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
Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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None |
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. |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | Yes |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Eduardo Goldani Altmann, eduardo.altmann@sydney.edu.au |
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Lecturer(s) | Lamiae Azizi, lamiae.azizi@sydney.edu.au |
Eduardo Goldani Altmann, eduardo.altmann@sydney.edu.au |