Dear Students/Potential students,,
I am writing to alert you to the basic course in complex analysis,
Math 8701-02. Particularly if you like explicit computations in analysis, 
and/or like 2D geometry, you might enjoy taking this course. 

Tools from complex analysis are ubiquitous in mathematics, from pde, 
probability, and harmonic analysis to 3D topology, algebraic geometry, 
number theory, and mathematical physics. You are likely to benefit no 
matter what field you pursue.

The point of view of our text (Ahlfors) and of the course is slanted toward
the geometric. To help place the subject in a contemporary context, we
will indicate connections to hyperbolic geometry, covering surfaces, 
3D manifolds(!), and Riemann surfaces. The latter topic will be reinforced 
by our study of elliptic functions.  In presenting supplementary material 
for discussion in class, we will often omit proofs and even precise 
definitions. The purpose is to get a glimpse of the bigger picture. 

Nowadays, not all courses can have graders. If we are assigned a grader, then
homework will be assigned and graded weekly. Most of the problems in 
Ahlfors will be assigned, and working them will deepen your knowledge
and appreciation of the subject.   

If we don't have an assigned grader then we will make an alternate
arrangement.

In the Fall term there will be a midterm exam on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21.
And a Final Exam, date to be determined. 

In the Spring, there will be no final. Instead, each student will 
prepare a report on some aspect or application of complex analysis 
not covered in class. Then each student will present a 10minute overview 
of their topic to the whole class. There may also be a midterm exam.

The .pdf file of the course syllabus is on my web site 
{www.math.umn.edu/~am/Math8701-02}. Hardcopies will be distributed 
during the first class. 

Please write with any questions/comments.

        -Al Marden (am@math.umn.edu, am@umn.edu)
        VH 326 
        August 1, 2011