Fall 2017

Lie Algebras

Listed in: Mathematics and Statistics, as MATH-405

Faculty

Yusra F. Naqvi (Section 01)

Description

Lie algebras originally arose as a way of studying certain continuous transformation groups called Lie groups. Lie algebras are simpler objects than Lie groups since they can be studied using tools from linear algebra, yet they still provide a lot of information about their associated Lie groups.

This class serves as a first introduction to the theory of Lie algebras. We will examine the structure of finite dimensional Lie algebras, ideals and homomorphisms, nilpotent and solvable Lie algebras, Cartan subalgebras, semisimplicity, root systems, and the classification of semisimple Lie algebras. This classification is not only a fundamental result in Lie Theory, but is also an archetype of classifications that appear in other areas of math. More amazingly, this classification is embodied in simple combinatorial pictures called Dynkin diagrams, which underlie surprisingly disparate fields, such as geometric group theory, quiver representation theory, and string theory.

Requisite: MATH 350 or consent of the instructor. Limited to 18 students. Fall semester. Visiting Professor Naqvi.

If Overenrolled: Preference will be given to seniors and math majors.

MATH 405 - LEC

Section 01
M 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM CHAP 201
W 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM CHAP 201
F 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM CHAP 201

MATH 405 - DIS

Section 01
Tu 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM SMUD 207

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2017, Spring 2019