Instructor:
Alexander Barvinok
1858 East Hall, tel.: 763-0294;
e-mail: barvinok@umich.edu;
http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/~barvinok
Time and Place: Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 p.m. -- 2:30 p.m. on Zoom (the link is on Canvas)
Office hours: Tuesday, 3-4 p.m., Wednesday 2-3 p.m., Thursday 3-4 p.m. or by appointment on Zoom (the link is on Canvas)
Prerequisite: good knowledge of linear algebra
We will discuss various topics in convexity with a view towards applications in algebra, geometry and analysis: Theorems of Rado, Helly and Caratheodory, valuations and the Euler characteristic, the structural theory of polyhedra and polytopes and of some non-polyhedral convex bodies such as the cone of positive semidefinite quadratic forms with applications to "quadratic convexity", and the Brunn - Minkowski theory.
Grading: we will have a number of homework problem sets
Text: There is no required text. Recommended text: A. Barvinok, "A Course in Convexity"
The current plan is to use "Notability" in lieu of a regular class blackboard, record the Zoom meetings and post recording and .pdf files of the "Notability" slides in Canvas. I will also post the .pdf files of the slides (but not recordings) at the course web page. Here is an excerpt from the College policy :
"Course meetings may be audio/video recorded and made available to other students in this course. As part of your participation in this course, you may be recorded. If you do not wish to be recorded, please contact your instructor before the first week of class to discuss alternative arrangements. Students may not record or distribute any class activity without written permission from the instructor, except as necessary as part of approved accommodations for students with disabilities. Any approved recordings may only be used for the student's own private use."