Ohio MAA 2004 Summer Short Course Abstract

Teaching and Doing Knot Theory

Colin Adams, Instructor

Knot theory is a great topic for exciting students about mathematics. It is visual and hands on. Students can begin working on problems the first day with their shoelaces. Knot theory is also an incredibly active field. There is a tremendous amount of work going on currently, and one can easily state open problems. It also has important applications to chemistry, biochemistry and physics.

This workshop is aimed at anyone who is interested in knowing more about knot theory. There is no assumption of previous background in the field.

Participants completing the workshop will learn how they can:

* Teach an undergraduate course in knot theory,

* Do research in knot theory, and

* Direct student research in knot theory.

Participants will have the opportunity to conjecture wildly, throw around ideas, and work on original research.

There will be morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and a morning session on Friday.

A textbook for the course will be provided. The cost for the textbook is $10.