In this class, you will be introduced to some of the central ideas in algebraic geometry. Because the field is a synthesis of ideas from many different parts of mathematics, it usually requires a lot of background and experience. My intent is to try to aim this class at people with a strong background in algebra and a willingness to develop geometric intuition, but to also have it accessible to those who have taken Math 120 and are willing to work hard and learn new things on the fly.
I want to get across some of the main ideas while doing lots of calculations. As far as possible, I want the class to be able to understand proofs completely, while also seeing enjoyable consequences. This means that the course will have "episodes" of different topics, and I will change plans on the fly as it becomes clear what the audience needs in terms of background.
You needn't be a student in the class in order to participate. Periodic email to the participants will be sent out through canvas. If you would like to be involved, please let me know and I will add you to the mailing list. Course links:
Instructor: Ravi Vakil (vakil@math, office 383-Q, office hours Wednesdays 9:15-11:15 am and Fridays 2:30-3:30 pm).
Course assistant: Laurent Cote (lcote@math, office 381-L, office hours Wednesdays 3:30-4:15 pm and Thursdays 7-8:15 pm.).
Prerequisites: Comfort with rings and modules. At the very least, a strong background from Math 120. Background in commutative algebra, number theory, complex analysis (in particular Riemann surfaces), differential geometry, and algebraic topology will help. But I realize that many people in the class will have seen none of these things.)
References: There will be no textbook for the course, but there are a number of good references. Relevant to this course:
You should be active in class, keeping me honest, and asking me questions (no matter how silly you think they are).
You should be editing and reading the notes, and for one of the classes you will be responsible for the notes, and making them as useful and readable as possible. This means figuring out things (by asking me, or discussing with others, or reading). You are not allowed to ever complain again about a mathematics text, until you make your day's notes a work of art.
You should be testing your understanding by doing problems on the problem set, and discussing with friends, going to office hours, and discussing on piazza.
You will write something short exploring a related topic (the "term paper").
The final grade will be:
Problem sets will come out on the weekend, and be due in Laurent Cote's mailbox the next Friday at 4 pm. (He may actually pick them up a little later, but makes no promises.) You are encouraged to discuss the problems with each other (in person, or on piazza) but must credit people (and other sources) for ideas when writing up solutions, and you must write up solutions individually and independently. The lowest homework score will be dropped. One homework can be late, but with a 25 per cent penalty; late sets can be handed in up until the end of week 9 (Friday 4 pm in Laurent's mailbox).
You will also write a short mathematical exposition for others in the class, so they can learn about something in more detail. The length should be at least a page, but not much longer. It will be due no earlier than the 9th week, but I would like to see a draft earlier. I hope to get almost everyone set up with a topic by some time in the 6th week of quarter (the week of Feb. 13-17). For background, you can use any sources. You might want to start with the references mentioned here, as well as google and wikipedia. Sample possible topics:
For class summaries, see our overleaf notes.