5  Introduction to Network Analysis

In this part of the module, we will provide an overview of network concepts, terminology and study designs. We start by demonstrating how partnerships create connectivity in networks, and how this can influence epidemic dynamics. We then turn to quick review of the terminology used in network analysis, followed by a short hands-on lab to to get some experience with descriptive network analysis. We end with a discussion of key considerations for network data study designs.

5.1 Network Concepts & Terminology

5.2 Lab

5.3 Network Study Designs

In modules 2 & 3 we will go on to argue that the best epidemic network models have:

• a dedicated, general, flexible framework for modeling the network itself,
• with principled statistical methods for model specification, estimation from data and assessment
• and a network simulation algorithm that reliably reproduces the statistically modeled features and can be directly integrated into the epidemic model.