BOOK CLUB: SPECTRAL GRAPH THEORY

Course Description

This course is a book club in mathematics centered on the book Spectra of Graphs by Brouwer and Haemers. Together, we will explore how graphs can be studied using ideas from linear algebra, especially eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and matrix methods. This area, called Spectral Graph Theory, connects algebra, combinatorics, and graph structure in elegant and surprising ways.

The class will not be based mainly on lectures by the instructor. Instead, students will take an active role in the learning process by reading parts of the book, working on problems, and presenting what they learned to the class. Our meetings will be a space to discuss definitions, examples, theorems, proofs, and questions that come up from the reading.

The goal of the course is not only to learn spectral graph theory, but also to practice how mathematicians learn new mathematics: by reading carefully, testing ideas on examples, solving problems, explaining concepts to others, and asking good questions. This means that communication, participation, and collaboration will be an important part of the course.

Required Text

A copy of the book will be provided.