Math 732 — Seminar in Algebra

Spring 2003

Instructor: Oleg Chalykh

Time: M 2:30-4:00, W 2:30-3:30

Room: MT 206

This seminar will serve as an introduction to some modern topics in algebra, representation theory and algebraic geometry leading ultimately to the discussion of open problems. Two main topics will be studied: (1) Macdonald polynomials and (double affine) Hecke algebras; (2) noncommutative geometry (geometry of quantum projective planes). One of our goals will be to establish connections between these two seemingly unrelated subjects. In the process, we will have to review some basic facts on symmetric functions, Coxeter groups, Hecke and Cherednik algebras and their representation theory, basic algebraic geometry and ring theory. The style of the seminar will be very informal and participants will have an opportunity to lecture on some of the topics.