Design Theory

Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in Combinatorial Design Theory, this work features explanations of basic designs such as Steiner and Kirkman triple systems, mutually orthogonal Latin squares, finite projective and affine planes, and Steiner quadruple systems.

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Created to teach students many of the most important techniques used for constructing combinatorial designs, this is an ideal textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in Combinatorial Design Theory. The text features clear explanations of basic designs such as Steiner and Kirkman triple systems, mutually orthogonal Latin squares, finite projective and affine planes, and Steiner quadruple systems. In these settings, the student will master various construction techniques, both classic and modern, and will be well prepared to construct a vast array of combinatorial designs.

Design Theory offers a progressive approach to the subject, with carefully ordered results. It begins with simple constructions that gradually increase in complexity. Each design has a construction that contains new ideas, or that reinforces and builds upon similar ideas previously introduced. The many illustrations aid in understanding and enjoying the application of the constructions described. Written by professors with the needs of students in mind, this is destined to become the standard textbook for design theory.