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Unit of study_
DATA5441: Networks and High-dimensional Inference
2025 unit information
In our interconnected world, networks are an increasingly important representation of datasets and systems. This unit will investigate how this network approach to problems can be pursued through the combination of mathematical models and datasets. You will learn different mathematical models of networks and understand how these models explain non-intuitive phenomena, such as the small world phenomenon (short paths between nodes despite clustering), the friendship paradox (our friends typically have more friends than we have), and the sudden appearance of epidemic-like processes spreading through networks. You will learn computational techniques needed to infer information about the mathematical models from data and, finally, you will learn how to combine mathematical models, computational techniques, and real-world data to draw conclusions about problems. More generally, network data is a paradigm for high-dimensional interdependent data, the typical problem in data science. By doing this unit you will develop computational and mathematical skills of wide applicability in studies of networks, data science, complex systems, and statistical physics.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Linear algebra (matrices, eigenvalues, etc.); introductory concepts in statistics (statistical models, inference); a programming language |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. provide solutions to problems through the application of abstract mathematical theory and computational methods.
- LO2. transmit information and skills to others through collaborative computing projects.
- LO3. summarize, interpret, and differentiate mathematical and computational models in network science.
- LO4. evaluate critically the applicability of mathematical models to a given network data.
- LO5. create new computational and mathematical models for networks.
- LO6. develop new strategies to communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- LO7. synthetise and apply mathematical and computational models to problems and data in new contexts.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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