Introduction to mathematical models of infectious diseases

[Edson Zangiacomi Martinez <edson.martinez@ig.com.br>]

Date: Fri, 27 Feb 200916:49:14 +0000
Subject: Introduction to mathematical models of infectious diseases at
Imperial College London
To: infectiousdiseasemodels-list@imperial.ac.uk
From: infectiousdiseasemodels-list@imperial.ac.uk

Please would you forward this e-mail to anyone who would be interestedin the
course.

Best wishes
Dr Peter White

Introduction to Mathematical Models of the
EPIDEMIOLOGY & CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES:
Short Course for Professionals, since 1990
7-18 September 2009 at Imperial College London

Further information & application form available at
http://www.InfectiousDiseaseModels.org

Brochure available at
http://www.InfectiousDiseaseModels.org/brochure_2009.pdf

If you have any queries then please e-mail
InfectiousDiseaseModels@imperial.ac.uk

In recent years our understanding of infectious-disease epidemiology
andcontrol has been greatly increased through mathematical modelling.
Insightsfrom this increasingly-important, exciting field are now informing
policymaking at the highest levels – including in pandemic influenza
planning, which involves Imperial College – and playing a growing role in
research.

Since 1990, this short course has 'demystified' mathematical modelling,
andkept public-health professionals, policy makers, and medical and
veterinary infectious disease researchers, up-to-date with what they need to
know aboutthis fast-moving field, taught by active researchers who advise
leading public health professionals, policy-makers, governments,
international organisations,and pharmaceutical companies, both nationally
and internationally, including on pandemic influenza, SARS, HIV/AIDS, foot-
and-mouth disease and others.

Imperial College London's Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology
(http://www.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/research/researchthemes/publicandint/ide)
has been a world leader in mathematical modelling of the epidemiology
andcontrol of infectious diseases of humans and animals in both
industrialised and developing countries for 20 years. It hosts the UNAIDS
Epidemiology ReferenceGroup, Partnership for Child Development, and the
Gates Foundation-fundedSchistosomiasis Control Initiative that has treated
over 12 million children todate in six countries in Africa. This multi-
disciplinary department publishesfrequently in Nature, Science, Lancet,
PNAS, AIDS, and other leading journals.It has developed models of pandemic
influenza, SARS, HIV, TB,foot-and-mouth-disease, vector-borne diseases
including malaria and dengue,helminth infections, childhood vaccine-
preventable infections,sexually-transmitted infections, drug-resistant
bacterial infections andothers.

PARTICIPANTS ONLY NEED A VERY BASIC MATHEMATICAL ABILITY (high school level
is more than sufficient): since most participants do not use maths
regularly, if at all, we introduce concepts gently, step-by-step, and
provide support throughout the course. In addition, we offer the reassurance
of an optional'maths refresher' day on Sunday 6 September, free of charge,
that some participants may wish to attend. Calculation is done using Excel
and the user-friendly modelling package, Berkeley Madonna; hence
manipulation of equations is not required. We emphasise how to express
biological and clinical principles in a model, and how to interpret results
from a biological and clinical perspective.

Past participants have included hospital clinicians, senior public health
executives, health economists, veterinary researchers, biologists,
andmathematicians; they have come from 48 countries, both developed
anddeveloping.

Comments from past participants:
“Exceeded my expectations. Excellent.”
“The best Continuing professional Development training I have everreceived.”
“The course was what I expected and more, it adjusts to all levels, by the
timeyou complete the course you have a good understanding of modelling and a
lovefor it.”
“I feel a lot more confident in reading modelling papers now.”
“This is a must if you are dealing with infectious diseases.”
“A comprehensive course with training delivered by experts.”
“Fantastic interaction with faculty, students, post docs and support staff.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------