Mathematical models of opinion formation  [1 ECTS, MATH-05]

This course will introduce interacting particle systems (models of many interacting animals, individuals or cells) with particular application to opinion formation. We will investigate how a population of individuals forms into distinct opinion clusters, leading to either consensus or polarisation. A variety of modelling techniques will be covered including stochastic agent-based models, ordinary differential equations, static and dynamic networks, and large-population mean field limits. We will examine model behaviours both analytically and computationally in each setting, as well as discussing the connections between these modelling approaches and which questions they are/aren't suited to addressing. The modelling techniques we will cover are also useful in many other settings and we will conclude the course by looking at some alternative applications. 

SCHEDULE:

 02/12.  12:30 - 14:30 Aula I

03/12. 15:30-17:30 Aula T02.a

05/12. 08:30 -10:30, Aua G 

Contacts: Paolo Dai Pra (paolo.daipra@univr.it)/ Giacomo Albi (giacomo.albi@univr.it)