Natalia Stan

• The Tutte polynomial is an important tool in graph theory. This paper provides an introduction to the two-variable polynomial using the spanning subgraph and rank-generating polynomials. The equivalency of definitions is shown in detail, as well as evaluations and derivatives. The properties and examples of the polynomial, i.e. the universality, coefficient relations, closed forms and recurrence relations are mentioned. Moreover, the thesis contains the connection between the dichromate and other significant polynomials.