The Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for elliptic curves

The Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture relates questions about rational points on elliptic curves to special values of L-functions. In this talk we will introduce elliptic curves and their basic properties, and discuss the history of the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture from its origins through recent progress.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge, Math Annex (Room 1115).