MAT 402 (Introduction to Algebraic Geometry for Undergraduates) - Spring 2021

Time and Place : TuTh 1:15- 2:35; Zoom Meeting

Instructor : Radu Laza

Office Hours: Thr 2:30-4 (same link as the class), Tue 11-12:30

Overview

Textbook

• [R] M. Reid, Undergraduate Algebraic Geometry, London Mathematical Society Student Texts.
• Note: Further references will be added as the semester progresses.

Announcements

• The Zoom link to the class was sent by email to the registered students. In case you have not received it (or lost it), you can contact me by email.
• The lectures will be recorded and be available for you to review after the class. The details will be sent by email to the registered students. These materials are intended only for the class participants, please do not share the links.
• For the first part of the semester, I will lecture (partially following [R] above). We will also have some discussion on the material; your active participation (e.g. questions, suggestions of topics to discuss) is expected. During the final part of the semester, each of you will make 20 min presentations, followed by a discussion.
• The subject of the presentation will be agree by common accord (between you and me), and I will guide you on preparing the presentation (e.g. we will meet during the OH, or by appointment).
• I expect to have 2 presentations per lecture. I reserved the lectures between Apr 6 to May 6 for this purpose. You should start as soon as possible to think of a possible topic and time slot (normally, we should start discussing topics/scheduling at beginning to mid-March). The scheduling is on a first come, first serve based.
• Update (Mar 9) -- I've updated the schedule to better reflect what we did so far. Now, only the last 3 weeks are fully reserved to presentations (there will be 2-3 presentation by lecture). Additionally, going forward, you have the possibility to make a presentation based on the textbook material. I will lecture say 30 min, then someone can present and then discussion. Let me know if there is a topic of particular interest to you.

Grading&Policy

• This is a seminar style class. Consequently, the grading will be determined based on class participation (25%) and a final presentation (75%).
• Although, this is a fully online class, you are expected to attend all the lectures. I will occasionally take attendance, and this will be used towards the class participation component of the grade. The university policy is as follows:
  Students are expected to attend every class, report for examinations and submit major graded coursework as scheduled. If a student is unable to attend lecture(s), report for any exams or complete major graded coursework as scheduled due to extenuating circumstances, the student must contact the instructor as soon as possible. Students may be requested to provide documentation to support their absence and/or may be referred to the Student Support Team for assistance. Students will be provided reasonable accommodations for missed exams, assignments or projects due to significant illness, tragedy or other personal emergencies. Please note, all students must follow Stony Brook, local, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID.

Schedule