Math 722 Algebraic Topology
Prof. Rebecca Goldin
Spring 2008

Professor R. Goldin
Sci Tech I, Room 207
rgoldin (at) gmu (dot) edu
Office Hours: Mon/Wed 10:15-11:00am, Friday 11:00am-12:00pm, and by appointment

Course Description. This is a graduate level introductory course to algebraic topology. Students should be familiar with basic point set topology (MATH 631) and basic group theory (MATH 621). If you have had these courses at an undergraduate level, you may also take this course. This is a proof-based course, so students should be comfortable with writing extensive proofs. The text for the course is Algebraic Topology, by Allen Hatcher. This book is available free online, at http://www.math.cornell.edu/~hatcher/AT/ATpage.html
where you will also see a compiled list of corrections. You can also buy the book, and are encouraged to do so (though the author receives no royalties, in exchange for making the book free electronically). We will roughly be covering material from Chapters 0-2. Additional good references are Munkrees' books, Topology (for Chapter 1) and Elements of Algebraic Topology (for Chapter 2).

Problem Sets. There will be approximately ten problem sets throughout the semester (though there may be as few as eight or as many as 12). You may work with other classmates on problem sets. Please indicate clearly with whom you worked on your problem set. Problem sets may be turned in up to two days late without a penalty, though new assignments will be handed out. Problem sets later than that will be considered if permission is asked, and there is an appropriate reason. NO PROBLEM SETS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER SOLUTIONS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED OR POSTED.

Midterm Exam. There is no midterm in this course.

Final Exam. There will be take-home final exam at the end of the course. You will be asked not to collaborate with other students on the exam, but it will probably be open-book.

Grading: The grade in this course will be based on problem sets and exams. Class attendence is not required, though if you skip class you will experience less leniency regarding late assignments or borderline grades. There will be one final exam and approximately ten problem sets over the semester. The grade will be determined by:

30% First n/2 problem sets
40% Last n/2 problem sets
30% Final exam

where n is the number of problem sets.