Networks Illustrated Principles without Calculus

Coursera

Course Summary

This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles that govern all aspects of our networked lives. We will learn about companies like Google and technologies like the Internet in a way that requires no mathematics beyond basic algebra.

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Course Description

Networks are everywhere. From the social connections we make on platforms like Facebook, to the technology behind the Internet upon which these sites run, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. In this course, we will study these networks. Specifically, we will focus on understanding the fundamental principles that guide their designs and sustainability. We will see how the simplest phrases like “sharing is hard” and “crowds are wise” can summarize a vast amount of network theory, that goes into answering questions like “how does 3G work on your smartphone?” and “when can you trust an average rating on Amazon?”. And rather than using heavy math, this course will only require basic arithmetic such as addition and multiplication. We rely on animations, analogies, and anecdotes as our pedagogical tools, in lieu of detailed equations.

Course Description

Networks are everywhere. From the social connections we make on platforms like Facebook, to the technology behind the Internet upon which these sites run, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. In this course, we will study these networks. Specifically, we will focus on understanding the fundamental principles that guide their designs and sustainability. We will see how the simplest phrases like “sharing is hard” and “crowds are wise” can summarize a vast amount of network theory, that goes into answering questions like “how does 3G work on your smartphone?” and “when can you trust an average rating on Amazon?”. And rather than using heavy math, this course will only require basic arithmetic such as addition and multiplication. We rely on animations, analogies, and anecdotes as our pedagogical tools, in lieu of detailed equations.

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Course Syllabus
The following 11 topics (one per lecture) will be covered during this course:
1. How does your cell phone decide what power to transmit?
2. Why is WiFi slower at a hotspot?
3. How does Google rank webpages?
4. When can you trust an average rating on Amazon?
5. How does Netflix recommend movies?
6. Why do certain videos go viral on YouTube?
7. How are people influenced on Facebook and Twitter?
8. Why do Verizon and AT&T charge you $10 for every GB of data you use?
9. How does traffic get through the Internet?
10. Why doesn't congestion cause the Internet to collapse?
11. Can you really reach anyone in six steps?
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Recommended Background

No prerequisites.
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Course Format

We will present two lectures per week, about 60 minutes each. Each lecture is edited into short segments with embedded quizzes that will allow you to check your understanding of the material. There will also be weekly homework assignments, a midterm, and a final.
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Suggested Reading

C. Brinton and M. Chiang, Networks Illustrated: 8 Principles without Calculus. Available on Amazon here.