Knot Projections offers a comprehensive overview of the latest methods in the study of this branch of topology, based on current research inspired by Arnold’s theory of plane curves, Viro’s quantization of the Arnold invariant, and Vassiliev’s theory of knots, among others. The presentation exploits the intuitiveness of knot projections to introduce the material to an audience without a prior background in topology, making the book suitable as a useful alternative to standard textbooks on the subject. However, the main aim is to serve as an introduction to an active research subject, and includes many open questions.

Knot Projections offers a comprehensive overview of the latest methods in the study of this branch of topology, based on current research inspired by Arnold’s theory of plane curves, Viro’s quantization of the Arnold invariant, and Vassiliev’s theory of knots, among others. The presentation exploits the intuitiveness of knot projections to introduce the material to an audience without a prior background in topology, making the book suitable as a useful alternative to standard textbooks on the subject. However, the main aim is to serve as an introduction to an active research subject, and includes many open questions.

Knots are familiar objects. Yet the mathematical theory of knots quickly leads to deep results in topology and geometry. This work offers an introduction to this theory, starting with our understanding of knots. It presents the applications of knot theory to modern chemistry, biology and physics.

This 3. edition is an introduction to classical knot theory. It contains many figures and some tables of invariants of knots. This comprehensive account is an indispensable reference source for anyone interested in both classical and modern knot theory. Most of the topics considered in the book are developed in detail; only the main properties of fundamental groups and some basic results of combinatorial group theory are assumed to be known.

Louis Kauffman discusses applications of knot theory to physics, Nadrian Seeman discusses how topology is used in DNA nanotechnology, and Jonathan Simon discusses the statistical and energetic properties of knots and their relation to molecular biology."--BOOK JACKET.

Knot Theory, a lively exposition of the mathematics of knotting, will appeal to a diverse audience from the undergraduate seeking experience outside the traditional range of studies to mathematicians wanting a leisurely introduction to the subject. Graduate students beginning a program of advanced study will find a worthwhile overview, and the reader will need no training beyond linear algebra to understand the mathematics presented. The interplay between topology and algebra, known as algebraic topology, arises early in the book when tools from linear algebra and from basic group theory are introduced to study the properties of knots. Livingston guides readers through a general survey of the topic showing how to use the techniques of linear algebra to address some sophisticated problems, including one of mathematics's most beautiful topics—symmetry. The book closes with a discussion of high-dimensional knot theory and a presentation of some of the recent advances in the subject—the Conway, Jones, and Kauffman polynomials. A supplementary section presents the fundamental group which is a centerpiece of algebraic topology.

This book is an elementary introduction to geometric topology and its applications to chemistry, molecular biology, and cosmology. It does not assume any mathematical or scientific background, sophistication, or even motivation to study mathematics. It is meant to be fun and engaging while drawing students in to learn about fundamental topological and geometric ideas. Though the book can be read and enjoyed by nonmathematicians, college students, or even eager high school students, it is intended to be used as an undergraduate textbook. The book is divided into three parts corresponding to the three areas referred to in the title. Part 1 develops techniques that enable two- and three-dimensional creatures to visualize possible shapes for their universe and to use topological and geometric properties to distinguish one such space from another. Part 2 is an introduction to knot theory with an emphasis on invariants. Part 3 presents applications of topology and geometry to molecular symmetries, DNA, and proteins. Each chapter ends with exercises that allow for better understanding of the material. The style of the book is informal and lively. Though all of the definitions and theorems are explicitly stated, they are given in an intuitive rather than a rigorous form, with several hundreds of figures illustrating the exposition. This allows students to develop intuition about topology and geometry without getting bogged down in technical details.

This book is a survey of current topics in the mathematical theory of knots. For a mathematician, a knot is a closed loop in 3-dimensional space: imagine knotting an extension cord and then closing it up by inserting its plug into its outlet. Knot theory is of central importance in pure and applied mathematics, as it stands at a crossroads of topology, combinatorics, algebra, mathematical physics and biochemistry. * Survey of mathematical knot theory * Articles by leading world authorities * Clear exposition, not over-technical * Accessible to readers with undergraduate background in mathematics

LinKnot — Knot Theory by Computer provides a unique view of selected topics in knot theory suitable for students, research mathematicians, and readers with backgrounds in other exact sciences, including chemistry, molecular biology and physics.The book covers basic notions in knot theory, as well as new methods for handling open problems such as unknotting number, braid family representatives, invertibility, amphicheirality, undetectability, non-algebraic tangles, polyhedral links, and (2,2)-moves.Hands-on computations using Mathematica or the webMathematica package LinKnot and beautiful illustrations facilitate better learning and understanding. LinKnot is also a powerful research tool for experimental mathematics implementation of Caudron's ideas. The use of Conway notation enables experimenting with large families of knots and links.Conjectures discussed in the book are explained at length. The beauty, universality and diversity of knot theory is illuminated through various non-standard applications: mirror curves, fullerens, self-referential systems, and KL automata.

Rolfsen's beautiful book on knots and links can be read by anyone, from beginner to expert, who wants to learn about knot theory. Beginners find an inviting introduction to the elements of topology, emphasizing the tools needed for understanding knots, the fundamental group and van Kampen's theorem, for example, which are then applied to concrete problems, such as computing knot groups. For experts, Rolfsen explains advanced topics, such as the connections between knot theory and surgery and how they are useful to understanding three-manifolds. Besides providing a guide to understanding knot theory, the book offers 'practical' training. After reading it, you will be able to do many things: compute presentations of knot groups, Alexander polynomials, and other invariants; perform surgery on three-manifolds; and visualize knots and their complements.It is characterized by its hands-on approach and emphasis on a visual, geometric understanding. Rolfsen offers invaluable insight and strikes a perfect balance between giving technical details and offering informal explanations. The illustrations are superb, and a wealth of examples are included. Now back in print by the AMS, the book is still a standard reference in knot theory. It is written in a remarkable style that makes it useful for both beginners and researchers. Particularly noteworthy is the table of knots and links at the end. This volume is an excellent introduction to the topic and is suitable as a textbook for a course in knot theory or 3-manifolds. Other key books of interest on this topic available from the AMS are ""The Shoelace Book: A Mathematical Guide to the Best (and Worst) Ways to Lace your Shoes"" and ""The Knot Book.""