Mathematical Models for Infectious Disease Dynamics

The last two decades has seen a huge rise in the use of mathematical modelling across all areas of infectious disease research, from microbiology and pathogen evolution, through to large-scale epidemiology and public health. Professionals in these fields are now exposed to a wide range of models, often without receiving appropriate training.

What will I learn on the course?

This intensive two-week course combines lectures, discussions and seminars, with a strong emphasis on building practical skills using the programming software packages R and RStudio. This follows from a series of in-depth practical sessions that help to facilitate understanding of the underlying theory by putting these approaches into practice.

The programme is aimed at any life scientist, public health, medical or veterinary professional with an interest in quantitative approaches to infectious disease dynamics and control in humans, animals or plants. The basic concepts of the course are applied largely to human infectious disease systems, with reference to more general applications in wildlife, livestock and plant systems.

The course starts with an introduction to computer programming from first principles, but participants who are not familiar with R are encouraged to learn the language basics (data analysis, vector manipulation and graphics) before attending.

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

• Mathematical review (calculus, probability, etc.)
• Population dynamics
• Deterministic and stochastic models
• Modelling structured populations: age-structured, spatial and network models
• Applied programming with R
• Statistical estimation of models
• Computer-based simulations

Learning outcomes
After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Design, implement and estimate simple epidemic models
• Better appreciate the value and limits of mathematical models in their own field
• More fully understand and apply knowledge from scientific articles that include mathematical models
• Explore the behaviour of simple models
• Engage more effectively in collaborations with mathematical modellers

Course instructors

Andrew Conlan
University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, UK

Cerian Webb
University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences, UK

TJ McKinley
College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, UK

Katy Gaythorpe
Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, UK

Matthew Castle
University of Cambridge, UK

Guest speakers

The course will once again feature a panel of distinguished guest speakers. Speakers for 2020 will be announced shortly.

Prerequisites
Applicants should be life scientists, public health, medical or veterinary professionals with an interest in quantitative approaches to infectious disease dynamics and control in humans, animals or plants.

Please note: The course is not aimed at scientists with extensive experience in modelling or with a strongly theoretical background. Applicants whose research project involves the use of models or interactions with modellers will be selected in priority.

How to Apply
Please click the Apply button above to begin the online application process. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. 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, line manager 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.

Travel visas
Successful applicants will be provided with a support letter for their visa application, if required.

Please visit the following websites for further information on visiting the UK:

• UK Border Agency website
• Information for general visitors and business visitors

*The course fee is subsidised by Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences and applies to non-commercial applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available (up to 50% reduction on 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.

Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may issue smaller amounts.

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.

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

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

Accommodation services phishing scam – please be vigilant. More information.

Feedback from the 2019 course:

“This is a great course, not only for a direct target audience as epidemiologist, but also to biologist and professionals of related fields that will highly profit from a clear understading of the fundamentals of math modeling provided by this course.”

“The facilities, accommodation, food and teaching were exceptional.”

“Thank you so much for organizing this course. It was a great introduction to modelling and I look forward to applying what I have learned. I also very much appreciated the instructors and am grateful for the extra time they put in to answer any questions we had.”

“This is an excellent course and highly enjoyable. Andrew and collegues do a fantastic job of delivering a lot of material and keeping the enthusiasm up for two weeks. Conference setting and facilities are also superb. Thank you.”

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who organised this course, and all the speakers/teachers. Everyone has been absolutely fantastic, and I wish we could have stayed longer!”

“Thank you so much. I had a great time and have learned a lot.”

“It was an excellent course. I definitely can observe a change in my knowledge of mathematical models applied to epidemiology.”

“Excellent course, some of the best teaching I’ve ever had.”

“All my objects for attending the course were met and the bursary received was greatly appreciated.”