Frobenius Algebras and 2-D Topological Quantum Field Theories [Hardcover]

This 2003 book connects topology and algebra using modern techniques. Numerous exercises and examples, ideal for course use.This book describes a striking connection between topology and algebra and rather than just proving this theorem, it is shown how the result fits into a more general pattern. Throughout, the emphasis is on the interplay between algebra and topology, with graphical interpretation of algebraic operations, and topological structures described algebraically in terms of generators and relations. The book will prove valuable to students or researchers entering this field who will learn a host of modern techniques that will prove useful for future work. There are numerous exercises and examples.This book describes a striking connection between topology and algebra and rather than just proving this theorem, it is shown how the result fits into a more general pattern. Throughout, the emphasis is on the interplay between algebra and topology, with graphical interpretation of algebraic operations, and topological structures described algebraically in terms of generators and relations. The book will prove valuable to students or researchers entering this field who will learn a host of modern techniques that will prove useful for future work. There are numerous exercises and examples.Describing a striking connection between topology and algebra, rather than only proving the theorem, this study demonstrates how the result fits into a more general pattern. Throughout the text emphasis is on the interplay between algebra and topology, with graphical interpretation of algebraic operations, and topological structures described algebraically in terms of generators and relations. Includes numerous exercises and examples.1. Cobordisms and TQFTs; 2. Frobenius algebras; 3. Monoids and monoidal categories; Appendix. Vocabulary from category theory. This book is a solid introduction to some important ideas of contemporary interest. Is is very pleasant to read, and its lSc