Mathematical Models for Infectious Disease Dynamics

10-21 February 2014

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus , Hinxton, Cambridge, UK

Deadline for applications: 18 October 2013

Course summary

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

Population dynamics
Deterministic and stochastic models
Network analysis
Within-host dynamics of viral and bacterial infections
Mathematical review (calculus, probabilities...)
Applied programming with R
Statistical modelling
Computer-based simulations

The course has a strong emphasis on the use of the programming software R and RStudio. 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 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.

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

Olivier Restif, Ellen Brooks Pollock, Andrew Conlan, TJ McKinley, Cerian Webb (University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine)
Ken Eames (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Nik Cunniffe, Matt Castle and James Cox (University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences)

2013 Guest speakers (2014 speakers TBA shortly)

Becca Asquith (Imperial College London)
John Edmunds (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Christopher Gilligan (University of Cambridge)
Daniel Haydon (University of Glasgow)
James Wood (University of Cambridge)

Feedback from the 2013 course

“Many thanks for a great fortnight of teaching - I learnt loads. Very dedicated teaching team”

“This was an amazingly well-rounded course, with very high-quality lectures and practicals.”

“Overall, the course was excellent, mainly due to the high standard of the teaching and organisation.”

How to apply

Target audience and 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 tuition fees are subsidised by The Wellcome Trust for scientists based in non-commercial institutions anywhere in the world. This is a residential course and there is a charge of £975 towards board and lodging. The fee for commercial applicants is £3200.

Bursaries

Limited bursaries are available for non-commercial applicants (50 per cent of fee) and are subject to open competition. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the bursary section of the online application form (see below for application process).

Applications
Application forms for this course can now be completed online. Please click here to be redirected to the application portal. If you have any problems with the online application process, please email us.

Please note: Applications must be supported by a recommendation from a scientific sponsor. This can be your 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..

Deadlines
Deadline for applications: 18 October 2013.