Spring 2019

Lie Groups and Lie Algebras

Listed in: Mathematics and Statistics, as MATH-405

Faculty

Ivan Contreras (Section 01)

Description

Lie groups and Lie algebras appear naturally in the study of symmetries of geometric objects. Lie algebras carry local information and can be studied using tools from linear algebra. Finite dimensional Lie groups can be constructed using techniques from calculus and group theory.

This class serves as a first introduction to Lie groups and Lie algebras . We will examine the structure of finite dimensional matrix Lie groups, the exponential and differentiation maps, as well as compact Lie groups. We will also study Lie algebras, ideals and homomorphisms, nilpotent and solvable Lie algebras, Cartan subalgebras, semisimplicity and 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. 4 class meetings per week.

Requisite: MATH 350 or consent of the instructor. Limited to 18 students. Spring semester. Professor Contreras Palacios.

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

MATH 405 - LEC

Section 01
M 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM SMUD 204
W 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM SMUD 204
F 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM SMUD 204

MATH 405 - DIS

Section 01
Th 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM SMUD 204

ISBN Title Publisher Author(s) Comment Book Store Price
Naive Lie Theory New York: Springer, 2008 Stillwell, John Amherst Books TBD

These books are available locally at Amherst Books.

Offerings

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