Mathematical Models for Infectious Disease Dynamics

Over the last two decades, mathematical models have seen a huge
development in all aspects of infectious diseases, from microbiology to
epidemiology and evolution. Professionals in these fields are now exposed
to a wide range of models, often without receiving appropriate training.

This intensive, two-week computational course is aimed at any life
scientist, public health officer, or medical or veterinary professional
with an interest in quantitative approaches to infectious disease
dynamics and control in humans or animals.

Feedback from the 2015 course
“It’s a very interesting and very useful course, it opend a window
for me in the fields of studying the dynamics of infectious disease”
“Thank you for providing this excellent course with an outstanding group
of instructors and a very diverse body of attendees! I enjoyed it a lot
and benefitted tremendously!”
“I just wanted to say many thanks to the instructors, organisers, and
tutors for a fantastic experience. I learnt a lot, I met many interesting
people, and overall had a splendid time. Thumbs up!”
Thanks again to each of the instructors that made of this course a great
experience. Without their dedication and patience the course could have
been a frustrating experience as the material is a real challenge. But
instead, with their help it was surprisingly enjoyable.”

The programme will cover introductory and advanced concepts in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, including:

• Mathematical review (calculus, probability…)
• Population dynamics
• Deterministic and stochastic models
• Modelling structured populations: Age-structured, Spatial and Network models
• Applied programming with R
• Statistical modelling
• Computer-based simulations

On completion, course participants can expect to understand the general principles, assumptions and basic techniques used in mathematical models for infectious diseases, read scientific articles that include mathematical models, appreciate the value and limits of mathematical models in their own field, explore the behaviour of simple models themselves, and engage in collaborations with mathematical modellers.

Course instructors
Andrew Conlan University of Cambridge, Department of
Veterinary Medicine, UK
Cerian Webb University of Cambridge, Department of
Veterinary Medicine, UK
TJ McKinley College of Engineering, Mathematics and
Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
Nik Cunniffe University of Cambridge, Department of
Plant Sciences, UK
Matt Castle University of Cambridge, Department of Plant
Sciences, UK
Ellen Brooks Pollock School of Social and Community
Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
Leon Danon School of Social and Community Medicine,
University of Bristol, UK

Guest speakers
Christl Donnelly Imperial College London, UK
John Edmunds London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,
UK
Mario Recker University of Exeter, UK
James Wood University of Cambridge, UK

Prerequisites
The course is aimed at life scientists, public health officers and
medical or veterinary professionals with an interest in quantitative
approaches to infectious disease dynamics and control in humans or
animals.
Applicants are typically educated to a minimum of A or AS level in
mathematics and should include details of their maths education, as well
as any previous experience using R or other scientific software, in the
application.

Cost
The
course is subsidised by the Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses
and Scientific Conferences Programme. This is a residential
course and
there is a fee of £1045 towards board and lodging for non-commercial
applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Applications
Applications for this course can now be completed online. If you have any
problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Please note: Applications
must be supported by a
recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g. supervisor or
head of department). A request for a supporting
statement will be sent
to your nominated sponsor automatically during
the application process.
Applicants must ensure that their sponsor
provides this supporting
statement by the application deadline. Applications without a supporting
statement cannot be considered.

Deadlines
Deadline for Applications: Closed

Bursaries
Advanced Courses are subsidised for non-commercial
applicants from anywhere in the world. Limited bursaries are
available
(up to 50% of the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you would like
to apply for a
bursary, please complete the bursary section of the
online application
form.

Please note that both the applicant
and sponsor are required to provide
a justification for the
bursary as part of the application.

Bursary terms and conditions

UK Courses (held at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton,
Cambridge)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded by the selection committee according to merit. The bursary
covers a maximum of 50% of the course fee, though in exceptional
circumstances an application for the total course fee may be considered.
Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may
issue smaller amounts. We cannot assist with travel costs to attend UK
courses.

Overseas Courses (held outside of the UK)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded on merit to cover travel, accommodation and sustenance. The
maximum award for travel (economy class) will be £750.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form.
Applicants
will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on
the
course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The
decision of the selection committee is
final.