Text
. Algebraic Topology by Allen
Hatcher. This text is available at the Washington University bookstore
and all standard on-line bookstores. It can
also be downloaded from Allen
Hatcher's web page. See also Corrections
and Additions.
Mathematics 5043 is an introduction to
algebraic topology. We will discuss the fundamental group,
covering spaces, homology and cohomology. We
plan to cover the material described in chapters 0-3
of the textbook.
Prerequisites
. Math 5041, basic topology (eg, Math 417), and basic algebra (eg, Math 430), or permission
of the instructor.
Instructor
. Professor Rachel Roberts
Send email to Prof. Roberts at roberts@math.wustl.edu.
Office . Cupples I 106, 935-8527
Office
Hours.
W 10:30-11:30am, Th 11:30am-12:30pm, or by appointment
Meeting
Time and Place.
Homework. There
will be weekly homework sets, due Fridays by 12:07pm. Homework due dates
will be strict; however, I will drop the two lowest homework scores.
You may work with classmates on the homework. However, you must write up your answers individually, and credit your collaborators.
Although
I encourage you not to refer to other texts in the solving of homework
problems, you may do so as long as you list all references used.
The more
problems you work through the better!!! I encourage you to do more than
just the problems assigned as homework.
Exams
. There will be two exams: an in-class midterm on
March 21 and a final at a time TBA.
Grading System . Your grade will be based on the following.
| Homework |
30% |
| Midterm Exam |
30% |
| Final Exam |
40% |
Students taking the course with the "Credit/No Credit" ("Pass/Fail") grading option must earn a grade of "D" or better to receive a "pass".
Any students taking the course on an "audit" basis should talk with the instructor to determine what criteria will be used to award a grade of "successful audit."