Mathematics of Epidemics on Networks

From Exact to Approximate Models

This textbook provides an exciting new addition to the area of network science featuring a stronger and more methodical link of models to their mathematical origin and explains how these relate to each other with special focus on epidemic spread on networks. The content of the book is at the interface of graph theory, stochastic processes and dynamical systems. The authors set out to make a significant contribution to closing the gap between model development and the supporting mathematics. This is done by:

• Summarising and presenting the state-of-the-art in modeling epidemics on networks with results and readily usable models signposted throughout the book;

• Presenting different mathematical approaches to formulate exact and solvable models;

• Identifying the concrete links between approximate models and their rigorous mathematical representation;

• Presenting a model hierarchy and clearly highlighting the links between model assumptions and model complexity;

• Providing a reference source for advanced undergraduate students, as well as doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and academic experts who are engaged in modeling stochastic processes on networks;

• Providing software that can solve differential equation models or directly simulate epidemics on networks.

Replete with numerous diagrams, examples, instructive exercises, and online access to simulation algorithms and readily usable code, this book will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers from different backgrounds and academic levels. Appropriate for students with or without a strong background in mathematics, this textbook can form the basis of an advanced undergraduate or graduate course in both mathematics and other departments alike.