This page will be updated regularly. Check for announcements and postings regularly, mostly at the bottom of the page!
Instructor: Wolfgang T. Meyer, Math 4-111
Phone: 632-8273,
Email: wmeyer@math.sunysb.edu
Classes: TuTh 11:20-12:40am, Mathematics P-131
Office Hours: Th 1:30-2:30 (4-111), and by appointment
About this Seminar: The particular flavour of the subject of minimal surfaces seems to lie in a combination of concreteness of the objects being studied, their origin and relation to the physical world, and the way they lie at the intersection of so many different parts of mathematics. In the past 20 years an important additional componet appeared: the availability of computer graphics to provide pictures that are both mathematically instructive and esthetically appealing.
Prerequisites: Paticipants should have a solid background in multivariate calculus and linear
algebra. A review of basic facts from multivariate calculus can be found on pages 118 - 133 in the
book by M. Do Carmo listed below.
Some knowlege in differential geometry of surfaces and in complex analysis is helpful, however
all basic facts will be provided as necessary.
Text: No particular text book will be used - we rather provide diverse references whenever needed.
Grading: There will be no final exam. Grading will be based on participation and on the seminar talks.
Special Needs:
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that
may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services,
ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, (631) 632-6748.
They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and
appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.
Students requiring emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their
needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures
and information, go to the following web site.
http://www.stonybrook.edu/facilities/ehs/fire/disabilities.shtml
Book by Manfredo P. Do Carmo:
Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces, Prentice Hall
Lectures on Differential Geometry (in german)
Variational formulas for minimal surfaces:
minimal_var.pdf
Lecture notes by H. Karcher:
karcherTokyo.pdf
Enneper's surface
Minimal surfaces at Brandeis University
Models of minimal surfaces by J. Neukirch