Linear Algebra Methods in Combinatorics

SemesterSpring Semester 2018
LecturersP. Penna
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
263-4310-00 VLinear Algebra Methods in Combinatorics2 hrs
Tue10:15-12:00CAB G 51 »
P. Penna
263-4310-00 ULinear Algebra Methods in Combinatorics2 hrs
Thu13:15-15:00CAB G 57 »
P. Penna

Catalogue data

AbstractThis course describes the linear algebra bound technique also called dimension argument. To learn the technique we discuss several examples in combinatorics, geometry, and computer science. Besides this technique, the course aims at showing the mathematical elegance of certain proofs and the simplicity of the statements.
ObjectiveBecoming familiar with the method and being able to apply it to problems similar to those encountered during the course.
ContentThis course is (essentially) about one single technique called the "linear algebra bound" (also known as "dimension argument"). We shall see several examples in combinatorics, geometry, and computer science and learn the technique throughout these examples. Towards the end of the course, we shall see the power of this method in proving rather amazing results (e.g., a circuit complexity lower bound, explicit constructions of Ramsey graphs, and a famous conjecture in geometry disproved). The course also aims at illustrating the main ideas behind the proofs and how the various problems are in fact connected to each other.
Lecture notesLecture notes of each single lecture will be made available (shortly after the lecture itself).
LiteratureMost of the material of the course is covered by the following book:

1. Linear algebra methods in combinatorics, by L. Babai and P. Frankl, Department of Computer Science, University of Chicago, preliminary version, 1992.

Some parts are also taken from

2. Extremal Combinatorics (with Applications in Computer Science), by Stasys Jukna, Springer-Verlag 2001.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits5 credits
ExaminersP. Penna
Typeend-of-semester examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is only offered at the end after the course unit. Repetition only possible after re-enrolling.
Additional information on mode of examinationThe final exam (duration 120 minutes) will take place in the last week of the semester.
The total final grade will be a combination of your exercise grade (30%) and your exam grade (70%). Grades above 3.00 for both parts are required.

Learning materials

 
Main linkLinear Algebra Methods in Combinatorics (course webpage)
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

There are no additional restrictions for the registration.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
CAS in Computer ScienceFocus Courses and ElectivesWInformation
Computer Science MasterElective Focus Courses General StudiesWInformation
Computer Science MasterFocus Elective Courses Theoretical Computer ScienceWInformation