Help with writing a research paper.

[Coolphreak]

I'm doing some research in which I'm using homology theory to solve a problem in computer science / engineering. Most of the work is on the CS part, but I know enough homology to get me around. I'm not really coming up with any new math per se. I'm not doing any hardcore proofs or anything. My question is, when I'm writing a paper, how much background should I put on homology and algebraic topology? Should I include theorems in my paper (even though I did not come up with them?). Should I prove theorems or just point them to a reference? I guess my main audience would be computer scientists (I would probably get eaten alive if I were to present to pure mathematicians; though there'll probably be a few in the audience)

 

[R.Mesri]

Your primary audience should be computer scientists, so you don't need to include theorems or proofs in your paper. However, it would be helpful to provide some background on homology and algebraic topology so that those readers who are unfamiliar with the subject can understand the concepts you are discussing. You could include references to some relevant theorems and proofs for readers who want to learn more, but it's not necessary to include them in the paper itself.

 

[piercas]

First of all, congratulations on your research project! It sounds like a fascinating intersection between computer science and algebraic topology.

In terms of writing your paper, it is important to consider your audience and their level of understanding of homology and algebraic topology. If your main audience is computer scientists, it may be helpful to provide some background information on homology and how it relates to your research problem. This could include a brief overview of the concept and its applications, as well as any relevant theorems that are necessary for understanding your work.

As for including theorems in your paper, it is generally expected that you cite and reference any theorems or results that are not original to your research. This could include pointing to a reference or providing a brief overview of the theorem. However, if you are using a particular theorem in a novel way or applying it to a new problem, it may be beneficial to provide a proof or at least an outline of the proof for your readers.

Ultimately, the level of detail and background information you provide in your paper should be tailored to your audience and the specific research problem you are addressing. It may also be helpful to discuss your writing and formatting decisions with your advisor or colleagues who are familiar with both computer science and algebraic topology. Best of luck with your paper!