What is topology?

Topology is a qualitative study of shapes and other mathematical objects. It has evolved from features of geometry where specific measurments are not relevant. Modern topology uses tools from algebra and heavily interacts with other branches of mathematics such as dynamical systems, analysis, or algebraic geometry.

Click on the following links to find out what kinds of things topologists like to think about.

Several faculty members work in an area called Geometric Group Theory. The idea is to try to understand abstract groups by representing them as symmetry groups of nice spaces and then to study the topology and geometry of these spaces. An important such space is Hyperbolic Plane. Look at some pictures and artwork. See also wallpaper groups

For many more examples, plus a history of topology and how it fits in modern mathematics follow this link.

Faculty in geometry-topology:

Selected former PhD students:

Yael Algom-Kfir (Haifa University, Israel)
Emina Alibegovic (University of Utah)
Peter Brinkmann (Google.inc)
Josep Burillo (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona)
Matt Clay (University of Arkansas)
Larsen Louder (University College London)
Natasa Macura (Trinity University, San Antonio)
Igor Mineyev (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne)
Josh Thompson (Northern Michigan University)

Check out what's happening at the seminar.