Geometry

Subject MAST30024 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures and practice classes.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x one hour practice class per week
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites:

One of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

620-296 Multivariable and Vector Calculus (prior to 2010)

and one of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Craig Westerland

Contact

Third Year Coordinator

Email: tycoord@ms.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject introduces three areas of geometry that play a key role in many branches of mathematics and physics. In differential geometry, calculus and the concept of curvature will be used to study the shape of curves and surfaces. In topology, geometric properties that are unchanged by continuous deformations will be studied to find a topological classification of surfaces. In algebraic geometry, curves defined by polynomial equations will be explored. Remarkable connections between these areas will be discussed.

Topics include: Topological classification of surfaces, Euler characteristic, orientability. Introduction to the differential geometry of surfaces in Euclidean space: smooth surfaces, tangent planes, length of curves, Riemannian metrics, Gaussian curvature, minimal surfaces, Gauss-Bonnet theorem. Complex algebraic curves, including conics and cubics, genus.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should

Have an understanding of:

  • Euler characteristic and the topological classification of surfaces;
  • Riemannian metrics and curvature for surfaces;
  • the Gauss-Bonnet theorem;
  • how surfaces arise as complex algebraic curves.

Be able to:

  • calculate Euler characteristic and identify surfaces described combinatorially;
  • compute lengths, angles, areas for a given Riemannian metric;
  • compute principal curvatures, mean curvature, Gaussian curvature for surfaces in Euclidean space;
  • apply the Gauss-Bonnet theorem;
  • do simple calculations with algebraic plane curves.
Assessment:

Two or three written assignments due at regular intervals during semester amounting to a total of up to 50 pages (20%), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

N. Hitchin, Geometry of surfaces, Oxford University lecture notes, available online.

M. do Carmo, Differential geometry of curves and surfaces, Prentice-Hall, 1976.

F. Kirwan, Complex algebraic curves, Cambridge University Press, 1992.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. These include:

  • problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
  • analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
  • collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;
  • time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Notes: This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Pure Mathematics (specialisation of Mathematics and Statistics major)
Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses

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