"Wu Formulas and
Related Topics"
By
Abstract: I will try to discuss a few more or less classical topics that I always wanted
to cover in my algebraic topology courses but never managed to find time for.
We will start with the topological Riemann--Roch theorem and Thom's approach to
the construction of the Stiefel--Whitney classes. As an immediate consequence,
we will obtain Wu formulas, the homotopy invariance of the characteristic
classes of smooth manifolds, universal relations between characteristic
classes/numbers of manifolds, etc. Next, I will illustrate how the same
techniques applied to other extraordinary cohomology theories may yield such
deep results as, say, the divisibility theorems for Pontrjagin numbers.
Alternatively, if time permits, I will try to discuss an equivariant version of
Wu classes in real algebraic varieties.
Date: Monday, March 24, 2014
Time: 13.40-15.00
Place: Mathematics Seminar Room,
SA-141
All are most cordially invited.
Tea and cookies will be served after the talk.