Projects and Assignments in Pure Mathematics

Reflection groups

Modern pure mathematics extensively uses the classification of simple Lie algebras by roots systems and Dynkin diagrams. A gentler introduction to these diagrams comes from the classification of finite reflection groups, that is, finite subgroups of the group of orthogonal transformations of a Euclidean vector space generated by a set of reflections. For a 3MB project, the aim would be to go through the classification of these groups. For a 4MM project there are various ways it could be augmented, for example with Gabriel's theorem on representations of directed graphs.

Prerequisites:
A thorough understanding of level 1 group theory and level 2 linear algebra. The level 3 module on groups and symmetry, perhaps taken concurrently, would also be an advantage.

Books

L. C. Grove and C. T. Benson, Finite reflection groups, Springer Verlag, New York, 1985.
J. E. Humphreys, Reflection groups and Coxeter groups,

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