Configuration Spaces for the Working Undergraduate

Abstract

Configuration spaces form a rich class of topological objects which are not usually presented to an undergraduate audience. Our aim is to present configuration spaces in a manner accessible to the advanced undergraduate. We begin with a slight introduction to the topic before giving necessary background on algebraic topology. We then discuss configuration spaces of the Euclidean plane and the braid groups they give rise to. Lastly, we discuss configuration spaces of graphs and the various techniques which have been developed to pursue their study.