Infectious Disease Dynamics (MAST90129)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2020

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As part of the University’s response to COVID-19 and the associated Government restrictions and guidelines, most subjects will continue to be delivered online in Winter and Semester 2.
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.

Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.

Overview

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This subject introduces the fundamental mathematical models used to study infectious diseases at both the epidemiological and within-host scale. The emphasis is on: 1) how models are developed, from conceptualisation through to implementation in software; and 2) how to apply models to questions of epidemiological, public health and biological importance. Statistical techniques for the model-based analysis of relevant data resources will be introduced.

  • Epidemiology: epidemic/endemic behaviour and intervention strategies to reduce transmission, the SIR model, including demography, threshold behaviour, phase-plane analysis;
  • Viral dynamics: host-pathogen interactions, the mediating influences of immunomodulatory agents and antimicrobials, the TIV model, including the immune response, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models;
  • Model sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, scenario analysis, parameter estimation, model comparison

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should:

  • Appreciate the nature and purpose of infectious diseases modelling in the epidemiological and biological contexts
  • Be able to apply analytical approaches to the study of infectious diseases problems
  • Be able to develop, implement and analyse (numerically) models in software
  • Understand and be able to apply principles of Bayesian statistical inference to infectious diseases problems
  • Understand how to interpret and evaluate models of infectious diseases in a variety of contexts

Generic skills

  • In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. In particular: - modelling skills: the ability to abstract and generalise from observations of a complex system, providing an alternative perspective on the problem - numerical and computer simulation skills: the ability to design computer programs to solve models and test hypotheses - time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

MAST30032, MAST30028, COMP10001, COMP90059

And one of

MAST30030, MAST20030, MAST20029, PHYC20014

 

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Short answer test (in class)

  • 50 minutes
Week 410%

Written assignment

  • 2000 words
Late in the teaching period15%

Computer laboratory assessment

  • 2 hours
Week 1015%

Exam

  • 2 hours
During the examination period60%

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

Not available in 2020

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022