MA4404 Structure and Analysis of Complex Networks

The course focuses on the emerging science of complex networks and their applications, through an introduction to techniques and models for understanding and predicting their behavior. The topics discussed will be building mainly on graph theory concepts, and they will address the mathematics of networks, their applications to computer networks and social networks, and their use in research. The students will learn the fundamentals of dynamically evolving complex networks, study current research in the field, and apply their knowledge in the analysis of real network systems through a final project. DoD applications include security of critical communication infrastructure.

Prerequisite

MA4027

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

The goal for this class is to develop the mathematical sophistication needed to understand what properties to search for in these complex networks, and what they say about the network. In doing this, students will:

Analyze new networks using the main concepts of complex network analysis:

• identify network models and explain their structures;
• choose between several methodologies in analyzing networks;
• be able to grasp the meaning of a new research paper in complex networks;

Evaluate:

• contrast networks and synthetic models;
• synthesize the new research papers;
• critique peer’s research;

Create new network research: 

• design new network models building on the existing ones and on the collected data;
• design experiments to test hypotheses;
• generate new theory by expanding on the designed experiments.