Modelling Short Course
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Two-week intensive course on:
Introduction to infectious disease modelling and its applications19-30 July 2004, LSHTM organized jointly by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Health Protection Agency
The Mission of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is to contribute to the improvement of health world-wide through the pursuit of excellence in research, posgraduate teaching, advanced training and consultancy in international public health and tropical medicine.
IntroductionMathematical modelling is increasingly being applied to interpret and predict the dynamics and control of infectious diseases. Applications include predicting the impact of vaccination strategies against common infections such as measles and rubella and determining optimal control strategies against HIV and vector-borne diseases. This 2 week intensive course, now running for the fourth year, is intended to introduce professionals working on infectious diseases in either developing or developed countries to this exciting and expanding area. The emphasis will be on developing a conceptual understanding of the basic methods and on their practical application, rather than the manipulation of mathematical equations. The methods will be illustrated by "hands-on" experience of setting up models in spreadsheets as well as other specialist modelling packages, small group work, and seminars in which the applications of modelling will be discussed. Though participants will not be "modellers" by the end of the course, they will have gained an understanding and practical experience of the basics of infectious disease modelling which will be useful in their future work. The course is organized jointly between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Health Protection Agency). The course will be taught by staff from all three Departments of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK, the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, UK, and the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Staff have extensive experience on working closely with epidemiologists and non-modellers, in applying modelling to field data from developed and developing countries and in teaching modelling techniques to professionals in medical and biological disciplines.
Who should attend?The course is designed for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of the techniques available for analysing and interpreting epidemiological data on infectious diseases and for predicting the impact of control programmes, including medical and health professionals, policy makers, veterinary scientists, medical statisticians and infectious disease researchers. Specialist mathematical training is not a prerequisite. However, individuals with degrees in mathematical disciplines working on some aspect of infectious disease dynamics and/or control, who wish to learn about the potential of infectious disease modelling will also benefit. Click here for country and subject profiles of past course participants. Some familiarity with spreadsheet packages (ideally Excel) is desirable. Applicants should have a good command of English.
Course contentThe course makes use of Excel, and a specialist modelling package (ModelMaker). The topics to be covered include:
Teaching methods and course materialsThe teaching consists of lectures, followed by computer/small group practicals. Seminars presented by modellers and epidemiologists, illustrating the practical applications of modelling will be scheduled during the course. A course manual and CD of the example models used throughout the course will be given to participants. There will be no formal examination, but a Certificate of Attendance will be issued to those completing the course.
Course feeThe fee for the full course is £1,350. This fee covers participation in the course and all course materials, and a course lunch on the first day, but excludes travel costs, accommodation and other meals. If the course fee is to be paid on the applicant's behalf, please conclose a letter from the sponsor to confirm this, otherwise the application will be held responsible for payment. The course fee is payable in full on notifcation of acceptance for the course, and attendance on a course may not begin until fees are fully paid. Cancellation of attendance on a course may lead to loss of all or part of the fee. The full course fee must be paid by 15 June 2004. Your place may be cancelled if your fees are not paid by this date.
Accommodation and mealsThe School cannot provide accommodation for participants. A list of hotels and hostels located in the vicinity of the school can be supplied on request. Lunch can be purchased from the School Refectory. Evening meals are not catered for at the School, but there is a large choice of restaurants and coffee-shops nearby.
Further detailsFor copies of the leaflet and application form, please contact: Registry The application form (PDF format) can be downloaded, and signed copies should be faxed with a CV to +44(0)20 7323 0638. A detailed course description and provisional timetable (both PDF format) can be downloaded or obtained from one of the course organisers (Emilia Vynnycky or Richard White) on request.
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