Mathematical Modeling of Infection Dynamics

February 10, 2016 — 

Mathematical modeling has become a valuable tool in the analysis of infection processes and to support the development of control strategies. This short course will introduce the conceptual ideas and mathematical tools needed for formulating and evaluating mathematical models of infectious disease, with an emphasis on livestock diseases. A hands-on approach will be adopted in form of interactive lectures and tutorials. The course will take place May 23-27, 2016, at Iowa State University, Ames, IA, US. Registration for this course is now open at: https://goo.gl/72rSgV. Space is limited, so please register early.

The program will cover fundamental and advanced principles of mathematical modeling of infection dynamics, including:

• a review of mathematical essentials
• an introduction to different types of models of infection dynamics (e.g. deterministic v. stochastic)
• theory and examples of modelling infection spread within and between hosts
• investigation of host genetic influences on infection dynamics
• hands-on experience with computer-based simulations
• an introduction to Bayesian inference for infectious disease modelling.

The course will provide participants with the relevant theory of mathematical modelling of infection dynamics as well as with hands-on experience with relevant modelling techniques. Upon course completion, participants can expect to have a basic understanding of the purpose, essential building-blocks, assumptions and limitations of different types of mathematical models, have the fundamental knowledge to build mathematical models from scratch and analyse the model behaviour, and will be able to interpret published results from diverse modelling studies. The course is aimed at animal scientists (post-graduate level or above) and professionals in the field of livestock production or health with good numeracy skill and an interest in quantitative approaches to study infectious diseases. The course is not aimed at researchers with advanced modelling skills. The course tutorials will use the statistical and modelling package R. Experience with R is desired, but not essential. For course attendants not familiar with R an optional introduction to computer programming in R will be provided. Limited shared on-campus housing is available on a first-come basis (book through registration page).

For other housing opportunities, a list of hotels in Ames is at: https://www.visitames.com/Come_And_Stay/ [Please note, however, that, starting May 24, hotel rooms may be very scarce in Ames because the Odyssey of The Mind World Finals will be held at Iowa State May 25-29.]

Ankeny, IA is about 35 minutes by car from Ames and should have hotel rooms available, see: http://www.ankeny.org/HotelMotel

For transportation to and from the Des Moines airport, see: http://www.executiveexpress.biz/shuttle-service

This short course is in part funded by USDA-NIFA Translational Genomics grant #2013-68004-20362