Title of the course: Introduction to Lie algebras
Instructor: Prof. Donna Testerman
Institution: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Dates: 1-7 September 2025
Prerequisite: Linear algebra and perhaps a first course in “abstract algebra”. If not, this can be handled with only a solid understanding of linear algebra.
Level: Undergraduate, at the EPFL one would require at least a full year of linear algebra at an advanced level, so at least a second year undergraduate in a three year bachelors program.
Abstract: We will  cover the basic definitions of Lie algebras and give many examples of classical type Lie algebras with the aim of describing and illustrating the classification of semi-simple Lie algebras over the field of complex numbers. At least one lecture will be devoted to root systems.
Language: English
Textbook: one might refer to the Erdmann-Wilson book or to the older text of Jacobson. I intend to provide course notes.