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MATH 229Introduction to Combinatorics (Non-Specialist Level)

Units
0.50
Faculty
Mathematics
Subject
Mathematics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Introduction to graph theory: colourings, connectivity, Eulerian tours, planarity. Introduction to combinatorial analysis: elementary counting, generating series, binary strings.

Prerequisites

  • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
    • MATH106 - Applied Linear Algebra 1 (0.50)
    • MATH114 - Linear Algebra for Science (0.50)
    • MATH115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering (0.50)
    • MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
    • MATH146 - Linear Algebra 1 (Advanced Level) (0.50)

Antirequisites

  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • MATH239 - Introduction to Combinatorics (0.50)
    • MATH249 - Introduction to Combinatorics (Advanced Level) (0.50)

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001620421 / 30MWF 12:30–13:20
TUT 101649321 / 30M 10:30–11:20

Reviewed on UW Flow

80% liked it100% easy100% useful

From 5 ratings on UW Flow. Read them all on UW Flow.

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

20 posts and comments in 17 threads mention MATH 229, April 2015 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Taking Math 128 as Math Major? 4 points, 5 comments

“I was wondering if taking math 128 as a math major would negatively impact me for my future courses. I heard it's fine for cs majors but didn't find much info for Math majors. …”

u/Laeriana: “… (one notable exception being Mathematical Studies, which can require MATH 207 instead or MATH 229/239/249). Which programs were you looking into at the moment? …”

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Spring 2024

Easy UW electives 4 points, 0 comments

u/Own_Lengthiness3563: “I have to take three math electives in the fall term and I am confused between the following electives. I am looking to take easy electives and thus, would need some guidance on which ones to take. I am confused between PMATH 340 and stat 337. Math 229 and amath 231. Amath 351.”

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Fall 2023

[Recommendation] Take math 229! 6 points, 2 comments

u/kimiashaban: “… Then take math 229! This is the non-specialist version of math 239 where we cover many of the same topics as math 239, but we also have a couple of topics they don't and we cover everything at a more intuitive and playful level. …”

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Winter 2022

Spring 2021

Math 229 1 point, 3 comments

u/Dangerous-Reporter-5: “Can you take math 229 (non specialist combinatorics) being in honours math?. I did not see any anti-reqs but was wondering if anyone in math has done this before? Additionally, for anyone who has done the course before, how proof heavy is it?”

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What are some easy math courses to take in Fall 2021? 4 points, 16 comments

“I need some math course to fulfill my degree and I was wondering if anyone could recommend some easier math courses to take this fall? …”

u/phys94: “There are a lot of easy math courses you can try and take that are fun, but it depends on your skill set. I took math 239 and loved it, it was easy and fun, but requires a unique skill set. …”

u/aLostKey: “Even easier than math 239 (and I think more fun) is math 229. Same course but non-specialist level. Usually quite small, and good interaction with prof compared to 239 which usually has hundreds of students and is highly standardized”

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Fall 2020

Spring 2020

Math course selection help 2 points, 3 comments

u/Laeriana: “… Correction: I was describing my experience with MATH 229 here, not CO 227. Apologies for the confusion! I have in fact not taken CO 227, so I cannot comment. Hope that helps a little, and I'm sorry I couldn't help more with reviewing the profs! …”

u/OneFee: “I think you're mixing this up with Math 239/229. CO 227 focuses on the simplex algorithm and has a lot of linear algebra.”

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Is a grade of WD an anti-req? 0 points, 3 comments

“I want to drop a course and take a similar course next semester that is an anti-req of the course I'm dropping. Will I be allowed to since I will have a grade of WD on the course? …”

u/Laeriana: “… A good example of this is MATH 239 and MATH 229. If you've succesfully passed 239, you will not be able to take 229 (because it covers essentially the same content but taught and administered differently). …”

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Fall 2019

Spring 2019

Math 207 or Math 229? 1 point, 4 comments

u/irinachen: “Title. In terms of the level of difficulties/usefulness/workload. P.S: I am an Econ+Maths student Thanks :)”

u/Laeriana: “… Personally, I attempted to take MATH 229, but found the counting proofs explained in class to be too confusing. I would continue to default to algebra instead, which is not the point of the enumeration portion of the course. …”

u/-MrGoose-: “Courses mentioned in this thread: MATH207 MATH229”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

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