Course outline: The fundamental question that we seek to answer in this course is: how can we tell whether two manifolds are homeomorphic? Over the course of the 20th century, mathematicians have developed a number of algebraic tools to help answer this question. The tools that we will study are the fundamental group (including covering spaces and van Kampen's theorem), homology theory, and some cohomology theory.

Textbook: Agebraic Topology, by Allen Hatcher. We will cover most of Chapters 1 and 2, plus part of Chapter 3. On a few occasions, we will also draw on John Lee's Introduction to Smooth Manifolds in order to emphasize connections between the smooth theory from Math 8061 and algebraic topology.

Prerequisites: Concepts of analysis (Math 5041-42) and a solid grounding in undergraduate abstract algebra. Math 8061 is not a strict prerequisite, but it will help to have it under your belt.

Homework policy: Homework assignments will be posted on the course webpage, and will typically be due on Thursdays. At the end of the semester, I will drop your lowest homework score. I encourage you to start early and to discuss the problems with other students. By all means come by my office hours if you have trouble with a problem. The only real caveat to group work is that you must write up your own solutions, in your own words.

Final Exam: The take-home final will be handed out during the last week of classes, and will be due on May 10.