Sydney University Algebra Seminar

    University of Sydney

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    Algebra Seminar

    Matthew Emerton
    University of Chicago

    Modular forms, theta functions and elliptic curves.

    Friday 4th August, 12-1pm, Carslaw 275.

    In this talk we will explain a construction of theta functions attached to certain quadratic forms using the geometric properties of elliptic curves. (This is in contrast to the usual process via the Poisson summation formula.) As an application, we will improve on a classical theorem of Eichler on spanning spaces of modular forms by theta series. The talk will begin by recalling the necessary background on the objects under discussion.