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The module willÌýprovide an introduction to disease modelling, with a primary focus on individual based models and on modelling to inform health policy. It will include models for infectious and non-communicable diseases. The module will cover key modelling techniques used to estimate characteristics of infectious disease epidemics, examples of models including health care delivery, modelling of interventions, and of cost-effectiveness of potential interventions. This course aims to give students an insight into model structures and dynamics, modelÌýcalibration and use of models in health policy. Students will be given the opportunity to learn how to build simple individual-based models and interpret model outputs from individual based models. This module is highly relevant for interdisciplinary research and it will give students the possibility to expand the boundaries of scientific dialogue and tackle problems from a different perspective.

The course will be taught through a combination of lectures and supported practical tutorials,Ìýincluding some which will guide students on material to enable model building to enable them to consolidate their understanding of individual-based models. By the end of the module, students will be able to useÌýappropriate skills to understand the basic principles underpinning modelling to inform health policyÌýto a level that will enable them to work with modellers in the future and to start them on a path towards being able to build their own individual-based models should that be their goal.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, the students should be able to understand individual based models to inform health policy such that they can contribute to discussions on interpreting results from individual based models and understand papers describing the use of such a model.ÌýStudents will be able to create a basic model studying a specific disease according to different research questions.

The module is open to all students currently enrolled on an IGH MSc.

Whilst a numerical background is desirable, it is not essential.

Module Leads:ÌýDr Loveleen Bansi-Matharu and Professor Andrew Phillips.

Resources list:Ìý

An introduction to individual-based models in epidemiology, and to inform health policy -- Andrew Phillips (lecture)Ìý Ìý Ìý

Introduction to infectious disease modelling -- Jenny Smith (lecture)