MATH 322 Differential Geometry (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008) (Q)
Differential geometry describes the shapes of objects from soap films to
Universes in terms of curvature. The curvature of a curve can be described in
calculus, but it is more complicated to describe the various twistings of surfaces
and Universes. In general it requires going a step beyond vectors and matrices to
the "Riemannian curvature tensor," which is the key to understanding Einstein's
theory of General Relativity, in which mass itself is understood as curvature.
Evaluation will be based primarily on classwork, homework, and exams.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 211 or permission of instructor.