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Chapters on algebraic surfaces

This is a first graduate course in algebraic geometry. It aims to give the student a lift up into the subject at the research level, with lots of interesting topics taken from the classification of surfaces, and a human-oriented discussion of some of the technical foundations, but with no pretence at an exhaustive treatment. The early chapters introduce topics that are useful throughout projective and algebraic geometry, make little demands, and lead to fun calculations. The intermediate chapters introduce elements of the technical language gradually, whereas the later chapters get into the substance of the classification of surfaces. Special features include the theory of minimal models of surfaces via Mori theory, a complete selfcontained proof of the theorems on classification of surfaces, and a clean treatment of the foundational results on rational and elliptic Gorenstein surface singularities. Contents: Chapter 1. The cubic surface p.4 Exercises to Chapter 1 p.12 Chapter 2. Rational scrolls p.14 Exercises to Chapter 2 p.23 Chapter A. Curves on surfaces and intersection numbers p.26 Exs to Ch A p.35 Chapter B. Sheaves and coherent cohomology p.37 Exercises to Chapter B p.47 Chapter C. Guide to the classification of surfaces 51 Chapter 3. K3s p.63 Exercises to Chapter 3 p.76 Chapter 4. Surfaces and singularities p.80 Exercises to Chapter 4 p.106 Chapter D. Minimal models of surfaces via Mori theory p.110 Chapter E. Proof of the classification of surfaces p.121 References p.146