[request_ebook] From Calculus to Cohomology: De Rham Cohomology And Characteristic Classes

This textbook demonstrates how differential calculus, smooth manifolds, and commutative algebra constitute a unified whole, despite having arisen at different times and under different circumstances. Motivating this synthesis is the mathematical formalization of the process of observation from classical physics. A broad audience will appreciate this unique approach for the insight it gives into the underlying connections between geometry, physics, and commutative algebra.

Classical vector analysis deals with vector fields; the gradient, divergence, and curl operators; line, surface, and volume integrals; and the integral theorems of Gauss, Stokes, and Green. Modern vector analysis distills these into the Cartan calculus and a general form of Stokes' theorem. This essentially modern text carefully develops vector analysis on manifolds and reinterprets it from the classical viewpoint (and with the classical notation) for three-dimensional Euclidean space, then goes on to introduce de Rham cohomology and Hodge theory. The material is accessible to an undergraduate student with calculus, linear algebra, and some topology as prerequisites. The many figures, exercises with detailed hints, and tests with answers make this book particularly suitable for anyone studying the subject independently.

An introduction to the theory of orbifolds from a modern perspective, combining techniques from geometry, algebraic topology and algebraic geometry. One of the main motivations, and a major source of examples, is string theory, where orbifolds play an important role. The subject is first developed following the classical description analogous to manifold theory, after which the book branches out to include the useful description of orbifolds provided by groupoids, as well as many examples in the context of algebraic geometry.

An introduction to the theory of orbifolds from a modern perspective, combining techniques from geometry, algebraic topology and algebraic geometry.

This book provides an introduction to topology, differential topology, and differential geometry. It is based on manuscripts refined through use in a variety of lecture courses. The first chapter covers elementary results and concepts from point-set topology. An exception is the Jordan Curve Theorem, which is proved for polygonal paths and is intended to give students a first glimpse into the nature of deeper topological problems.

This book provides an introduction to topology, differential topology, and differential geometry. It is based on manuscripts refined through use in a variety of lecture courses. The first chapter covers elementary results and concepts from point-set topology. An exception is the Jordan Curve Theorem, which is proved for polygonal paths and is intended to give students a first glimpse into the nature of deeper topological problems.

This textbook offers a concise introduction to symplectic and contact geometry, with a focus on the relationships between these subjects and other topics such as Lie theory and classical mechanics.