Section Discrete Mathematics (DM)

The section DM is interested in all mathematical problems of a discrete nature. The three chairs within DM maintain the three main research areas: the more applied coding theory and cryptology; the combinatorial optimization which goes into problems in operational management; and the more fundamental discrete algebra and geometry.

The section DM has three chairs:

Coding Theory and Cryptology

The chair for Coding Theory and Cryptology (CC) performs research in theoretical and applied areas of both topics:



Combinatorial Optimization

The Combinatorial Optimization (CO) group focuses on the analysis and solution of discrete algorithmic problems that are computationally difficult (NP-hard). A generic formulation of such problems is: given a number of boundary conditions and constraints, find a solution that minimizes the cost or maximizes the profit.

Discrete Algebra and Geometry

Phenomena throughout mathematics and the natural sciences have discrete algebraic aspects, often along with analytical counterparts. While the latter are typically modelled using real numbers, differential equations, and numerical computations, describing the discrete-algebraic aspects involves objects like nite elds, graphs, polynomials, groups, algebras, and symbolic computations. The Discrete Algebra and Geometry (DAG) group at the TU/e develops the mathematics needed for such a description.