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Dr. Petra Bonfert-Taylor

This course provides an introduction to complex analysis which is the theory of complex functions of a complex variable. We will start by introducing the complex plane, along with the algebra and geometry of complex numbers, and then we will make our way via differentiation, integration, complex dynamics, power series representation and Laurent series into territories at the edge of what is known today. Each module consists of five video lectures with embedded quizzes, followed by an electronically graded homework assignment. Additionally, modules 1, 3, and 5 also contain a peer assessment.

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This course provides an introduction to complex analysis which is the theory of complex functions of a complex variable. We will start by introducing the complex plane, along with the algebra and geometry of complex numbers, and then we will make our way via differentiation, integration, complex dynamics, power series representation and Laurent series into territories at the edge of what is known today. Each module consists of five video lectures with embedded quizzes, followed by an electronically graded homework assignment. Additionally, modules 1, 3, and 5 also contain a peer assessment.

The homework assignments will require time to think through and practice the concepts discussed in the lectures. In fact, a significant amount of your learning will happen while completing the homework assignments. These assignments are not meant to be completed quickly; rather you'll need paper and pen with you to work through the questions. In total, we expect that the course will take 6-12 hours of work per module, depending on your background.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Complex Numbers
We’ll begin this module by briefly learning about the history of complex numbers: When and why were they invented? In particular, we’ll look at the rather surprising fact that the original need for complex numbers did not arise from the study of quadratic equations (such as solving the equation z^2+1 = 0), but rather from the study of cubic equations! Next we’ll cover some algebra and geometry in the complex plane to learn how to compute with and visualize complex numbers. To that end we’ll also learn about the polar representation of complex numbers, which will lend itself nicely to finding roots of complex numbers. We’ll finish this module by looking at some topology in the complex plane.
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Complex Functions and Iteration
Complex analysis is the study of functions that live in the complex plane, that is, functions that have complex arguments and complex outputs. The main goal of this module is to familiarize ourselves with such functions. Ultimately we’ll want to study their smoothness properties (that is, we’ll want to differentiate complex functions of complex variables), and we therefore need to understand sequences of complex numbers as well as limits in the complex plane. We’ll use quadratic polynomials as an example in the study of complex functions and take an excursion into the beautiful field of complex dynamics by looking at the iterates of certain quadratic polynomials. This allows us to learn about the basics of the construction of Julia sets of quadratic polynomials. You'll learn everything you need to know to create your own beautiful fractal images, if you so desire. We’ll finish this module by defining and looking at the Mandelbrot set and one of the biggest outstanding conjectures in the field of complex dynamics.
Analytic Functions
When studying functions we are often interested in their local behavior, more specifically, in how functions change as their argument changes. This leads us to studying complex differentiation – a more powerful concept than that which we learned in calculus. We’ll begin this module by reviewing some facts from calculus and then learn about complex differentiation and the Cauchy-Riemann equations in order to meet the main players: analytic functions. These are functions that possess complex derivatives in lots of places; a fact, which endows them with some of the most beautiful properties mathematics has to offer. We’ll finish this module with the study of some functions that are complex differentiable, such as the complex exponential function and complex trigonometric functions. These functions agree with their well-known real-valued counterparts on the real axis!
Conformal Mappings
We’ll begin this module by studying inverse functions of analytic functions such as the complex logarithm (inverse of the exponential) and complex roots (inverses of power) functions. In order to possess a (local) inverse, an analytic function needs to have a non-zero derivative, and we’ll discover the powerful fact that at any such place an analytic function preserves angles between curves and is therefore a conformal mapping! We'll spend two lectures talking about very special conformal mappings, namely Möbius transformations; these are some of the most fundamental mappings in geometric analysis. We'll finish this module with the famous and stunning Riemann mapping theorem. This theorem allows us to study arbitrary simply connected sub-regions of the complex plane by transporting geometry and complex analysis from the unit disk to those domains via conformal mappings, the existence of which is guaranteed via the Riemann Mapping Theorem.
Complex Integration
Now that we are familiar with complex differentiation and analytic functions we are ready to tackle integration. But we are in the complex plane, so what are the objects we’ll integrate over? Curves! We’ll begin this module by studying curves (“paths”) and next get acquainted with the complex path integral. Then we’ll learn about Cauchy’s beautiful and all encompassing integral theorem and formula. Next we’ll study some of the powerful consequences of these theorems, such as Liouville’s Theorem, the Maximum Principle and, believe it or not, we’ll be able to prove the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra using Complex Analysis. It's going to be a week filled with many amazing results!
Power Series
In this module we’ll learn about power series representations of analytic functions. We’ll begin by studying infinite series of complex numbers and complex functions as well as their convergence properties. Power series are especially easy to understand, well behaved and easy to work with. We’ll learn that every analytic function can be locally represented as a power series, which makes it possible to approximate analytic functions locally via polynomials. As a special treat, we'll explore the Riemann zeta function, and we’ll make our way into territories at the edge of what is known today such as the Riemann hypothesis and its relation to prime numbers.
Laurent Series and the Residue Theorem
Laurent series are a powerful tool to understand analytic functions near their singularities. Whereas power series with non-negative exponents can be used to represent analytic functions in disks, Laurent series (which can have negative exponents) serve a similar purpose in annuli. We’ll begin this module by introducing Laurent series and their relation to analytic functions and then continue on to the study and classification of isolated singularities of analytic functions. We’ll encounter some powerful and famous theorems such as the Theorem of Casorati-Weierstraß and Picard’s Theorem, both of which serve to better understand the behavior of an analytic function near an essential singularity. Finally we’ll be ready to tackle the Residue Theorem, which has many important applications. We’ll learn how to find residues and evaluate some integrals (even some real integrals on the real line!) via this important theorem.
Final Exam
Congratulations for having completed the seven weeks of this course! This module contains the final exam for the course. The exam is cumulative and covers the topics discussed in Weeks 1-7. The exam has 20 questions and is designed to be a two-hour exam. You have one attempt only, but you do not have to complete the exam within two hours. The discussion forum will stay open during the exam. It is against the honor code to discuss answers to any exam question on the forum. The forum should only be used to discuss questions on other material or to alert staff of technical issues with the exam.

Good to know

Know what's good
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, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Dr. Petra Bonfert-Taylor, who frequently contributes to Springer's journal Complex Analysis and Operator Theory and is recognized as a mathematician who works in complex analysis and is known for her work on the Riemann zeta function and other topics in number theory
Covers topics like the geometry and algebra of complex numbers, complex dynamics, and complex trigonometric functions, which are highly relevant for understanding and using complex numbers
Develops learners' understanding of complex numbers, complex functions, and their applications, which are important in fields such as engineering, physics, and mathematics
Includes homework assignments and peer assessments that provide opportunities to practice and receive feedback on the concepts learned
Requires extensive background knowledge in complex analysis and complex functions, as it is not suitable for beginners in these topics
Learners need to have a strong foundation in complex analysis and complex functions so as to fully benefit from the course

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Reviews summary

Introduction to complex analysis: rigorous and enjoyable!

Learners say this engaging course is a largely positive introduction to complex analysis that makes understanding complex numbers more manageable. The course covers diverse topics including theorems, integrals, and fractals, emphasizing applications over proofs. The engaging, knowledgeable instructor presents clear explanations with intuitive examples that make complex analysis more understandable and practical.
Engaging, thought-provoking
"I really enjoyed the course! Now I'm interested in a more proof-oriented course in Complex Analysis."
"I really liked the course. It was extremely informative, all thanks to the brilliant professor to taught the course"
"I​ have never taken a mathematics course which I want to learn a few more times."
Challenging yet rewarding
"This course is a tough course."
"This course was really awesome. Especially Course instructor’s way of teaching was nice."
"This is a tough course, but extremely rewarding."
Relevant, well-explained
"Every topic is explained clearly and basics of complex analysis can be digested easily following the exercises and the lectures. "
"This course is a great introduction for anyone who interested in complex analysis, clear explanation of the concept, not a lot of proves. Highly recommend."
"I wish Prof. Petra Bonfert Taylor teaches more courses. She has taught this course with lot of enthusiasm and has made this course a very interesting journey from the beginning till end. Thank you very much."
Wonderful, knowledgeable
"Petra is a great teacher and I learned a lot of interesting things from complex analysis."
"Petra is a wonderful lecturer - her explanations are clear and very understandable. I really enjoyed this course!"
"It's my pleasure and honour to learn math with Professor Bonfert-Taylor, she teaches in a comprehensive, rigorous (I have rarely seen her making mistakes), and sometimes homorous style. I like her and wish more courses if it is possible."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Complex Analysis with these activities:
Read Complex Analysis by Elias M. Stein and Rami Shakarchi
This book provides an in-depth and comprehensive treatment of complex analysis concepts, helping to supplement and reinforce understanding gained from the course.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
  • Read and study the chapters that are covered in the course.
  • Work through the practice problems and exercises.
Review complex number operations
Working through examples and applying these operations will recall and solidify these key foundational concepts.
Browse courses on Complex Numbers
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online.
  • Work through several problems involving the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of complex numbers.
  • Check answers with a calculator or online resource.
Watch video tutorials on complex analysis
Watching video tutorials can provide an alternative perspective on the concepts, reinforce understanding, and supplement the lectures.
Browse courses on Complex Analysis
Show steps
  • Find video tutorials online that are relevant to the course topics.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes or summarize the main points.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Organize notes and materials
Going through and organizing lecture materials will improve retention of the most important concepts and improve memory.
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes.
  • Create an outline or summary of the key concepts.
  • Organize materials into folders or a digital filing system.
Solve complex equations
Repeatedly solving complex equations will help to develop problem solving strategies for complex analysis and build problem solving skills.
Show steps
  • Find practice equations online.
  • Work through several equations involving complex numbers.
  • Check answers with a calculator or online resource.
Form a study group with other students
Discussing concepts and working together on problems in a group setting helps to improve understanding, identify areas of difficulty, and encourages collaboration.
Browse courses on Complex Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a group of students who are also taking the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss lecture material, work on assignments, and prepare for exams.
Attend a workshop on complex analysis
Attending a workshop will provide the opportunity to learn from experts and ask questions, helping to clarify concepts and improve understanding.
Browse courses on Complex Analysis
Show steps
  • Research and find a relevant workshop.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Create a presentation on a complex analysis topic
Creating a presentation requires synthesizing and organizing knowledge, which helps to improve understanding and retention.
Browse courses on Complex Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to the course material.
  • Research and gather information on the topic.
  • Create a presentation using slides or other visual aids.
  • Practice presenting the material.
Tutor other students in complex analysis
Explaining concepts to other students helps to solidify understanding of complex analysis principles and improves communication skills.
Browse courses on Complex Analysis
Show steps
  • Offer tutoring services to classmates or students at a lower level.
  • Prepare materials and lesson plans for tutoring sessions.
  • Meet with students regularly to provide guidance and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Complex Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physicist
Physicists use complex mathematical models to describe the physical world. They use these models to understand the behavior of matter and energy, and to make predictions about the future. Complex Analysis is a core area of mathematics, and the course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Physicists who are working on problems in this area.
Mathematician
Mathematicians develop new mathematical theories and solve complex mathematical problems. They use their knowledge of mathematics to advance our understanding of the world around us. Complex Analysis is a core area of mathematics, and the course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Mathematicians who are working on problems in this area.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They collect data, analyze it, and build models to help businesses understand their customers, make better decisions, and improve their operations. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Data Scientists, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Data Scientists who are working on problems that involve complex data or systems.
Statistician
Statisticians use complex mathematical models to analyze data and make recommendations to businesses. They use this data to help businesses understand their customers, make better decisions, and improve their operations. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Statisticians, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Statisticians who are working on problems that involve complex data or systems.
Engineer
Engineers use complex mathematical models to design and build structures, machines, and systems. They use these models to ensure that their designs are safe, efficient, and reliable. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Engineers, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Engineers who are working on problems that involve complex data or systems.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use advanced analytical techniques to help organizations make better decisions. They collect data, analyze it, and build models to help organizations understand their operations and make better decisions. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Operations Research Analysts, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Operations Research Analysts who are working on problems that involve complex data or systems.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They use complex mathematical models to ensure that software applications are efficient and reliable. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Software Engineers, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Software Engineers who are working on problems that involve complex data or systems.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists use complex mathematical models to design and develop computer systems. They use these models to ensure that computer systems are efficient, reliable, and secure. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Computer Scientists, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Computer Scientists who are working on problems that involve complex data or systems.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use complex mathematical models to analyze financial data and make recommendations to investors. They use this data to help investors make informed decisions about their investments. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Financial Analysts, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Financial Analysts who are working on problems that involve complex financial data.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use complex mathematical models to analyze financial data and make recommendations to investors. They use this data to help investors make informed decisions about their investments. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Quantitative Analysts, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Quantitative Analysts who are working on problems that involve complex financial data.
Economist
Economists use complex mathematical models to analyze economic data and make recommendations to governments and businesses. They use this data to help governments and businesses make informed decisions about their policies and strategies. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Economists, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Economists who are working on problems that involve complex economic data.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts use complex mathematical models to analyze financial data and make recommendations to investors. They use this data to help investors make informed decisions about their investments. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Risk Analysts, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Risk Analysts who are working on problems that involve complex financial data.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts use complex mathematical models to analyze financial data and make recommendations to investors. They use this data to help investors make informed decisions about their investments. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Investment Analysts, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Investment Analysts who are working on problems that involve complex financial data.
Actuary
Actuaries use complex mathematical models to assess risk and make recommendations to insurance companies. They use this data to help insurance companies make informed decisions about their products and services. Complex Analysis can be a useful tool for Actuaries, as it can help them to develop models that are more accurate and efficient. The course's emphasis on complex functions, power series, and Laurent series can be particularly helpful for Actuaries who are working on problems that involve complex financial data.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Complex Analysis.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to complex analysis, covering all the topics discussed in the course. It is written in a clear and concise style, with plenty of examples and exercises to help students understand the material.
Classic textbook on complex analysis. It is written in a clear and concise style, with plenty of examples and exercises to help students understand the material.
Provides a thorough introduction to complex analysis, with a focus on applications to differential equations and physics.
Provides an introduction to geometric function theory, which branch of complex analysis that studies the geometric properties of complex functions.
Provides an introduction to complex variables, with a focus on applications to differential equations and mathematical physics.
Provides an introduction to complex analysis, with a focus on applications to differential equations.
Classic textbook on complex analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of complex numbers to more advanced topics such as conformal mappings and the Riemann mapping theorem.
Popular textbook for undergraduate complex analysis courses. It covers all the topics discussed in the course, with a focus on applications to engineering and physics.
Provides an introduction to complex analysis, with a focus on applications to the physical sciences.
Provides an introduction to complex analysis, with a focus on applications to differential equations and physics.

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