Office hours (no appointment necessary):
Textbook: R. Brualdi, Introductory Combinatorics, third edition. We will cover several chapters of the book, beginning with Ch. 1.
Grading System: There will be 550 course points.
Tests: 100 points each. Final Exam: 150 points. Homework: for handing in assignments, 30 points, for homework score, 30 points. Class participation: 40 points.The tests are on 10/5, 11/2, 11/30 (changed).
Attendance: We meet M, Tu, W, F. Attendance is required every day. Tuesdays are not optional.
Test Policy: You are responsible for everything covered in class and for all assigned readings and problems. NO MAKEUPS will normally be allowed on quizzes (if any) or class tests, but I will use my discretion. If you miss a test be prepared to document the reason. No early finals under any circumstances. If you have a question about any grade, you must see me before the next test. There may or may not be quizzes, and they may or may not be announced in advance.
Advice about tests (and good for homework too): Often there are several ways to solve a problem. Some may be faster than others. Your ability to find efficient solutions will be a factor in taking tests. If you find inefficient, long solutions to some problems, you may not have enough time to finish a test. This is not speed, it is knowing how to find good ways of solving problems. You develop this by practice. Keep it in mind!
Homework: Most problems will not be graded; they will be discussed in class (as time allows), usually one or two days a week. (You may ask about any problem, not necessarily assigned--again as time allows.) I'll specify a few hand-in problems that will be collected and some graded; they will not be discussed until after they are returned. Normally (but not always) discussion will be Tuesday, hand-ins will be due by 2:20 p.m. Friday (in class) and returned Monday or Tuesday. I NEVER ACCEPT LATE HW. (You may leave early HW in a depository envelope next to the door of my office before class. Not under my door or in my mailbox, please!)
HW grading system (with an occasional exception): Each problem gets 4 "HW points".
I expect all answers to be fully justified (unless my instructions say otherwise). A ``HW point'' is worth about $0.1$ course point, so don't worry about a point on the homework, but do worry if you don't understand how to solve the problem or how it was graded! Then come and discuss it with me.
For other rules, see the homework page.
Class Presentation: I'll expect everyone to present HW problems in class. (If you have any problem with this, please see me soon to make alternative arrangements.) You need not be correct, but you must have made a good try. If you are absent or not ready the first time I call you, I'll call on you the next week.