Interventions and Calibration from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Modelling Interventions

Once you have captured the basic dynamics of transmission using simple mathematical models, it is possible to use these models to simulate the impact of different interventions. You will study approaches for modelling treatment of infectious disease, as well as for modelling vaccination. Building on the SIR model, you will learn how to incorporate additional compartments to represent the effects of interventions (for example, the effect of vaccination in reducing susceptibility). You will learn about ‘leaky’ vaccines and how to model them, as well as different types of vaccine and treatment effects.

Confronting Models with Data - Part A

All models answering public health questions first need to be matched, or ‘calibrated’, against real-world data to ensure that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with what is observed. In this module, you will consider basic relationships between models and data. Using the basic SIR model that you've developed so far, you will calibrate this model to epidemic data. Through performing this calibration by hand, you'll gain an understanding of how model parameters can be adjusted so as to order to capture real-world data.

Confronting Models with Data - Part B

In practice model calibration for compartmental models is rarely done by hand. Rather, we construct a function that summarises the goodness-of-fit between the model and the data and then use available computer algorithms to maximise this goodness-of-fit. In these next two modules, you will learn about two simple approaches to computer-based model calibration: the least-squares approach and the maximum-likelihood approach. You will perform model calibrations under each of these approaches in R.

Confronting models with data – Part C

Please note - learning outcomes are the same across both this and the last module. In practice, model calibration for compartmental models is rarely done by hand. Rather, we construct a function that summarises the goodness-of-fit between the model and the data and then use available computer algorithms to maximise this goodness-of-fit. In these two modules, you'll learn about two simple approaches to computer-based model calibration: the least-squares approach, and the maximum-likelihood approach. You will perform model calibrations under each of these approaches in R.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches methods for modeling treatment of an infectious disease that are standard in the medical field

Develops models for characterizing the effects of vaccination in reducing susceptibility to infectious disease

Builds on the basic SIR model to incorporate real world dynamics, such as the effects of interventions

Instructs learners to calibrate a basic SIR model to fit real-world data

Covers the maximum likelihood and least squares approaches to calibrate compartmental models

Requires learners to have a base level of familiarity with compartmental modeling, which may be a barrier to entry for some

Reviews summary

Well-structured course with engaging assignments

Learners say this well-structured course is an excellent continuation of the first course in this specialization. Assignments, quizzes, and the final project are engaging, aid in knowledge retention, and push learners to apply their learning. Despite encountering a few issues with quizzes and a need for more detail in the likelihood function section, learners largely agree this course has been practically useful.

Students appreciate the logical flow and clear delivery of concepts.

"Excellent course videos, content, assignment quiz."

"In general, the course is designed in a coherent structure, and most of the concept is explained very nicely and clearly."

"This builds on excellently from the first course. The transition is seamless, and the final modelling project was super fun."

Learners find value in the assignments, getting the most out of their coursework.

"A great learning experience, have to struggle a lot for the quiz, But in the end it helps to get better understanding of the concept and practice."

"Stuck in last quiz for many hours, dig in many forums. Finally learn in-depth how and why model structure be like that. 5/5 would loss in thought again."

"This was a delightfully challenging course with just the right mix of instructional guidance and independent thinking required."

Technical difficulties with quizzes require improvement.

"Final quiz was tough but all in all an excellent course!"

"There were some hiccups with the quiz. "

"This was a delightfully challenging course with just the right mix of instructional guidance and independent thinking required. My reason for not giving it 5 stars stems mostly from the fact that the wording of the final quiz was at times unnecessarily ambiguous in my opinion."

There is a need for more detailed explanations.

"Generally a good course but not nearly enough time is dedicated to discussing maximum likelihood estimates. It's a complicated subject and giving it only 3x 1 minute lectures creates more confusion than anything else."

"In general, the course is designed in a coherent structure, and most of the concept is explained very nicely and clearly. However, I find the likelihood function part is not clearly explained."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Interventions and Calibration with these activities:

Review basic statistics and calculus

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Enhance your ability to follow the mathematical concepts and models covered in this course by reviewing basic statistics and calculus.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review the concepts of probability and statistical inference.
Review the basics of differential and integral calculus.

Organize your course materials

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Improve your ability to retrieve and review important course materials by organizing your notes, assignments, and other resources.

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Create a system for organizing your notes.
Create a system for organizing your assignments.
Create a system for organizing your other course resources.

Solve compartmental model problems

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Solve practice problems involving compartmental models to solidify your understanding of the concepts taught in this course.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems step-by-step.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Three other activities

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Review modeling techniques

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Model the spread of an infectious disease to practice the modeling techniques and concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Mathematical Modeling

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Start with a simple model, such as the SIR model.
Add more compartments and parameters to the model to make it more realistic.
Simulate the model under different conditions.
Analyze the results and compare them to real-world data.

Read Mathematical Models in Epidemiology

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Supplement your understanding of the course material by reading this book to reinforce and expand your knowledge on mathematical modeling in epidemiology.

View Mathematical Models in Epidemiology (Texts in... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Focus on the chapters that cover the topics you are most interested in.
Take notes and summarize the key points.

Lead a study group on compartmental modeling

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Reinforce your understanding of compartmental modeling by leading a study group and helping others learn the concepts.

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Gather a group of students who are interested in learning about compartmental modeling.
Plan the topics you will cover in the study group.
Lead the study group discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Interventions and Calibration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. Individuals in this role work to understand the causes of disease and other health problems in order to develop and implement public health interventions. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Epidemiologists build a foundation in mathematical modeling of infectious disease transmission, which is essential for understanding the impact of public health interventions. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to solve problems in the field of biology, including public health. They use their knowledge of statistical methods and software to design studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Biostatisticians develop skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, which are essential for designing and conducting public health studies. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Public Health Scientist

Public Health Scientists conduct research to improve the health of populations. They work on a variety of topics, including infectious disease control, chronic disease prevention, and environmental health. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Public Health Scientists develop skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, which are essential for conducting public health research. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Scientist

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to extract insights from data. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Data Scientists develop skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, which are essential for working with large datasets. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Health Economist

Health Economists use economic principles to analyze the costs and benefits of health care interventions. They work in a variety of settings, including government, academia, and the private sector. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Health Economists develop skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, which are essential for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of health care interventions. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical models to solve problems in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. They work to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make better decisions. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Operations Research Analysts develop skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, which are essential for developing and implementing operations research solutions. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts collect and analyze data to understand consumer behavior. They work in a variety of industries, including marketing, advertising, and product development. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Market Research Analysts develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, which are essential for understanding consumer behavior. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations. They work in a variety of settings, including investment banks, hedge funds, and asset management companies. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Financial Analysts develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, which are essential for understanding financial data. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical models to assess risk. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. The Interventions and Calibration course can help Actuaries develop skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, which are essential for assessing risk. Additionally, the course covers approaches for model calibration, which is crucial for ensuring that model-simulated dynamics are consistent with real-world data.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. The Interventions and Calibration course may be useful for Software Engineers who are interested in developing software applications for public health.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, marketing, and education. The Interventions and Calibration course may be useful for Web Developers who are interested in developing websites for public health.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. The Interventions and Calibration course may be useful for Graphic Designers who are interested in creating visual materials for public health campaigns.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documentation. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. The Interventions and Calibration course may be useful for Technical Writers who are interested in writing documentation for public health applications.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They work in a variety of settings, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. The Interventions and Calibration course may be useful for Science Writers who are interested in writing about public health topics.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations. They work in a variety of industries, including government, non-profit, and corporate. The Interventions and Calibration course may be useful for Public Relations Specialists who are interested in working on public health campaigns.

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