The movements of students between the faculties of the University of Bologna represent a complex evolving network. By mapping the database of the University containing all relevant informations about the students, during four academic years (2004-2008), we aim to infer on the dynamics and the structural mechanisms that lead the evolution and topology of this complex system. Empirical measurements allow us to discover the topological characteristics of the network at a given moment, as well as their evolution in time. The results highlight stable ‘attraction’ and ‘escape’ nodes within the University network and provide a simple description of the student movements and preferences.
On the Statistical Analysis of Intra Course Dynamics in University System Networks
MONARI, PAOLA;STRACQUALURSI, LUISA
2009
Abstract
The movements of students between the faculties of the University of Bologna represent a complex evolving network. By mapping the database of the University containing all relevant informations about the students, during four academic years (2004-2008), we aim to infer on the dynamics and the structural mechanisms that lead the evolution and topology of this complex system. Empirical measurements allow us to discover the topological characteristics of the network at a given moment, as well as their evolution in time. The results highlight stable ‘attraction’ and ‘escape’ nodes within the University network and provide a simple description of the student movements and preferences.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
