University of Georgia

Department of Mathematics

Seminar Schedule

August 23 – 27, 2004

All Seminars are held in Boyd Graduate Studies Bldg. unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY, August 23, 2004

Algebra

2:30-3:30p.m., Room 410

Organizational Meeting

Probability Theory

2:45-3:45pm Room 302
Organizational meeting

Faculty and Graduate Social

3:00p.m., Room 409

Coffee, Cookies, Tea

Lie Theory

3:30-4:30p.m., Room 303

No Meeting this week

TUESDAY, August 24, 2004

VIGRE Graduate Student Seminar

2:00p.m., Room 304

Speaker: Cal Burgoyne, University of Georgia
 Title of talk: Clifford algebra and spinors 
 Abstract: In physics the concept of Clifford algebras (often in  disguise)  play an essential role in the discussion of spin. Spin cannot be constructed  by tensor methods. Pauli and Dirac Spinors can be studied in terms of  Clifford algebras. Clifford algebras on Euclidean spaces of low dimension and on Minkowski space have important  applications in physics. In the introductory talk we will construct the Clifford algebra Cl(2) and consider  its relationship with the geometry  of the Euclidean plane.

Dynamics on Berkovich Space

3:30-5:30p.m., Room 326

No Meeting this week

WEDNESDAY, August 25, 2004

Algebraic Geometry

2:30-4:00 p.m., Room 303

Speaker: Valery Alexeev, University of Georgia
Title of talk: On termination of flips in dimension 4
Abstract: Termination of flips is one of the two major conjectures in Minimal Model Program (aka Mori theory) and the only remaining stumbling block in dimension 4. I will review the recent progress due to Kawamata and Shokurov and give an "almost proof" in dimension 4 - missing just one point (but perhaps someone in the audience can fix it!). The accompanying text is available from my web page.

Faculty and Graduate Social

3:00 p.m., Room 409

Coffee, Cookies, Tea

VIGRE-Algebra

3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 410

Speaker: David Benson, University of Georgia
Title of talk: Complexity and Varieties for Modules
Abstract: In this introductory talk, I shall describe the basics for complexity and variety theory for modules over finite groups.

Number Theory

3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 304

Speaker: Robert Rumely, University of Georgia

Title of talk: A survey of the dynamics of rational functions
Abstract: This talk will be an introduction to the dynamics of rational functions.  Its aim is to summarize the main features of dynamics of rational functions on  P¹(C),  to give perspective on the dynamics of rational functions on Berkovich space.  It will discuss the Fatou and Julia sets, the various types of fixed points, and the role of critical points in governing dynamics.

THURSDAY, August 26, 2004

VIGRE Seminar

2:00p.m., Room 304
Speakers: Dan Nakano and Brian Boe, University of Georgia
Title of talk: Support varieties for symmetric groups and Lie algebras
Abstract: Support varieties were developed about 25 years ago in the pioneering work of Alperin and Carlson.  Since that time these module varieties have played a prominent role in the modern day development of modular representation theory. During the first month of our VIGRE  group we will present introductory lectures on support varieties, the representation theory of symmetric groups/supergroups, and support varieties of Young/permutation  modules (from work of Hemmer and Nakano). This will lead us to look at open problems involving the calculation of support varieties.

VIGRE Algebraic Geometry Group
3:00p.m., Room 326
Speaker: Elham Izadi, University of Georgia
Organizational Meeting

Fall Departmental Meeting
3:30p.m., Room 328

Student Arithmetic/Algebraic Geometry Seminar

3:30p.m., Room 323
Speaker: Jerry Hower, University of Georgia
Title: Organizational meeting/ Local Class field theory
Abstract for Hower's talk:
It is going to be a preliminary talk for his main talks about Local Class Field Theory. 
Abstract: We shall have a short organizational session for this semester, followed by Jerry Hower's preliminary talk.  All graduate students who are interested in number theory or algebraic geometry are welcome to join the group.   If you are interested in participating but cannot make it this week, please contact the organizer: Sungkon Chang(schang@math.uga.edu) or Charles Pooh(pooh@math.uga.edu).

FRIDAY, August 27, 2004

Spline Analysis

2:30-3:30p.m., Room 303

Speaker: Taytana Sorokina, University of Georgia
Title of talk: Construction of 3D splines
Abstract: We start with reviewing B-form of trivariate polynomials and smoothness conditions. Then we will review several constructions of 3D macro-elements.

Geometry

2:30 p.m., Room 326

Organizational Meeting

We will meet to suggest speakers for the fall.  All interested students and faculty are welcome.  If you cannot attend but have suggestions, please email the organizer, Jason Parsley, parsley@math.

Wavelet Analysis

3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 303

Speaker:  O. Cho, University of Georgia

Title of talk: A class of orthonormal refinable functions
Abstract: We present a construction of orthonormal refinable functions and their wavelets. The construction is vased on a recent paper by T. Goodman.