2026 Spring Differential Geometry Syllabus - Mathematics 4061.001

Course Title:

Differential Geometry

Course Credits:

3

Course Mode:

In person

Course Days and Time:

MWF 11:00-11:50 A.M.

Course Room:

Wachman 406

Course Instructor:
Christopher Catone
Instructor Email:
catonec@temple.edu
Instructor Office:

Wachman 512

Office Hours:

MW 1:30-2:30

F 10:00-10:55

Course Materials:

Tapp, Kristopher. Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces. Springer, 2016.

Course grading scheme:

Midterm exams: 20% each

Final exam: 30%

Homework: 20%

Participation: 10%

Course prerequisites:

Calculus I-III and Linear Algebra.

Course goals:

1. To work with curves and compute their invariants.

2. To work with surfaces and compute their invariants.

3. To prove theorems relating to curves and surfaces, in particular, the fundamental theorem for space curves, Gauss' Theorem Egregium, and The Gauss-Bonnet Theorem.

4. To master the basic differential geometry of curves and surfaces to a point where the student is then ready for study of higher dimensional manifolds and Riemannian Geometry.

5. To build mathematical maturity; to be able to independently explore differential geometric concepts and problems.

Topics covered:

We will apply the concepts of calculus and linear algebra to study curves and surfaces in R^3.

 

Differential Geometry of Curves: Curves, Curvature and Torsion, Frenet Equations, Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves.  Differential Geometry of Surfaces: Surfaces, Gauss Map, Normal Curvature, Gauss and Mean Curvatures, Theorem Egregium, Geodesics, Parallel Transport, Gauss-Bonnet Theorem. 

Exam dates:

Test 1 - Wed, February 11th, (in class).

Test 2 - Mon, March 30, (in class).

Final Exam - Apr 28-May 5 (TBA).

Attendance policy:

Attendance is required. Students who miss more than 6 classes without an excuse will have their grades lowered by one notch (e.g., from B to B-). Those who miss more than 12 classes without an excuse will have their grades lowered by two notches, etc.

Technology Specifications for this Course:
No technology will be allowed on Tests or the final exam. You may use technology on homework problems only where it directs you to do so.
Attendance and Your Health:

To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

Expectations for Class Conduct :

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

Disability Statement:

Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.

Academic Freedom:

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here (opens in new tab/window).

Add/Drop Policy:

Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.

 

During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

AI Policy:

The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.

Incomplete Policy:

The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Student Support Services:

The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window): 
    The Math Consulting Center 
    Student Success Center 
    University Libraries 
    Undergraduate Research Support 
    Career Center 
    Tuttleman Counseling Services 
    Disability Resources and Services 
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned throughout the class and will be graded on completion, correctness, and presentation.  Homework will count for 20% of your final grade.  Points will be deducted for late homework.

 

Homework rules:

1) Use standard size paper.  

2) Staple multiple pages.  

3) Remove kadoobies.

4) Put your name, date, and homework number at the top.

5) Skip a space between each problem.

6) Clearly number each problem.

7) Write the problem on which you are working.  Show all steps.

 

Year
Semester
Course
Section
Course Extra
Title
Attendance and Your Health
Description

To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

Title
Expectations for Class Conduct
Description

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

Title
Disability Statement
Description

Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.

Title
Academic Freedom
Description

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here (opens in new tab/window).

Title
Add/Drop Policy
Description

Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.

 

During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Title
AI Policy
Description

The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.

Title
Incomplete Policy
Description

The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Title
Student Support Services
Description

The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window): 
    The Math Consulting Center 
    Student Success Center 
    University Libraries 
    Undergraduate Research Support 
    Career Center 
    Tuttleman Counseling Services 
    Disability Resources and Services 
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

Title
Homework
Description

Homework will be assigned throughout the class and will be graded on completion, correctness, and presentation.  Homework will count for 20% of your final grade.  Points will be deducted for late homework.

 

Homework rules:

1) Use standard size paper.  

2) Staple multiple pages.  

3) Remove kadoobies.

4) Put your name, date, and homework number at the top.

5) Skip a space between each problem.

6) Clearly number each problem.

7) Write the problem on which you are working.  Show all steps.

 

Course title

Differential Geometry

Course credits

3

Course mode

In person

Course Days and Time

MWF 11:00-11:50 A.M.

Course room

Wachman 406

Your office

Wachman 512

Your office hours

MW 1:30-2:30

F 10:00-10:55

Course materials

Tapp, Kristopher. Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces. Springer, 2016.

Course grading scheme

Midterm exams: 20% each

Final exam: 30%

Homework: 20%

Participation: 10%

Course prerequisites

Calculus I-III and Linear Algebra.

Course goals

1. To work with curves and compute their invariants.

2. To work with surfaces and compute their invariants.

3. To prove theorems relating to curves and surfaces, in particular, the fundamental theorem for space curves, Gauss' Theorem Egregium, and The Gauss-Bonnet Theorem.

4. To master the basic differential geometry of curves and surfaces to a point where the student is then ready for study of higher dimensional manifolds and Riemannian Geometry.

5. To build mathematical maturity; to be able to independently explore differential geometric concepts and problems.

Description of topics covered

We will apply the concepts of calculus and linear algebra to study curves and surfaces in R^3.

 

Differential Geometry of Curves: Curves, Curvature and Torsion, Frenet Equations, Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves.  Differential Geometry of Surfaces: Surfaces, Gauss Map, Normal Curvature, Gauss and Mean Curvatures, Theorem Egregium, Geodesics, Parallel Transport, Gauss-Bonnet Theorem. 

Exam dates

Test 1 - Wed, February 11th, (in class).

Test 2 - Mon, March 30, (in class).

Final Exam - Apr 28-May 5 (TBA).

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required. Students who miss more than 6 classes without an excuse will have their grades lowered by one notch (e.g., from B to B-). Those who miss more than 12 classes without an excuse will have their grades lowered by two notches, etc.

Technology Specifications for this Course
No technology will be allowed on Tests or the final exam. You may use technology on homework problems only where it directs you to do so.
Course Instructor
Christopher Catone
Instructor Email
catonec@temple.edu