MATH 730
Fundamental Concepts of Topology  (Fall 2001)


Professor  John Millson
Meeting times  MWF 1:00-2:00
Office  2102
Office phone 301-405-5156
e-mail address jjm@math.umd.edu
Web page www.math.umd.edu/~jjm
Office hours  M 2:00-3:00, F  2:00-3:00
Course text Topology and Geometry by Glen E. Bredon, Graduate Texts in Math. vol.139, Springer-Verlag
Grader Yong-Ju Lee
Office 4312
Office hours W 3:00-4:00
Prerequisite Undergraduate-level advanced calculus and abstract algebra (Math 410, Math 411 and Math 403).
Catalogue description Survey of basic point-set topology, fundamental group,covering spaces, van Kampen's Theorem,
simplicial complexes, simplicial homology, Euler characteristics and classification of surfaces.

                                                            

                                    COURSE DESCRIPTION
 

We will cover the first three chapters of Bredon except for  Chapter I, sections 15,16,17 and Chapter II, sections 10, 12-16.

                                                     GRADING POLICY

                           
Homework will be assigned, collected and graded roughly once every two weeks. In addition there will be a midterm and a two-hour final exam.  The final grade will be arrived at according to the formula
(i)  Homework   40 %
(ii)  Midterm       20 %
(iii)  Final            40 %.
 

THis course  is designed to prepare students for the first half of the graduate qualifying exam in Geometry/Topology.
Thus grades will have the following meaning.

  • A. Knows the material thoroughly at teh level required to pass the Ph.D qualifying exam.
  • B. Knows the material, but not as thoroughly, roughly at the level required to pass the M.A. qualifying exam
  • C. Did some work in the course, but does not know the material even at the level required to pass the M.A. exam.
  • D,F. Hopefully these won't arise. Basically, means "did not expend any effort".