As part of the 2002-2007 Special Focus on
Computational and Mathematical Epidemiology,
DIMACS is offering a

Tutorial on Dynamic Models of Epidemiological Problems

Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
June 24 - 27, 2002

This tutorial will develop mathematical models for the spread of infectious diseases by starting with the most basic dynamic models and then increasing the complexity to include host-vector situations, multiple groups, variable population size, age-structure, differential-delay equations, and functional differential equations. The models presented will address concepts such as thresholds, basic reproduction numbers, stability of equilibria, global stability, Hopf bifurcation to periodic solutions, multiple endemic equilibria and chaotic behavior. Applications to specific diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, rubella, chicken pox, whooping cough, and HIV/AIDS will be included. Thus the essentials of model formulation and mathematical analysis will be presented, examples of the use of models to answer questions about specific diseases will be examined, and some of the questions, challenges, and opportunities in theoretical epidemiology will be presented.

On each of the 4 days, there will be 5 presentations followed by short discussions. In addition, at the end of each day there will be a discussion centered around a theme. The three organizers (Carlos Castillo-Chavez, Cornell University; Herb Hethcote, University of Iowa; and Pauline van den Driessche, University of Victoria) will give most of the presentations, but there will be some guest speakers on the last 2 days.

A goal is to go from the most basic models to the research frontiers in mathematical epidemiology. The organizers believe that the material in this tutorial course will be accessible to participants with different backgrounds. Thus this course is suitable for working mathematicians including graduate students, faculty, and postdocs, who know differential equations and want to learn about epidemiology modeling. It is also suitable for epidemiologists, biologists, and biostatisticians with an epidemiology background who want to learn about dynamic modeling of infectious disease transmission and control (some previous exposure to differential equations would be helpful). A mixture of mathematicians and epidemiologists as participants will provide a stimulating atmosphere for the course.

Further information is available at http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/Workshops/EpidTutorial/

For more about DIMACS: http://dimacs.rutgers.edu

or

Dynamic Models of Epidemiological Problems Tutorial Program Administrator
DIMACS Center - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
96 Frelinghuysen Road
CoRE Building, 4th Floor
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8018

For more about the DIMACS Special Focus on Computational and Mathematical Epidemiology: http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/SpecialYears/2002_Epid/

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