The Bowen Lectures are supported by anonymous donors, one of whom was an undergraduate student of Rufus Bowen.
The 2020-2021 Bowen Lectures will be given by Efim Zelmanov (UCSD), online. Each lecture starts at 4:10pm and ends at 5:00 pm.
Title of the Series: Combinatorial Algebra
Abstract of the Series:
Combinatorial Algebra has traditionally focused on generators and relations, growth functions and questions related to the Burnside problem. We will discuss all these topics for groups, algebras, Lie algebras etc.
Tuesday March 16th (Rescheduled)
Lecture 1: Growth functions.
Abstract:
We will discuss two functions that characterize finitely generated algebras (resp. monoids): (1) time complexity function and (2) growth functions.
Thursday March 11th
Lecture 2: Infinite dimensional Lie algebras and superalgebras.
Abstract:
The class of Lie algebras of slow growth includes affine Kac-Moody algebras, algebras of Cartan type, superconformal algebras. We will focus on attempts of classification of these algebras and their representations.
Friday March 12th
Lecture 3: Identical relations in groups.
Abstract:
The celebrated theorem of Amitsur-Levitzki provides identities for matrices over commutative rings. We will discuss group theoretic analogs for prounipotent and pro-p linear groups.