Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - MATH 396 D100

Selected Topics in Mathematics (3)

Modeling InfectiousDiseases

Class Number: 7887

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 15, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 15, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Prerequisites will be specified according to the particular topic or topics covered.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Topics in areas of mathematics not covered in the regular undergraduate curriculum of the department.

COURSE DETAILS:

PREREQUISITES: MATH 260 with a minimum grade of C-, or MATH 155 with a minimum grade of A-. Some experience with computing and statistics is ideal.

Mathematical models can have huge benefits for controlling infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, modelling was in the news nearly daily, as policy makers and the public used models to project case numbers, see the impact of social distancing, and consider different possible vaccine roll-out plans. 

This course provides an introduction to these mathematical techniques for infectious disease and epidemiology. Without assuming any prior biological knowledge, this course describes how mathematics can be used to understand transmission, estimate disease parameters, and even predict future infections. There is emphasis on model building, data analysis and interpretation, with a computing component. We will use a variety of mathematical methods, incorporating calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics. 

Content will include:
  • Basic concepts in mathematical epidemiology
  • Constructing and analyzing deterministic models of infection spreading in a population
  • An introduction to stochastic infectious disease models
  • Fitting models to data, estimating parameters and interpreting results
  • Simulating disease outbreaks

Grading

  • Assignments/Quizzes/Participation 30%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Project 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Mathematical Tools for Understanding Infectious Disease Dynamics
Diekmann, Heesterbeek and Britton
Princeton Series in Theoretical and Computational Biology

Free online access through SFU library.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html