Topic outline

  • General

    • Forum icon
      Course Description Forum


      Network Science and Analytics

      Networks are everywhere! From Facebook/Instagram to mobile phones to transportation, we participate in and benefit from networks daily. This course introduces the basic concepts of networks and how you can use the network science concepts in advanced data analytics projects. The class follows the EEE model of learning about advanced technologies. First, we get Exposure to many networks in practice and how others observe and detect them in practice and employ these for better decision making. We will learn how networks are identified, what properties can be inferred, and how these can provide insight into a problem or how these can be employed in other data science projects. Second, we will Explore technologies and tools to build a little bit of technical comfort in these methods through hands-on exercises. No coding expertise is required beyond being able to use software instructions and basic scripting. Third, you will Experience applications of these concepts in a setting of your choice so that you have your own network story to tell.  This could lead to a research project or an internal company proof of concept exploration.

      Tentative dates for class sessions:

      May 4 and 5, 2023:

      10:15 – 16:00

      Lectures, guest lectures, software demos - (a homework exercise to be completed by May 8)

      May 8, 2023

      10:15 – 16:00

      Continued class demonstrations; homework discussion; planning for individual or team projects in network science.

      May 12, 19, 22

      13:00 – 16:00 (In person or zoom)

      Optional “Office hours” times for discussion with the professor on the progress or issues in the projects (Professor Sharda will be available on Zoom - link to be provided)

      May 24, 2023

      12:00 – 16:00 (More time may be allocated if necessary)

      Final project presentations, and a report on the project due by today.


    • Forum icon
      Discussion Forum

      Please feel free to ask or discuss any issue regarding the course materials, assignments, and projects here. Questions will be answered by the Professor or TA. 

      Click on Reply button to start. Discussions are public and all participants of the course can see them.

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      Announcements Forum
    • Assignment icon
      Project idea submission Assignment
    • Assignment icon
      Final project submission Assignment

      As I have mentioned in the class a few times, I would like for you to present your  project’s final report on June 4. If you are able to present it in person, that is perfect. If you are unable to present in person, please record a short video of your presentation and upload it to the Final Project folder by 1100 on May 24. Also upload your PowerPoints slide deck. We will play your presentations in class.  For those presenting in class, please also upload your slides. If your slides are detailed enough, or you can add notes to your slides, you do not need to develop another report. If you like the slides to be less cluttered, you can submit a word document which may be mostly a transcript of your planned talk. I will provide some more specific information about the presentation after reviewing your project idea submissions. 

      Please upload all files in a zip folder.