Topology Seminar

Topology is the rigorous mathematical study of shape at the most fundamental level—for example, the shapes of the letters I and U are topologically equivalent, but neither is equivalent to that of the letter O. In this senior seminar students will encounter topological objects such as manifolds, braids, and knots, studying them using tools ranging from combinatorial to geometric to algebraic. Working independently and in small groups, students will gain experience reading advanced sources and communicating their insights in expository writing and oral presentations. This course fulfills the capstone senior work requirement for the mathematics major. (MATH 0302) 3 hrs sem.