Learning Path — Algebraic Topology & Homotopy Theory

Suggested preparation for Algebraic Topology & Homotopy Theory. Choose an entry point that fits your preparation.

Open any node directly. Marking a node familiar never locks, hides or removes links. No study progress is uploaded or stored.

Entry / bridge route · Additional preparation for research reading · All paths

Entry / bridge route

Proofs & Mathematical Writing

Read quantified statements; write direct, contrapositive, contradiction and induction arguments.

Book of Proof — Richard Hammack. Direct open PDF

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can explain the quantifiers in a statement and write these forms of proof without relying on a worked solution.

Point-Set Topology

Understand open sets, continuity, products, quotients and compactness.

Topology Without Tears — Sidney A. Morris. Direct open PDF

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can prove statements using these definitions and produce basic separation or compactness counterexamples.

Linear Algebra

Work with vector spaces, bases, linear maps, kernels, rank and eigenvalues.

Linear Algebra — Jim Hefferon. Open online text / archive

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can prove rank–nullity, change bases and distinguish diagonalizable maps from general linear maps.

Abstract Algebra & Galois Theory

Use groups, rings, ideals, quotient constructions and field extensions.

Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications — Thomas W. Judson. Open online text / archive

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can construct quotient groups and rings correctly and state the assumptions of the isomorphism theorems.

Algebraic Topology & Homotopy Theory

Study fundamental groups, covering spaces, homology and cohomology.

Algebraic Topology — Allen Hatcher. Direct open PDF

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can compute standard fundamental groups and homology groups; stable homotopy and higher categories require additional bridges.

Research reading: additional tools

Choose according to the particular text, not as an obligation to complete every foundation again.

Homological Algebra

Work with chain complexes, homology, exact sequences and resolutions.

Notes on Basic Homological Algebra — Andrew Baker. Direct open PDF

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can compute elementary homology and explain kernels, cokernels and exactness; deeper derived-functor gaps may remain.

Category Theory

Understand functors, natural transformations, limits and adjunctions through examples.

Category Theory in Context — Emily Riehl. Direct open PDF

Compare resources in this subject

Can skip if… / selective review

You can express a universal property and verify a natural transformation or an adjunction in a concrete example.

Editorial route reviewed 2026-10-11. Linked texts provide the material and source introductions; the route and skip advice are not claims made by every author.