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Department of Mathematical Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


MA50055: Introduction to topology

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: CW25EX75
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take MA30041 or equivalent.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
This course provides an introduction to the foundations of topology, culminating with a sketch of the classification of compact surfaces. As such it provides a self-contained account of one of the triumphs of 20th century mathematics.

Learning Outcomes:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
* state definitions and prove fundamental theorems about topological spaces and related concepts.
* relate and distinguish between topological and metric spaces, with an understanding of their roles in analysis.
* apply their understanding of connected, compact and Hausdorff spaces to unfamiliar problems.
* classify compact surfaces and recognise surfaces in the classification theorem. Through their coursework, students will be able to demonstrate an in depth understanding of a major topic in topology and an appreciation of the role of topology in mathematics.

Skills:
Analytic skills T/F A; Problem solving T/F A; Written communication F A.

Content:
1. Core topics: topologies and topological spaces, subspaces, continuous maps and homeomorphisms, connected spaces, compact spaces, Hausdorff spaces.
2. Topics from the following: initial and final topologies, bases and sub-bases, product spaces, disjoint unions, quotient spaces, equalisers and coequalisers, pullbacks and pushouts, function spaces (compact-open topology), characterisations of compactness, axiom of choice and Zorn's lemma, Tychonoff's theorem, path connectedness, local separation and connectedness properties.
3. Compact surfaces and their representation as quotient spaces. Sketch of the classification of compact surfaces.
4. An in depth study of a major topic of topology, such as compactness.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

MA50055 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Mathematical Sciences
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.