GROUP THEORY

Math  627    Fall 2003

Brief description of the course:

This is an introduction to Bass-Serre Theory and theory of group
acting on Lambda-trees. These topics are at the core of modern
combinatorial group theory.

In the most cases I will try to be close to the following books:

 1)  J.P. Serre "Trees";
 2)  D.Cohen "Combinatorial Group Theory: topological approach";
 3)  I. Chiswell "Introduction to Lambda-trees";

 though some new ideas will be also discussed (infinite words
techniques, Non-standard Cayley graphs). My intention is to keep
this course as elementary as possible, making it accessible  to
students familiar with the standard course in Basic Algebra I.

Method of evaluation:  based on three assignments.

Organizational  meeting:  Wednesday, September 3rd,  11:30am,
Room 1205, Burnside.

Classes:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30-12:30, Room 1120, Burnside.


Syllabus