CNET 5126 — Spreading on Networks: From Epidemics to Memes
4 semester hoursGraduateLecture
Explores fundamentals of contagion on networks, starting with simple disease dynamics in mean field systems and building to spreading processes on complex networks. Examines a variety of contagion modeling techniques, which include state-of-the-art techniques for using networks to forecast the trajectory of an infectious disease, the emergence of a best-seller, predicting elections, or even modeling cascading failures in infrastructure networks. Introduces a diverse range of datasets and case studies, which students may draw from for their final modeling/analysis project. From biological pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and influenza to social contagions like fake news, memes, and influencers, complex network analysis gives us powerful tools to understand contagion processes in our modern world.