Infectious Disease Dynamics (MAST90129)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST30032 | Biological Modelling and Simulation | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST30028 | Numerical Methods & Scientific Computing | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| COMP10001 | Foundations of Computing |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| COMP90059 | Introduction to Programming |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST30030 | Applied Mathematical Modelling | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| PHYC20014 | Theoretical Physics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Short answer test (in class)
| Week 4 | 10% |
Written assignment
| Late in the teaching period | 15% |
Computer laboratory assessment
| Week 10 | 15% |
Exam
| During the examination period | 60% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator James McCaw Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Two 1-hour lectures per week and six 2-hour workshops Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- 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
Last updated: 4 March 2025