My blog is Travels in a Mathematical World.
Math/Maths Podcast: Peter Rowlett in the UK calls Samuel Hansen in the US and the pair discuss topical mathematics. A podcast from Pulse-Project.org.
Get latest episode (9 Jan 2013).
Travels in a Mathematical World Podcast is a set of 64 episodes of mathematicians speaking in their own words about their work, maths history and maths news.
Get all 64 episodes.
Visit my YouTube channel for videos on puzzles and maths history, as well as higher education maths curriculum talks.
Bacon, Small-Worlds, and Your Important Friends: Social Network Theory Explained
University of Birmingham (15/11/2010) and University of Leicester (19/11/2010)
Samuel Hansen & Peter Rowlett
Rarely can a day pass without hearing the words "Social Network", but what exactly do these words mean? Social Network Theory is a very young discipline that has intrigued some of the best minds in many different fields, including: Mathematics and Sociology. In our talk we will give a precise definition of Social Networks and outline much of the mathematical foundation of the study of Social Networks. We will also explain just why "Weak Ties" are actually quite strong, why "Your Friends are More Important than You", and just why it really may be a "Small-World" after all. Peppered with real life examples, some even about Bacon, and audience participation, this talk will make sure you never think of Social networks the same way again.