Math 864                  Spring 05

Geometric Topology

 

Topology of surfaces and higher dimensional manifolds, studied from the differential viewpoint.

Thomas H. Parker

Mathematics Department

A-346 Wells Hall

parker@math.msu.edu

 

 

 

 

 


 

Goals:   Differential topology is the study of the global properties of manifolds. It is an appealing subject because many fascinating facts can be uncovered and developed using only the tools of advanced calculus. The aim of this course is to explore the subject of topology without a lengthy development of algebraic machinery.

 

Recommended Background: A knowledge of linear algebra, pointset topology, and the basic facts about functions of several real variables at the level of an undergraduate real analysis course. This course does not require knowledge of the tools of algebraic topology (homology and homotopy groups) which are introduced in Math 868-869.

 

 

Texts:

 

 

 

 

  • Differential Topology by V. Guillemin and A. Pollack.

Two other beautiful books will be helpful at times:

  • Topology from a Differential Viewpoint by John Milnor, and
  • Morse Theory, also by John Milnor.

 

The course outline describes the structure of the course and the grading scheme.