Aim
This course teaches how to build, simulate, and interpret mathematical models of infectious diseases using R. Participants will learn to translate real epidemiological questions into compartment models (SIR/SEIR and extensions), estimate key parameters, simulate outbreaks, evaluate interventions (vaccination, isolation, behavior change), and communicate results clearly using plots and reproducible reports—ending with a mini modeling project using realistic data.
Program Objectives
- Build Modeling Foundations: Understand compartment models, assumptions, and why models behave the way they do.
- Implement Models in R: Write and run simulations using standard R workflows for ODE-based models.
- Estimate Key Parameters: Learn how to interpret and estimate transmission rate, recovery rate, and R₀/Rt.
- Evaluate Interventions: Model vaccination, quarantine, contact reduction, and seasonality effects.
- Connect Models to Data: Fit simple models to incidence data and assess uncertainty.
- Communicate Results: Create clear visuals and scenario summaries for public health decision-making.
- Hands-on Outcome: Build an outbreak model and present a short scenario-based report.
Program Structure
Module 1: Infectious Disease Modeling — The Big Picture
- What models are for: explanation, prediction, and planning (and their limits).
- Basic epidemiology terms: incidence, prevalence, attack rate, case fatality (overview).
- Core dynamics: transmission, recovery, immunity, and feedback effects.
- Why assumptions matter: when models mislead and how to stay honest.
Module 2: SIR Model Fundamentals
- SIR compartments: Susceptible–Infectious–Recovered.
- Model equations (conceptual understanding) and interpretation of each term.
- Key parameters: β (transmission), γ (recovery), and basic reproduction number R₀.
- Hands-on: simulate an SIR outbreak and visualize curves in R.
Module 3: SEIR and Realistic Extensions
- Adding exposed (latent) stage: when SEIR is needed.
- Asymptomatic infections and under-reporting (conceptual extension).
- Time-varying transmission: seasonality and behavior change.
- Hands-on: simulate SEIR with time-varying contact rates.
Module 4: Implementing ODE Models in R
- Setting up state variables, parameters, and time grids.
- Solving differential equations in R (workflow approach).
- Debugging models: checking conservation, sanity checks, and stability.
- Reusable code structure: building a clean modeling function.
Module 5: Parameter Estimation and R₀/Rt Interpretation
- Estimating β and γ from epidemic curves (simple practical approach).
- R₀ vs Rt: what changes over time and why.
- Model calibration basics: matching model outputs to observed incidence.
- Uncertainty thinking: why one “best curve” is not enough.
Module 6: Intervention Modeling (Policy and Planning Scenarios)
- Vaccination strategies: coverage, efficacy, and herd immunity concept.
- Isolation/quarantine: reducing infectious contacts.
- Non-pharmaceutical interventions: masking, distancing, school closure (as contact reduction).
- Scenario comparison: trade-offs and how to communicate them responsibly.
Module 7: Data, Noise, and Real-World Complexity
- Reporting delays, testing changes, and why data is messy.
- Observation models: cases vs infections (conceptual mapping).
- Basic sensitivity analysis: which parameters drive outcomes most.
- Model limitations: what your model cannot claim.
Module 8: Visualization, Reporting, and Reproducible Workflows
- Clear plots: incidence, cumulative cases, Rt trends, scenario comparisons.
- Creating interpretable dashboards-style summaries (simple R outputs).
- Reproducible reporting: RMarkdown/Quarto concept and clean outputs.
- How to write a model report: assumptions, methods, results, limitations.
Final Project
- Build an outbreak model (SIR/SEIR or an extension) for a chosen disease scenario.
- Calibrate parameters using a sample incidence dataset (provided) and run 2–3 intervention scenarios.
- Deliverables: code, plots, scenario comparison, and a short report with assumptions + limitations.
- Example projects: vaccination impact simulation, school reopening scenarios, seasonal influenza vs baseline, outbreak control with isolation policies.
Participant Eligibility
- UG/PG/PhD students in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biology, Statistics, Mathematics, or Data Science
- Researchers and analysts working on disease surveillance and outbreak planning
- Healthcare and public health professionals interested in modeling basics
- Basic R knowledge is helpful (beginners can follow with guided practice)
Program Outcomes
- Modeling Skills: Ability to build and simulate SIR/SEIR models in R.
- Interpretation Confidence: Understand parameters, R₀/Rt, and what results mean in practice.
- Scenario Planning: Ability to compare intervention impacts using simulation-based evidence.
- Data-Model Connection: Basic ability to calibrate models and discuss uncertainty.
- Portfolio Deliverable: A complete infectious disease modeling project in R.
Program Deliverables
- Access to e-LMS: Full access to course materials, example datasets, and code templates.
- R Code Templates: SIR/SEIR model scripts, scenario runner, plotting functions, report template.
- Hands-on Exercises: Guided simulation tasks and parameter exploration activities.
- Project Guidance: Mentor support for final project modeling and reporting.
- Final Assessment: Certification after assignments + final project submission.
- e-Certification and e-Marksheet: Digital credentials provided upon successful completion.
Future Career Prospects
- Epidemiology Data Analyst (Entry-level)
- Public Health Modeling Assistant
- Biostatistics / Health Analytics Associate
- Disease Surveillance & Reporting Associate
- Research Assistant (Epidemiology / Mathematical Biology)
Job Opportunities
- Public Health Agencies: Outbreak monitoring, scenario planning, and surveillance analytics.
- Research Institutes & Universities: Epidemiology and infectious disease modeling labs.
- Healthcare Organizations: Infection control analytics and hospital epidemiology support.
- NGOs & Foundations: Health program planning, impact assessment, and disease response projects.
- Healthtech Companies: Forecasting, surveillance tools, and population health analytics teams.










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