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Combinatorics & Graph Theory in Computer Science

3 Credits.

This course covers the applications of combinatorics and graph theory in computer science. We will start with some basic combinatorial techniques such as counting and pigeon hole principle, and then move to advanced techniques such as the probabilistic method, spectral graph theory and additive combinatorics. We shall see their applications in various areas in computer science, such as proving lower bounds in computational models, randomized algorithms, coding theory and pseudorandomness.

Spring 2026

Topics

  • Counting and the pigeonhole principle
  • Probabilistic method
  • Spectral graph theory
  • Additive combinatorics
  • Lower bounds in computational models
  • Randomized algorithms
  • Coding theory and pseudorandomness

Readings

  • Extremal Combinatorics: With Applications in Computer Science
    Stasys Jukna · 2nd edition · Required textbook
  • The Probabilistic Method
    Noga Alon and Joel H. Spencer · 4th edition · Recommended textbook
Sources