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Arbeitsgruppe Algebra
Algebra

Singularity Theory / Singularitätentheorie (spring term 2024)

Content

This lecture is concerned with the so-called hypersurface singularities, these are special critical points of a differentiable or holomorphic function in several variables. In that sense the lecture is a natural continuation of the analysis courses. The central topic will be the classification of certain such singularities. These are essentially the so-called " elementary catastrophes" of R.Thom. To reach this classification, we will use several tools from areas like algebra (local rings), analysis (inverse function theorem) or differential geometry (tangent spaces and transversality). All of these notions are rather elementary and will be recalled if neccessary.

This lecture will be given in either German or English, depending on the audience.

There will be a weekly exercise sheet. Working actively on solving the problems from these sheets is an essential part of the lecture.

Prerequisits for this lecture is a good account of the content of the lectures " Analysis 1,2" and " Lineare Algebra und analytische Geometrie 1 und 2".

Literature

  • V.I.Arnold, S.M. Gusein-Zade, A.N. Varchenko: Singularities of Differentiable Maps, Volume 1: The Classification of Critical Points Caustics, Wave Fronts. Birkhäuser, 1982
  • D.P.L. Castrigiano, S.A. Hayes: Catastrophe theory, 2. Auflage. Westview Press, 2003
  • V.I.Arnold: Catastrophe theory. 2. Auflage, Springer-Verlag, 1986.
  • Th. Bröcker, L. Lander: Differentiable germs and catastrophes. Cambridge University Press 1975
  • Th. de Jong, G. Pfister: Local analytic geometry. Vieweg 2000
  • W. Ebeling: Funktionentheorie, Differentialtopologie und Singularitäten. Vieweg 2001

Lecture

Lectures will take place as follows
  • Wednesday, 2. LE, 9:15-10:45, room C10.002
  • Thursday, 3. LE, 11:30-13:00, room C10.002
In order to enroll for this class, please register at the corresponding OPAL page. The first lecture will be on Wednesday, 10th of April.

Exercise classes (by Henry Dakin)

There will be a weekly exercise sheet. Working actively on solving the problems from these sheets is an essential part of the lecture. The exercise class will take place every Tuesday, 4. LE, 13:45-15:15, room C10.U03. First exercise class is on Tuesday, 16th of April.