Masoumeh Ahadi Moghaddam

• Abstract The main theme of this thesis is about Graph Coloring Applications and Defining Sets in Graph Theory. As in the case of block designs, finding defining sets seems to be difficult problem, and there is not a general conclusion. Hence we confine us here to some special types of graphs like bipartite graphs, complete graphs, etc. In this work, four new concepts of defining sets are introduced: • Defining sets for perfect (maximum) matchings • Defining sets for independent sets • Defining sets for edge colorings • Defining set for maximal (maximum) clique Furthermore, some algorithms to find and construct the defining sets are introduced. A review on some known kinds of defining sets in graph theory is also incorporated, in chapter 2 the basic definitions and some relevant notations used in this work are introduced. chapter 3 discusses the maximum and perfect matchings and a new concept for a defining set for perfect matching. Different kinds of graph colorings and their applications are the subject of chapter 4. Chapter 5 deals with defining sets in graph coloring. New results are discussed along with already existing research results, an algorithm is introduced, which enables to determine a defining set of a graph coloring. In chapter 6, cliques are discussed. An algorithm for the determination of cliques using their defining sets. Several examples are included.