Mathematics Colloquia and Seminars

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Finite simple groups are at the very center of group theory and represent the most difficult part of the subject, using all the known techniques. We will attempt a (very) gentle introduction to the area by giving some arithemetic conditions for non-simplicity as well as a group action related criterion for a group to be simple. If time permits we will say something about the history of the classification theorem. Very little previous knowledge will be required.