Algebraic K- and L-theory and applications to the topology of manifolds

The development of geometric topology has led to the identification of specific algebraic structures of great richness and usefulness. A common theme in this area is the study of algebraic invariants of discrete groups or rings by topological methods. The resulting subject is now called algebraic K-theory. The purpose of these lecture notes is to survey some of the main constructions and techniques in algebraic K-theory, together with an indication of the topological background and applications. More details about proofs can be found in the references. The material is organized into some introductory sections, concerning linear and unitary K-theory, followed by descriptions of four important geometric problems and their related algebraic methods