Introduction to Networks and Brain Networks

This lecture introduces the fundamentals of graph theory and network science, focusing on their application to brain networks. Starting with the historical breakthroughs in network science, such as Euler's Seven Bridges of Königsberg problem, it explores the importance of networks in complex systems, including the brain. The lecture covers the small-world and scale-free network discoveries, emphasizing the significance of connectivity patterns in various networks. It delves into the human connectome, inspired by the effort to map neural connections akin to the human genome project. The session concludes by highlighting the evolution of network neuroscience and the challenges faced in understanding the brain's intricate network structure.