Abstract: We will discuss a variety of topics in Algebraic groups through reading some of the papers that have become classics in the subject. The first few seminars will be on the paper by Robert Steinberg, Regular elements of semi-simple algebraic groups Publications mathématiques de l'I.H.É.S., tome 25 (1965), p. 49-80

 Abstract: In this talk, I will consider the question of compactness of (approximate) solutions to some Yamabe-type problems. We will see that by appropriately blowing up the singularities a finer analysis often reveals some analytical or geometric rigidity, thereby ruling out explosions. This establishes uniform bounds which implies compactness (in the appropriate topology) and gives existence and non-existence results.