401-3200-69L  A Survey of Geometric Group Theory

SemesterSpring Semester 2020
LecturersM. Cordes
Periodicitynon-recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 24.


AbstractIn this class we will cover some of the tools, techniques, and groups central to the study of geometric group theory. After introducing the basic concepts (groups and metric spaces), we will branch out and sample different topics in geometric group theory based on the interest of the participants.
ObjectiveTo learn and understand a wide range of tools and groups central to the field of geometric group theory.
ContentPossible topics include: properties of free groups and groups acting on trees, large scale geometric invariants (Dehn functions, hyperbolicity, ends of groups, asymptotic dimension, growth of groups), and examples of notable and interesting groups (Coxeter groups, right-angled Artin groups, lamplighter groups, Thompson's group, mapping class groups, and braid groups).
LiteratureThe topics will be chosen from "Office Hours with a Geometric Group Theorist" edited by Matt Clay and Dan Margalit.
Prerequisites / NoticeOne should be familiar with the basics of groups, metric spaces, and topology (should be familiar with the fundamental group).