The theory of algebraic groups is central to various subjects in mathematics, ranging from number theory to mathematical physics. While the subject emerged from the analytic theory of Lie groups, the modern theory of algebraic groups is rooted in the principle that many groups of interest (including finite groups, classical groups, etc.) can be defined and understood using the powerful language of algebraic geometry. This principle provides a uniform approach to studying a wide variety of groups over arbitrary fields beyond the real and complex numbers encountered in the case of classical Lie groups.
In this introductory course, we exposit the rich theory of algebraic groups and supply useful tools to those interested in group theory, representation theory, number theory, algebraic geometry, and related subjects. The focus will be on linear (affine) algebraic groups over a field of characteristic zero, while touching on several other pertinent topics.
Specific material will include:
-- Review of basic algebraic geometry and commutative algebra
-- Structure of algebraic groups: Borel subgroups, parabolic subgroups, Jordan decomposition
-- Homogeneous spaces and quotients
-- Derivations, differentials, and Lie algebras
-- Roots, weights, Weyl groups, and root datum
-- Reductive groups and their classification in terms of root data
-- Commutative algebraic groups and abelian varieties (time permitting)