Topology is a relatively young and very important branch of mathematics, which studies the properties of objects that are preserved through deformations, twistings, and stretchings. This book deals with the topology of curves and surfaces as well as with the fundamental concepts of homotopy and homology, and does this in a lively and well-motivated way. This book is well suited for readers who are interested in finding out what topology is all about.

Inhalt

1 Topology of Curves.- 2 Topology of Surfaces.- 3 Homotopy and Homology.- Appendix A: Topological Objects in Nematic Liquid Crystals.- A.1. Nematics.- A.2. Disclination in the Nematic.- A.3. Disclination and Topology.- A.4. Singular Points.- A.5. What Else Is There?.