Mathematics Branches, Topics, and Sub-Topics

A structured visual guide to the major mathematical areas and their relationships.

Search by code, branch, topic, subtopic, or a keyword from the descriptions.

57Kxx Low-dimensional topology

This subtopic introduces the core ideas in low-dimensional topology, including foundational concepts, standard methods, and the main questions used to organize the area. Typical uses include building mathematical background, framing related research problems, and supporting applications in neighboring fields where these concepts provide useful structure.

Specific topics

57K10 Knot theory

Overview

Knot theory. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K12 Generalized knots (virtual knots, welded knots, etc.)

Overview

Generalized knots (virtual knots, welded knots, etc.). This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K14 Knot polynomials

Overview

Knot polynomials. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K16 Finite-type invariants of knots and 3-manifolds

Overview

Finite-type invariants of knots and 3-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K18 Homology theories for knots and links

Overview

Homology theories for knots and links. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K20 $2$-dimensional topology (including mapping class groups, Teichmüller theory, quantum groups)

Overview

$2$-dimensional topology (including mapping class groups, Teichmüller theory, quantum groups). This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K30 General topology of $3$-manifolds

Overview

General topology of $3$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K31 Invariants of $3$-manifolds

Overview

Invariants of $3$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K32 Hyperbolic $3$-manifolds

Overview

Hyperbolic $3$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K33 Contact structures in $3$-manifolds

Overview

Contact structures in $3$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K35 Other geometric structures on $3$-manifolds

Overview

Other geometric structures on $3$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K40 General topology of $4$-manifolds

Overview

General topology of $4$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K41 Invariants of $4$-manifolds

Overview

Invariants of $4$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K43 Symplectic structures in $4$-manifolds

Overview

Symplectic structures in $4$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks

57K45 Other geometric structures on $4$-manifolds

Overview

Other geometric structures on $4$-manifolds. This topic studies low-dimensional topology, especially dimensions two through four, with strong interactions among manifolds, knots, and group actions.

Related Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia: Low-dimensional topology

Useful Links

Key Ideas

  • 3- and 4-dimensional manifold techniques
  • decomposition and geometric structures
  • invariants from knots, groups, and gauge theory

Typical Uses

Used to classify and distinguish manifolds and embedded objects in dimensions where geometry and topology strongly interact.

Applications

  • Knot and 3-manifold theory
  • Geometric group theory
  • Topological quantum field theory

References

Recommended Textbooks