Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Modelling & the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Module code
2464
Module Organisers
Dr Richard White, Dr Emilia Vynnycky and Dr Adam Kucharski
Contact email
Richard.White@lshtm.ac.uk Emilia.Vynnycky@lshtm.ac.uk
Adam.Kucharski@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Infectious Disease Modelling, [HIV/AIDS, Bacterial, TB, Malaria, Viral
Disease prevention & control, Research (in general), Epidemiology (incl.
surveillance), Quantitative methods.
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To introduce students to key methods for setting up models of the transmission
dynamics of infectious diseases and their application.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
 Understand the basic methods for setting up deterministic and stochastic
infectious disease models;
 Understand some of the host and pathogen factors determining variation in
infectious diseases over time and how to incorporate these into models;
 Analyse seroprevalence data using models to estimate age and timedependent transmission rates and their application for understanding
control of childhood infections;
 Understand the applications of modelling in infectious disease
epidemiology and of some of the insights that models have provided,
including describing the time-course of outbreaks and predicting the
impact of control strategies;
 Understand the application of modelling to measles, mumps, rubella and
influenza, STI/HIV, tuberculosis, vector-borne diseases and applications in
veterinary epidemiology;
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
Target audience
Critically read and interpret modelling papers.
The course aims to bring a conceptual understanding of mathematical models
and their applications in infectious disease research to individuals who have
not had any advanced training in mathematics. It is also suitable for individuals
with a background in mathematical disciplines who wish to obtain an
understanding of the broad range of applications of mathematical models in
infectious disease epidemiology and who may wish to specialize in this area in
the future.
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):




Basic methods and motives for developing infectious disease models;
Analysis and applications of seroprevalence data: methods for elucidating
age (and time-) dependent transmission; application for designing models
for predicting the impact of control strategies;
Additional methods and dynamics - stochastic and network modelling,
model-fitting and sensitivity analyses;
Applications of modelling.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Course folder provided
Teaching and learning
methods
A variety of teaching methods are employed including lectures, computer
practicals, small group work and paper discussions. The course will introduce
participants to the use of mathematical models for analysing a wide range of
problems involving many different pathogens, and will equip participants with
the skills to build and analyse simple models for their own area of interest.
We use periodic review sessions to consolidate and expand on concepts
covered during the course. Paper discussion sessions are included to enhance
understanding of modelling papers and to encourage critical thinking of model
structures and the underlying assumptions.
Assessment details
The assessment consists of two components: a data analysis/modelling
exercise that students carry out in small groups (20%) and an MCQ exam taken
individually (80%) of 1.5 hours.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the task will be an individual MCQ exam of 1.5 hours.
Assessment dates
The groupwork assessment is carried out during the 3rd or 4th week of the
module. The MCQ occurs in the final week of the module
For students who are required to re-sit, or who are granted a deferral or new
attempt, the next assessment date will be the standard School-recommended
date in mid/late September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
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TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Monday morning and Wednesday lunchtime.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Monday 24 February 2016 and finish on
Wednesday 23 March 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot D1.
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:

Contact time ≈ 50 hours

Directed self-study ≈ 35 hours

Self-directed learning ≈ 20 hours

Assessment, review and revision ≈ 25 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
This module builds on and consolidates many of the themes covered in the
module on the Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases (2437), and
attendance at that module (or equivalent knowledge) is beneficial, but not
required. Students will need to have an understanding of basic epidemiology.
Students will benefit from reading the first chapter of the book “An
Introduction to Infectious Disease Modelling” by E Vynnycky and RG White
before the start of the course. They may also find it helpful to work through the
exercises in the basic maths chapter of this book or through the maths
refresher which will be posted on Moodle before the course. Familiarity with
the spreadsheet package Excel is important (those with no experience should
attend introductory courses).
Training in the modelling package Berkeley Madonna is provided. Specialist
mathematical training is not required as the emphasis is on developing a
conceptual understanding of the basic methods and their practical application.
Students who have attained the equivalent of a good high school mathematics
training have generally been able to benefit from the course.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 40-70 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
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Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a
place in the order applications are received, until any cap on numbers is
reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next
time the module is run.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required for this module.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:

For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015 .

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time but, as places are limited, applications ahead of the MSc deadline are
strongly advised. All applications should be submitted at the latest 8 weeks
prior to the start of the module. Formal registration will take place on the
morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 23 June 2014 by Richard White Minor amendments SDB 20th July 15
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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