CSE 594: Combinatorial and Graph Algorithms

Spring 2005
Time:
Tue, Thr 2:00am-3:20pm, Place: Norton 214..


Course Syllabus


Instructor:     Prof. Hung Q. Ngo
            Office: 239 Bell Hall
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11-12am Phone: 645-3180 x 160
Email: hungngo@cse.buffalo.edu Course Description:

This course covers a variety of techniques for designing approximation algorithms. Two central themes are: (a) linear programming based techniques, and (b) combinatorial methods. Recent results on hardness of approximation, approximate counting, and semidefinite programming might also be touched upon if time allows. We shall spend roughly a third of the semester on each of linear programming and combinatorial methods. The other third is reserved for more specialized topics. We shall attempt to cover a broad range of commonly faced optimization problems, mostly on graphs, which can be naturally modelled and/or solved using linear programming and other approximation techniques. In addition to that, students are expected to gain substantial discrete mathematics problem solving skills essential for computer engineers and scientists.

The textbook is meant mostly to be a reference. We shall cover many topics not covered in the texts. Appropriate lecture notes shall be given.

This course is mathematical in nature. One aim is for students to be able to formulate practical problems mathematically, and find familiar techniques to solve them if possible.
Course Objectives:

Prerequisites:

A solid background on basic algorithms. (A formal course like CSE531 suffices.)
Ability to read and quickly grasp new discrete mathematics concepts and results.
Ability to do rigorous formal proofs.

At the end of this course, each student should be able to:

References:

Class homepage:

        http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~hungngo/classes/2005/594

Work load:

Grading policy:

Academic Honesty:

Misc. Items: