MA320 Half Unit
Mathematics of Networks
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Andrew Lewis-Pye
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Mathematics and Economics and BSc in Mathematics with Economics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Students must have completed Mathematical Methods (MA100) and Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (MA103).
Course content
Globalisation and the growth of the internet have meant not only an increasing need to understand the way in which social and communication networks form and operate, but also an unprecedented amount of data available to aid in this analysis. The last decade has seen a coming together of multiple scientific disciplines in an effort to understand how these highly connected systems function. The aim of this course will be to give an introduction to the study of networks, requiring as little background knowledge as possible. The course will begin with an analysis of some of the fundamental properties normally observed in real world networks, such as the small world property, high degrees of clustering and power law degree distributions. After reviewing required notions from game theory, we shall then apply these techniques to an analysis of the spread of behavioural change on networks, together with cascading effects and epidemic models. The final part of the course will be concerned with specific applications to the world wide web and page ranking.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos.
Formative coursework
Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.
Indicative reading
(1) D. Easley, J. Kleinberg. Networks, crowds and markets, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
(2) M. Newman. Networks: An Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2010.
(3) The Rise of the Network Society, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture, 2010 edition, Manuel Castells.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2019/20: 23
Average class size 2019/20: 23
Capped 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
