Introduction to fundamental theory of micro and macroparasites models, and applications to disease control in livestock and wildlife

6 sessions split over two weeks. Each session is a mix of lectures and practicals.

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1. The two in course assignments require the students to use epidemiological models and to analyse and critically discuss their outputs (ILOs 2 and 3); and read and evaluate selected papers and demonstrate that they can comprehend and explain the use of key concepts such as R0, R in the selected papers (ILOs 1 and 4). (1500 words)

2. The final assignment (50%) requires students to read and evaluate the scientific literature (ILO4) and to conduct and interpret the output of an epidemiological analysis (ILO 1). (1500 words)

The aim of this course is to equip students with the mathematical and programming skills and theoretical background to be able to create simple epidemiological models, to interpret their outputs and to be able to critically evaluate published papers on infectious disease dynamics.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Comprehend and utilise key concepts such as R0, R and herd immunity underpinning the infectious disease dynamics.

2. Use and create computational tools to simulate disease dynamics.

3. Analyse and critically discuss the outputs of computational tools.

4. Read and evaluate scientific literature so they can critically discuss, appraise and communicate information on infectious disease dynamics.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.