BPML: Why do mathematicians care about pairs of pants? - Dr Tyler Kelly

A Birmingham Popular Maths Lecture from Dr Tyler Kelly.

In the mathematical field of topology, we aim to understand spaces and their properties without considering distance, allowing them to stretch. In this context, we need to create new tools that help us keep a handle on the chaos that ensues. Mathematicians that care about topology also care about pairs of pants! Aside from the mere fact of making sure oneself is decent, mathematicians use them as building blocks in topology in order to classify surfaces. In this talk, we will start with pants and work towards classifying surfaces in mathematics.

We will be running the Birmingham Popular Maths Lecture series online for this semester and will review this in the new year. 

The lectures are open to all members of public and the University. Particularly suitable for those studying mathematics at A-level but we also welcome advanced GCSE students. Please register to attend the lecture. There will be time at the end for questions.