Instructor
Prof. Marco Varisco,
[email protected],
www.albany.edu/~mv312143/
Office: ES-120C,
Office Hours: MWF 10:25–11:20, or by appointment.
Schedule
MWF 9:20–10:15 in ES-153.
Prerequisites
AMAT 540A. (See the University’s Graduate Bulletin.)
Description
From Wikipedia: Algebraic topology is a branch of mathematics that uses tools from abstract algebra to study topological spaces. The basic goal is to find algebraic invariants that classify topological spaces up to homeomorphism, though usually most classify up to homotopy equivalence. Although algebraic topology primarily uses algebra to study topological problems, using topology to solve algebraic problems is sometimes also possible. Algebraic topology, for example, allows for a convenient proof that any subgroup of a free group is again a free group.
Textbook
None is required — but the following book, which is freely available online, is a recommended reference:
-
Allen Hatcher, Algebraic Topology, Cambridge University Press, 2002.
math.cornell.edu/~hatcher/AT/ATpage.html
Grading
Weekly homework assignments, quizzes, midterm and final exams. The final exam is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 3:30–5:30 in ES-153.
You are expected to attend all class meetings. The maximum number of absences permitted to receive credit for this course is 5 (five). Excessive tardiness may count as absence.
Of course, you are expected to follow the University’s Standards of Academic Integrity.