4P4: Algebra 1
2001
Semester: 1
Code: 539.434
From a given group, we can construct a graph in many different ways, and the study of such graphs is currently a very active research area. Several members of our department (including one of the lecturers) are considered international experts of the field. Besides mathematicians, computer scientists are also eager to find out more about graphs which are associated with groups, as they play an important role in practical problems, such as designing interconnection networks. This unit will be an introduction to group theoretic methods in the theory of graphs. The structure of the unit will enable students to learn widely used techniques and classical results, and they will also encounter some open problems. These problems can encourage some students to join our research group as PhD or MSc students. Another aim of the unit is to show how group theory can be used in other areas of mathematics. We will cover Cayley graphs, coset graphs, orbital graphs, applications to interconnection networks, s-arc transitive graphs, 2-arc transitive graphs, quotient graphs, quasiprimitive graphs. We will also discuss the theory of permutation groups and introduce the necessary concepts.
Prerequisites: 2GA2 is essential, 3P5 is desirable.
Points: 6
Contact Hours: 3
Assessment: Exam 70% Assignments 30%.
Csaba Schneider
6 March 1
