620-311 Metric Spaces

620-221. Students who have achieved a grade of H1 in 620-252 will be permitted to enrol in this subject on completion of specified reading over summer.

This subject introduces the generalised distance between elements of an abstract set, including sets of functions. It also introduces the notion of a general topological space, the generation of such space from a metric space and from other structures. It emphasises the significance of completeness of a metric space and of the concepts of compactness and connectedness. Students should develop the ability to apply abstract methods of topology to obtain deeper results about real and complex numbers and Euclidean spaces, apply metric space methods to the approximate solution of linear equations, and differential equations by Picard's method. They learn to distinguish between pointwise and uniform convergence from the viewpoint of topology, and to understand the difference between topological and metric properties of topological spaces. This subject demonstrates the power of abstract topological concepts as applied to Euclidean spaces, to concrete spaces of functions, and to the approximate solution of equations. It also develops an appreciation of the rigorously presented concepts of convergence and continuity, the use of topology in the modern treatment of numerical mathematics, differential and integral equations, optimisation, logic and computing.

Topics include the concept of a metric and of the induced topology; open and closed sets; convergence and completeness; the contraction mapping theorem; continuity, uniform continuity and homeomorphism; compactness; connectedness; and applications.

You will develop analytical skills including the ability to construct and express logical arguments and work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis. You will also develop approaches to specific problem solving and cooperative (team) work in assignments.

Up to 24 pages of written assignments (20%); and a 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%).