Modern differential geometry encompasses a wide array of techniques and results. Beginning with an overview of smooth differential manifolds (including coordinates, vector fields, tangent bundles, differential forms, tensors) we will then discuss Riemannian manifolds (those for which metric notions such as length, volume, etc. are defined), connections (leading to Hessian and Laplacian), exponential map, geodesics, submanifolds, and curvature.
A significant part of the remainder of the course will study the effects curvature has on geometry and topology. In particular, some highlights to be covered are the Gauss-Bonnet theorem, applications of second variational formula, and a sphere theorem.