A First Course in Topology: An Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

Students must prove all of the theorems in this undergraduate-level text, which features extensive outlines to assist in study and comprehension. Thorough and well-written, the treatment provides sufficient material for a one-year undergraduate course. The logical presentation anticipates students' questions, and complete definitions and expositions of topics relate new concepts to previously discussed subjects.
Most of the material focuses on point-set topology with the exception of the last chapter. Topics include sets and functions, infinite sets and transfinite numbers, topological spaces and basic concepts, product spaces, connectivity, and compactness. Additional subjects include separation axioms, complete spaces, and homotopy and the fundamental group. Numerous hints and figures illuminate the text.

About the Author:

Robert A. Conover received his MS in mathematics from Rutgers University and his PhD from the University of Rochester. He taught at Trinity College from 1966 to 1968 and at Loyola University from 1971 to 1973.