Topology

Seminars

Group overview

The UBC Mathematics Department has a strong group working in algebraic and geometric topology, which covers classical, equivariant and motivic homotopy theory, K-theory, group cohomology, orbifolds, low-dimensional topology, knot theory, and Heegaard-Floer homology. The work has important connections to topics in algebraic geometry, representation theory and physics. Members of this group are known internationally for their contributions to areas such as homotopy theory, group actions, cohomology of groups, orbifolds, K-theory, low dimensional topology, knot theory, geometric group theory, etc. During the term, the UBC Topology Seminar meets once or twice a week at PIMS, and features distinguished speakers from other universities. 

The faculty members in the group are Alejandro Adem (group cohomology, orbifolds, equivariant & classical algebraic topology and K-theory), Ben Williams (motivic, classical & equivariant homotopy theory and K-theory), Liam Watson (low-dimensional topology, knot theory and Heegaard-Floer homology), and Kasia Jankiewicz (geometric group theory).

INFO FOR PROSPective students

All faculty members are open to taking on interested graduate students.

The Topology and Related Fields seminar meets in the second and subsequent weeks every term, and consists on talks on the subjects above---attendance by people in fields adjacent to topology is frequent and encouraged. We are also active participants in and frequent hosts of the twice-yearly Cascade Topology Seminar, which serves all branches of topology in Western Canada and the US Pacific Northwest.

In addition to the introductory course on Algebraic Topology (Math 527), a course on Topics in Topology is offered each academic year.