# Seminar on Semisimple Algebras (SS16)

## Seminar on Semisimple Algebras

with Dr. Heer Zhao

The topic of the seminar is semisimple algebras, more precisely, semisimple finite-dimensional associative algebras over a field $K$. We do not assume that the algebras are commutative. Interesting examples are division algebras over $K$, i.e., algebras in which every non-zero element is invertible. A concrete example is the $\mathbb R$-algebra of quaternions constructed by Hamilton. We will see many other examples in the seminar.

This is a classical topic with many connections to other areas, and is a core part of “modern mathematics”. Towards the end of the seminar, we will make the connection with local class field theory, the main topic of the course Algebraic Number Theory 2. (So you get most out of it if you do both. It is possible, however, to take part in the seminar without attending the course, or vice versa.)

Credit points: The seminar is a combined Bachelor/Master seminar. If you successfully give one of the talks marked Ba, you get 6 Credit Points. If you successfully give one of the talks marked Ma, you obtain 9 CP (Master seminar) or 6 CP (Bachelor Seminar) at your choice.

Prerequisites: Linear Algebra, Algebra. If you want to give a talk in the second half, some knowledge on local fields (e.g., finite extensions of $\mathbb Q_p$) is needed; in this case, it is strongly recommended that you attend the course “Algebraic Number Theory 2”.

Seminar program: pdf

Time and place: Tue, 4-6pm, S-U-3.02. Starting date: April 12.

If you would like to participate in the seminar, but have missed the organizational meeting, please contact me at: ulrich.goertz@uni-due.de.

References: We will mainly follow the following sources (for detailed pointers see the seminar program):

• J. Milne, Class field theory, Chapter IV
• F. Lorenz, Algebra 2, §§30-33 (available in German and English)

 12.4. Semisimple algebras: Basic notions U. Görtz 19.4. Decomposition of a semisimple algebra as a product of simple algebras H. Zhao 26.4. Wedderburn’s Theorem S. Melzer 3.5. Representations of finite groups A. Stechemesser 10.5. Tensor products and central simple algebras U. Görtz 24.5. The theorem of Skolem and Noether and the Brauer group of a field H. Zhao 7.6. Existence of splitting fields U. Görtz 14.6. Cohomological description of the Brauer group G. Grossi 28.6. $\mathop{\rm Br}(L/K)$ for a cyclic extension $L/K$ T. Kreutz 5.7. The Brauer group of a local field 1 M. Lekić 12.7. The Brauer group of a local field 2 H. Zhao (19.7.) Connection with Local Class Field Theory 1 N. N. () Connection with Local Class Field Theory 2 N. N.