Classifying various types of objects is a popular pastime. Using the classification of finitely generated abelian groups as a motivating example, I'll explain a sense in which one can classify arbitrary abelian groups in one direction, and finitely generated modules over more general commutative rings in another. This is part of a general program which I'll try to hint at.

After the lecture, the Department will host a small reception in Vandrehallen, building 1530.