MATH 121A Differential Geometry

Topics include Euclidean space, tangent vectors, directional derivatives, curves and differential forms in space, mappings. Curves, the Frenet formulas, covariant derivatives, frame fields, the structural equations. The classification of space curves up to rigid motions. Vector fields and differentiable forms on surfaces; the shape operator. Gaussian and mean curvature. The theorem Egregium; global classification of surfaces in three space by curvature.