Introduction to Networks

In this course we will explore the ubiquity of networks and the beautiful mathematics that helps us understand them. Together we will cover the basics of graph theory, introduce real world social, informational, and biological networks, explore how information (or a virus) can diffuse or cascade through a network, and learn about popular social and graph phenomena like the six degrees of separation and the friendship paradox. We will utilize jupyter notebooks and python libraries to build a toolset for studying networks and you will have the opportunity to analyze an empirical network using the ideas and tools you develop over the course of this class. No previous coding or mathematical experience is necessary: we will cover all concepts together.

Izabel Aguiar is a PhD candidate in Computational and Mathematical Engineering at Stanford University where she is lucky to be advised by Johan Ugander./