Singular Homology Theory

Book excerpt: This textbook on homology and cohomology theory is geared towards the beginning graduate student. Singular homology theory is developed systematically, avoiding all unnecessary definitions, terminology, and technical machinery. Wherever possible, the geometric motivation behind various algebraic concepts is emphasized. The only formal prerequisites are knowledge of the basic facts of abelian groups and point set topology. Singular Homology Theory is a continuation of t he author's earlier book, Algebraic Topology: An Introduction, which presents such important supplementary material as the theory of the fundamental group and a thorough discussion of 2-dimensional manifolds. However, this earlier book is not a prerequisite for understanding Singular Homology Theory.