MATH 323 Applied Topology (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008) (Q)
In topology, one studies properties of an object that are preserved under
rubber-like deformations, where one is allowed to twist and pull, but one cannot
tear or glue. Hence a sphere is considered the same as a cube, but distinct from
the surface of a doughnut. In recent years, topology has found applications in
chemistry (knotted DNA molecules), economics (stability theory), Geographic
Information Systems, cosmology (the shape of the Universe), medicine (heart
failure), robotics and electric circuit design, just to name some of the fields that
have been impacted. In this course, we will learn the basics of topology,
including point-set topology, geometric topology and algebraic topology, but all
with the purpose of applying the theory to a broad array of fields.
Format: lecture. Evaluation will be based primarily on problem sets and exams.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 211 or permission of instructor. No enrollment limit
(expected: 25). Not open to students who have taken Mathematics 324.