Introduction to Mathematical Modeling in Epidemiology and Public Health

EPID
603

Course Discipline

Epidemiology

Course Level

500+

Course Credits

3

Term(s) Offered

Fall
Winter

Course Description

  • Description: This course serves as a basic introduction to math modeling in epidemiology, with examples drawn broadly from infectious disease, chronic disease, and social epidemiology. The goal of this course is to give students basic familiarity with a wide range of topics and methods in mathematical modeling for epidemiology.
  • Course Goals: By the end of the course, students should be able to: - Understand the methods and approaches to building math models - Understand how to interpret model results and limitations/pitfalls - Choose an appropriate model type for a particular question - Identify research questions that can be addressed with math modeling methods - Interpret and critique mathematical models published in the scientific literature - Discuss the practical applications of math modeling, and the role of modeling in public health policy
  • Competencies: This course addresses the following Epidemiology MPH Competencies (as listed in the Feb. 2012 CEPH Report): (1) Understand the nature and complexity of inter-individual variability at the molecular, cellular, organ, total body, and external environment (physical, social, economic, political, and cultural) levels as it affects and influences the study of a disease process. (2) Discuss population patterns of vital statistics, outbreaks, and health outcomes in terms of person, place and time. (9) Demonstrate written and oral communication skills related to epidemiological sciences within the context of public health.