Design in Networked Systems

In our highly connected world, networks exist in a multitude of contexts and domains, for example, in infrastructure, supply chains, transport, information, and social networks. These are socio-technical systems that consist of a large number of components and actors organized into a network. Analysing and managing such systems is a complex endeavour.

This course provides an introduction to the analysis of networked systems and the design of interventions that aim to improve their efficiency. The analysis is based on graph theory, which studies structural network properties. Topics covered include, amongst other material, the following:

- Network metrics

- Social networks

- Formation and evolution of networks

- Complex networks

- Optimal trees

- Community detection

- Example cases from critical infrastructures and epidemic

The assessment consists of an exam of the covered material and a project about a relevant case. Both need to be passed, i.e. have a grade > 5.75 in order to pass the course. Both parts count for 50% towards the end grade.

If you pass an individual part of the course (either exam or project) the grade stays valid for next year(s).

In case of unforeseen circumstances or measures resulting from COVID-19, the prescribed assessment will be modified as follows:

- the exam will be a timed take home exam (open book)

- the assessment for the project will stay the same