M. Liebeck: Conjugacy classes in algebraic groups



Here are a few notes and references for what I am planning for my lectures.
Topics to be covered:
1. Introduction to simple algebraic groups over algebraically closed fields, and also to finite groups of Lie type. Lang's theorem and applications. Jordan decomposition of elements into semisimple and unipotent parts. Conjugacy classes and centralizers of semisimple elements.
2. Unipotent classes in classical groups in both good and bad characteristics.
3. Unipotent classes in exceptional groups.

References:
Finite groups of Lie type, R. Carter, 1985
Linear algebraic groups, J. Humphreys
Conjugacy classes, T. Springer and R. Steinberg, Springer Lecture Notes 131