Category Theory
Fall 2006

Instructors: Lars Birkedal, birkedal@itu.dk, Rued Langgaardsvej 7, 2300 Copenhagen S, Room 4C15, 7218 5280
Bodil Biering, biering@itu.dk, Rued Langgaardsvej 7, 2300 Copenhagen S, Room 4C16

Category theory, a branch of abstract algebra, has found many applications in mathematics, logic, and computer science, where it for example has been used to describe and analyse models of both sequential and parallel programming languages. Like such fields as elementary logic and set theory, category theory provides a basic conceptual apparatus and a collection of formal methods useful for addressing certain kinds of commonly occurring formal and informal problems, particularly those involving structural and functional considerations. This course is intended to acquaint students with these methods, and also to encourage them to reflect on the interrelations between category theory and the other basic formal disciplines. A number of applications of category theory to computer science will also be covered, including some recent developments.

Course Information

We meet first time September 1, 2006
To enroll in the course, write an email to biering (at) itu (dot) dk with your name and cpr number (or just show up the first day). Please note that if you are a guest student (i.e., studying at another univ. than ITU), then you will need an acceptance from your own board of study, before the exam, ensuring that you can get credit for the course. See here for information about how to enroll at ITU.
Lectures Fridays, Rued Langgaardsvej 7, Room 2A.14 (except Sep 1: 2A.12 and Oct. 6: 2A.18), 13:00 - 15:00
Prerequisites This is an introductory graduate course with no formal pre-requisites, but some "mathematical maturity" would be helpful.
Book Category Theory by Steve Awodey.
Additional Notes Basic Category Theory by Jaap van Oosten.
Credits 10 ECTS
Grading Will be based on final exam: Passed / Not-passed
Homework Weekly homework is assigned each Friday and due the following Friday.
It is a requirement for taking the final exam that 9 out of 12 homeworks are handed in.
Late homework will only be accepted only under exceptional circumstances.
Final Exam January 15, 2007.
Take-home Exam. You will get 24 hours; the estimated time for solving all the problems is 6 hours. page.
Home http://www.itu.dk/~birkedal/teaching/category-theory-Fall-2006/
Email-list bgst@bgst.dk, hr.eiler@gmail.com, m00juh@math.ku.dk, sarnat@itu.dk, poswolsky@itu.dk, panic@itu.dk, hr.brunn@gmail.com, casper_storm_hansen@hotmail.com