The University of Queensland
 
 
Centre for Mathematical Physics
 
SEMINAR
 
 
Speaker:  William Joyce,  Physics and Astronomy, University of 
 Canterbury
 
 
Title:  Omega structures in mathematics and physics 




 
When:  10am, Wednesday 10th August, 2005
 
Where:  Priestley Blding, room 641
 
 
Abstract:
 
In recent years higher dimensional category theory has made an impact on many branches of 
mathematics (as a way of providing new insights), and physics including topological field 
theory, spin networks and spin foam. The definition of a weak omega category is an intensive 
area of work and a speciality of the category theorists in Sydney. Another omega structure of 
recent interest is that of a omega monoidal category. Such a structure arises as a universal 
envelope for an generalised class of graded Lie algebra arising from recoupling theory. The 
essence of the approach is to fully remove the ambiguity associated with the evaluation of 
any algebraic expression. The talk attempts to survey all these areas and provide a road 
map of these structures in mathematics and physics.
 
All interested are invited to attend.
 

Enquiries to Katrina Hibberd email: keh@maths.uq.edu.au