Unit name | Complex Networks |
---|---|
Unit code | MATH36201 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Ayalvadi Ganesh |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
MATH11300 Probability 1 (or the first half of MATH10013 Probability and Statistics), MATH11005 Linear Algebra and Geometry and MATH20008 Probability 2 is strongly recommended. |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Mathematics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Unit Aims
Networks are very widely used in mathematical modelling. They can describe physical systems such as transportation or telecommunication networks, or interactions between agents such as in social networks of humans or other biological organisms. It is of interest to study both the structure of the network, and dynamical processes occurring on a network.
Motivated by such questions, this unit will introduce a number of different random processes to model information spread, consensus formation, and random walks on networks. We will also study random network models and some of their properties.
The course will emphasise both proofs and applications.
Unit Description
This unit will teach ways of modelling and working with large networks such as the Internet and social networks. The topics covered will be:
Relation to Other Units
The unit applies basic probabilistic models studied in Probability 2, specifically Markov chains and martingales, to the study of random processes on networks.
Graph theory would also have been introduced in Combinatorics. This unit does not have significant overlap with Combinatorics but takes a complementary approach to studying graphs using probability.
The course provides an interesting applied context for deepening the student's understanding of probabilistic techniques learnt in other courses such as Probability 2 and Martingale Theory and Applications.
Learning Objectives
Lectures and problem sheets, from which work will be set and marked, with outline solutions handed out a fortnight later.
20% Coursework and 80% Examination.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATH36201).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.