"Filtrations of
Classifying Spaces"
By
(University of British
Columbia at Vancouver)
Abstract:
Let G be a discrete group.
I will construct certain subspaces B(q,G) of the usual
classifying space BG that are obtained from the descending central series of
free groups. When q=2 these spaces capture information about the commutativity in G. I will describe a group theoretic
condition which implies that the space B(2,G) is not
an Eilenberg-Maclane space of type K(\pi,1). This
applies to examples including extraspecial p–groups, symmetric
groups, and general linear groups.
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2014
Time: 14.40-15.30
Place: Mathematics Seminar Room,
SA-141
All are most cordially invited.
Tea and cookies will be served after the talk.