Introduction to Social and Biological Networks

Many natural and social systems consist of a large number of interacting components, and the structure of these systems can be captured as graphs or networks. Network analysis can be used to study how pathogens, behaviors and information spread in social and contact networks, having important implications for understanding epidemics and planning effective interventions. In a biological context, at a molecular level, network analysis can be applied to study gene regulation networks, signal transduction networks, protein interaction networks, and metabolic networks. This introductory course covers network measures (e.g., clustering), properties (e.g., community structure), network types (e.g., bipartite), network models (e.g., Erdos-Renyi), and basic processes on networks (e.g., epidemic spreading). While the covered material essentially applies to all networks, we will focus on social and biological networks in more detail. To be able to analyze and model networks, we will also cover the basics of the Python programming language and its NetworkX module. The course contains a number of hands-on computing exercises, and it is recommended that you bring your own laptops to class. A few loaner laptops will likely be available. The primary course textbook, as well as the software used, is available for free download.

Additional Info

  • Event Location: Kresge 213
  • Special Instructions: Cross-register at https://coursecatalog.harvard.edu/. Must register for course credit by January 8th to participate. Auditors not allowed.
  • Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Sponsor: Harvard School of Public Health
  • Event URL: https://coursecatalog.harvard.edu/
  • Date 10: 2013-01-18
  • Start 10: 1:00pm
  • End 10: 4:00pm
  • Date 11: 2013-01-22
  • Start 11: 1:00pm
  • End 11: 4:00pm
  • Date 12: 2013-01-25
  • Start 12: 1:00pm
  • End 12: 4:00pm

Dates

DateStartEnd
January 07, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 08, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 09, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 10, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 11, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 14, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 15, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 16, 20131:00pm4:00pm
January 17, 20131:00pm4:00pm