# University of Virginia Math Seminars

## List of seminars

### Colloquium

Thursdays at 3:45 in Kerchof 317. Refreshments served at 3:15

### Algebra Seminar

Wednesdays and some Fridays, 3:30-4:30pm, Ker 317

### Geometry Seminar

Tuesdays at 2:00 in Ker 317

Description The Geometry Seminar talks usually focus on aspects of low-dimensional topology and geometry, including knot theory and categorification, Floer homology, 3- and 4-dimensional manifolds, and symplectic and contact topology. The lectures are often given by outside speakers, however UVa graduate students and faculty give talks as well.

### Harmonic Analysis and PDE Seminar

Tuesdays at 3:30

Description Harmonic Analysis and PDE seminar features a mix of local speakers (graduate students and faculty) and visitors. The ideal topics live on the interface between the two fields; luckily, the interface has been steadily expanding.

### Mathematical Physics Seminar

Wednesdays and some Fridays at 2:00 in Ker 326

Description The Mathematical Physics Seminar features talks on a wide variety of topics such as, for instance, Schrödinger operators, the mathematics of quantum systems, statistical mechanics, the renormalization group and quantum field theory. Lectures typically are of research level and are given by local as well as outside speakers. Graduate students in mathematical physics are encouraged to give presentations at this seminar about their ongoing research. Everyone is welcome to attend.

### Operator theory seminar

Tuesdays at 4:00 in Ker 326

Description The Seminar in Operator Theory and Operator Algebras covers a wide variety of topics in functional analysis, including $C^*$-algebras and von Neumann algebras, composition operators, Banach spaces, noncommutative convexity, and applications of complex function theory. Most lectures are research level, but we also feature expository talks.

### Probability Seminar

Wednesdays at 4:35

Description The Probability Seminar is the place to see talks on active research topics in probability theory, as well as informal discussions of basic notions of probability. We typically have invited speakers every 2-3 weeks presenting a wide array of research in probability. Most other weeks are informal discussions led by local participants, often graduate students discussing recently studied topics. The seminar is open to all. Feel free to attend regularly or occasionally.

### Topology Seminar

Thursdays at 2:00 in Ker 326

Description Topology Seminar talks are on recent developments in algebraic topology—including homotopy theory, ordinary and extraordinary homology and cohomology, cobordism theory, and K-theory—and related subjects like differential topology and homological algebra.

Fridays at 2:30 in Ker 317

Description The Graduate Seminar provides a friendly atmosphere for grad students to give talks about current interests, research, or teaching. This seminar is for grad students only and encourages audience participation while keeping the intensity level below that of other seminars.

The graduate student seminar was started in the spring of 1999 by several junior faculty members. They hoped it would serve as a meeting place for junior faculty members and graduate students to socialize and to talk about mathematics.

The seminar is designed with several goals in mind. The seminar gives everyone a chance to interact outside of class while providing exposure to some of the current interests of the department. As a result, graduate students in their early years have a chance to become more familiar with the potential areas of study. Perhaps the most important goal of the seminar is to provide graduate students with an open forum in which to practice giving mathematical talks in a supportive environment.

The seminar is intended for graduate students and junior faculty in an attempt to foster a less intimidating atmosphere for discussion. Such a friendly, informal environment not only makes it easier for the speakers, but promotes more audience participation. Most talks last about 45 minutes, which leaves sufficient time for comments and questions afterward. There have been a wide variety of topics covered. Many speakers have presented material related to their research while others have chosen to speak about topics that may not be directly related to their studies. Some people have even used the seminar to prepare for professional talks. Though topics vary, the goal is to keep the mathematical intensity at an appropriate level so that graduate students not specializing in that discipline can still follow the presentation and learn something.

Tuesdays at 5:00 in Ker 314 (Math lounge)

Description The Undergraduate Math Club at University of Virginia is a weekly seminar and a club (with an official CIO status) for students interested in mathematics and related areas. It meets on Tuesdays at 5pm for 60-80 minutes. The activities vary from talks by faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students to presentations by local industries, panel discussions (on REUs, careers for math majors, etc.), and outside activities such as a movie outing or a visit to a 3D printing lab.

The Math Club is a students' space, and the CIO structure provides the Club with a managing board which helps plan and organize events.

### Galois-Grothendieck seminar

Tuesdays at 3:30 in Monroe 114

Description The Galois-Grothendieck Seminar is an expository seminar about various aspects of Galois theory and arithmetic geometry. Each semester/year has a coherent program, with graduate students contributing many of the talks.