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Emily Gurley, PhD, MPH
and
Dr. Amy Wesolowski, PhD
During the COVID-19 pandemic, both the promise and perils of using infectious disease transmission models to make public health policy decisions became clearer than ever. Optimal use of modeled output requires that public health policy makers be informed consumers of models, that they understand the strengths and limitations of possible approaches, and they know the right questions to ask about the vulnerabilities of the model results.
Read more
During the COVID-19 pandemic, both the promise and perils of using infectious disease transmission models to make public health policy decisions became clearer than ever. Optimal use of modeled output requires that public health policy makers be informed consumers of models, that they understand the strengths and limitations of possible approaches, and they know the right questions to ask about the vulnerabilities of the model results.
Read more
During the COVID-19 pandemic, both the promise and perils of using infectious disease transmission models to make public health policy decisions became clearer than ever. Optimal use of modeled output requires that public health policy makers be informed consumers of models, that they understand the strengths and limitations of possible approaches, and they know the right questions to ask about the vulnerabilities of the model results.
This course aims to provide anyone who makes decisions about public health policies and programs with a clear understanding of how infectious disease transmission models work, the various types and functions, and how they can be appropriately used to make decisions. There is no requirement that students have any prior background in infectious disease models and the course does not include any equations. Anyone with a basic background in public health and infectious diseases with an interest in learning more about infectious disease models will benefit from this course.
In this course, participants will review the basics of infectious disease transmission models, including comparisons to other types of predictions used in daily life and an overview of the key components of a model and modeling structure. Next, participants will delve into the types of infectious disease models: forecasting, inferential, and theoretical models. Then, participants will learn about assessing whether a model is useful, reasonable and relevant, as well as the vulnerabilities of these models. These concepts will be applied to case studies of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014-2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The course will be rounded out with a review of how models inform policy decisions, including major sources of uncertainty for decision making.
Learners who complete this course will have a broad view of infectious disease transmission models, how to assess the usefulness of a given model, and how these models inform policy decisions.
Who should take this course?
-Public health policy makers
-Anyone interested in learning about how infectious disease transmission models can guide public health policy
The development of this training was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. We are grateful to Coursera for waiving enrollment fees through 2025.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/rd3sqp/infectious
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What's inside
Syllabus
Basics of Infectious Disease Transmission Models
Types of infectious disease models
Assessing the Value of an Infectious Disease Transmission Model
Read more
Syllabus
Basics of Infectious Disease Transmission Models
Types of infectious disease models
Assessing the Value of an Infectious Disease Transmission Model
Read more
Modeling and policy decisions
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a broad view of infectious disease transmission models
Explains how to assess the usefulness of a given model
Helps learners understand how these models inform policy decisions
Taught by instructors with expertise in infectious disease modeling
No prior background in infectious disease models is required
Save this course
Save Infectious Disease Transmission Models for Decision-Makers to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Infectious Disease Transmission Models for Decision-Makers with these
activities:
Review Key Concepts in Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Brings core concepts of infectious disease modeling to the forefront, ensuring a strong foundation for the upcoming course.
Browse courses on
Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
-
Revisit fundamental principles of infectious disease transmission, including concepts such as the basic reproduction number (R0) and herd immunity.
-
Review different types of epidemiological data used in infectious disease modeling, such as incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.
-
Explore the basics of compartmental models, including the SIR model and its extensions, and their significance in infectious disease modeling.
Build a Resource Library for Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Encourages students to curate and organize relevant resources, fostering self-directed learning and creating a valuable reference tool for future use.
Show steps
-
Identify and collect relevant articles, websites, datasets, and tools related to infectious disease modeling.
-
Organize the resources into a structured and accessible format, such as a digital library or annotated bibliography.
-
Share the resource library with peers or contribute it to a public repository.
Connect with Experts in Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to establish valuable connections, seek guidance, and gain insights from experienced professionals in the field of infectious disease modeling.
Show steps
-
Attend conferences, workshops, or online events related to infectious disease modeling.
-
Reach out to researchers and practitioners in the field through email or social media.
-
Explore mentorship programs or university affiliations that connect students with professionals.
-
Attend office hours of course instructors or teaching assistants who have expertise in infectious disease modeling.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in Professional Networking
Show steps
Facilitates connections with professionals and peers, fostering a sense of community and broadening the student's network in the field.
Show steps
-
Attend professional conferences, workshops, or seminars related to infectious disease modeling or public health.
-
Join online communities or discussion forums dedicated to infectious disease modeling.
-
Participate in social events or networking receptions organized by professional organizations.
Put Your Modeling Skills to the Test
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in applying modeling techniques, enhancing problem-solving abilities and reinforcing theoretical concepts.
Browse courses on
Mathematical Modeling
Show steps
-
Utilize online platforms or textbooks to access practice problems and simulations in infectious disease modeling.
-
Work through examples of model calibration and validation using real-world data, such as epidemic curves or serological surveys.
-
Participate in group discussions or online forums to share and discuss solutions to modeling challenges.
Dive into Advanced Modeling Techniques
Show steps
Expands knowledge beyond the course material by exploring advanced techniques, enhancing the student's ability to address complex modeling challenges.
Show steps
-
Identify specific advanced modeling techniques or algorithms relevant to infectious disease modeling, such as agent-based models or machine learning methods.
-
Utilize online tutorials, documentation, or textbooks to gain a deeper understanding of these techniques.
-
Apply the techniques to practical modeling scenarios, either through individual projects or in collaboration with peers.
-
Present or share the findings and insights gained from using these advanced techniques.
Develop a Model-Based Decision Tool
Show steps
Culminates the course by applying modeling skills to a practical problem, fostering critical thinking and showcasing the significance of infectious disease modeling in public health policy.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific public health issue or scenario that requires infectious disease modeling, such as evaluating the impact of vaccination campaigns or predicting disease outbreaks.
-
Develop a mathematical model that captures the key aspects of the problem, including transmission dynamics, population demographics, and intervention strategies.
-
Use the model to simulate different scenarios and generate projections, considering uncertainties and sensitivities.
-
Interpret the model results and present recommendations based on the evidence, clearly communicating the implications for public health policy and decision-making.
Apply Modeling Skills in a Real-World Setting
Show steps
Provides practical experience in applying modeling skills to address real-world public health challenges, enhancing the student's impact and understanding of the field.
Show steps
-
Identify volunteer opportunities with organizations involved in infectious disease modeling or public health research.
-
Offer skills and expertise in data analysis, model development, or interpretation.
-
Collaborate with experienced professionals to contribute to ongoing projects or research initiatives.
-
Reflect on the experience and its implications for the student's career and professional development.
Review Key Concepts in Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Brings core concepts of infectious disease modeling to the forefront, ensuring a strong foundation for the upcoming course.
Browse courses on
Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit fundamental principles of infectious disease transmission, including concepts such as the basic reproduction number (R0) and herd immunity.
- Review different types of epidemiological data used in infectious disease modeling, such as incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.
- Explore the basics of compartmental models, including the SIR model and its extensions, and their significance in infectious disease modeling.
Build a Resource Library for Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Encourages students to curate and organize relevant resources, fostering self-directed learning and creating a valuable reference tool for future use.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and collect relevant articles, websites, datasets, and tools related to infectious disease modeling.
- Organize the resources into a structured and accessible format, such as a digital library or annotated bibliography.
- Share the resource library with peers or contribute it to a public repository.
Connect with Experts in Infectious Disease Modeling
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to establish valuable connections, seek guidance, and gain insights from experienced professionals in the field of infectious disease modeling.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend conferences, workshops, or online events related to infectious disease modeling.
- Reach out to researchers and practitioners in the field through email or social media.
- Explore mentorship programs or university affiliations that connect students with professionals.
- Attend office hours of course instructors or teaching assistants who have expertise in infectious disease modeling.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in Professional Networking
Show steps
Facilitates connections with professionals and peers, fostering a sense of community and broadening the student's network in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend professional conferences, workshops, or seminars related to infectious disease modeling or public health.
- Join online communities or discussion forums dedicated to infectious disease modeling.
- Participate in social events or networking receptions organized by professional organizations.
Put Your Modeling Skills to the Test
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in applying modeling techniques, enhancing problem-solving abilities and reinforcing theoretical concepts.
Browse courses on
Mathematical Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Utilize online platforms or textbooks to access practice problems and simulations in infectious disease modeling.
- Work through examples of model calibration and validation using real-world data, such as epidemic curves or serological surveys.
- Participate in group discussions or online forums to share and discuss solutions to modeling challenges.
Dive into Advanced Modeling Techniques
Show steps
Expands knowledge beyond the course material by exploring advanced techniques, enhancing the student's ability to address complex modeling challenges.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify specific advanced modeling techniques or algorithms relevant to infectious disease modeling, such as agent-based models or machine learning methods.
- Utilize online tutorials, documentation, or textbooks to gain a deeper understanding of these techniques.
- Apply the techniques to practical modeling scenarios, either through individual projects or in collaboration with peers.
- Present or share the findings and insights gained from using these advanced techniques.
Develop a Model-Based Decision Tool
Show steps
Culminates the course by applying modeling skills to a practical problem, fostering critical thinking and showcasing the significance of infectious disease modeling in public health policy.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific public health issue or scenario that requires infectious disease modeling, such as evaluating the impact of vaccination campaigns or predicting disease outbreaks.
- Develop a mathematical model that captures the key aspects of the problem, including transmission dynamics, population demographics, and intervention strategies.
- Use the model to simulate different scenarios and generate projections, considering uncertainties and sensitivities.
- Interpret the model results and present recommendations based on the evidence, clearly communicating the implications for public health policy and decision-making.
Apply Modeling Skills in a Real-World Setting
Show steps
Provides practical experience in applying modeling skills to address real-world public health challenges, enhancing the student's impact and understanding of the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify volunteer opportunities with organizations involved in infectious disease modeling or public health research.
- Offer skills and expertise in data analysis, model development, or interpretation.
- Collaborate with experienced professionals to contribute to ongoing projects or research initiatives.
- Reflect on the experience and its implications for the student's career and professional development.
Career center
Learners who complete Infectious Disease Transmission Models for Decision-Makers will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist studies the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. Many Epidemiologists work in public health and focus on preventing the spread of disease. This course will help build a foundation in understanding how infectious diseases spread, which is key to work in this role. Furthermore, this course may be particularly interesting to an Epidemiologist because they often use models to help predict the spread of disease.
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analyst
A Public Health Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public health issues to inform policy decisions. As this course focuses on the use of infectious disease transmission models in public health policy decisions, it may be particularly helpful for an individual in this role.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A Health Educator develops and implements health education programs. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Health Educator develop more effective programs.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This course will help build a foundation in understanding how infectious diseases spread, which is key to work in this role.
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialist
A Health Communications Specialist develops and implements communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Health Communications Specialist develop more effective communication strategies.
Public Health Emergency Manager
Public Health Emergency Manager
A Public Health Emergency Manager helps prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Public Health Emergency Manager develop more effective strategies for preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.
Global Health Consultant
Global Health Consultant
A Global Health Consultant provides advice and support to organizations and governments on global health issues. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Global Health Consultant develop more effective strategies for improving global health.
Disease Surveillance Specialist
Disease Surveillance Specialist
A Disease Surveillance Specialist collects and analyzes data on the occurrence and spread of diseases. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Disease Surveillance Specialist develop more effective strategies for preventing and controlling the spread of disease.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
A Biostatistician uses statistical methods to solve problems in biology and medicine. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Biostatistician develop more effective statistical methods for studying the spread of disease.
Medical Researcher
Medical Researcher
A Medical Researcher conducts research to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Medical Researcher develop more effective research strategies.
Physician
Physician
A Physician provides medical care to patients. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Physician develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating infectious diseases.
Nurse
Nurse
A Nurse provides care to patients under the direction of a physician. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Nurse develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating infectious diseases.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides advice on their use. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Pharmacist develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating infectious diseases.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
A Laboratory Technician performs tests and analyzes samples to diagnose and monitor diseases. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the spread of infectious diseases and how models are used to track and predict outbreaks. This knowledge can help a Laboratory Technician develop more effective strategies for diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases.
Health Policy Researcher
Health Policy Researcher
A Health Policy Researcher conducts research to inform health policy decisions. This course may be useful for an individual in this role because it teaches about the use of infectious disease transmission models in public health policy decisions.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rd3sqp/infectious
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Infectious Disease Transmission Models for Decision-Makers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of vaccine-preventable diseases, their epidemiology, and prevention strategies. It is particularly valuable for understanding the role of models in vaccine policy development and evaluation.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities for improving global health security. It is especially valuable for understanding the role of models in assessing and mitigating the risks of infectious disease outbreaks.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the threats of bioterrorism and the measures that can be taken to reduce vulnerability. It is especially valuable for understanding the role of models in assessing and mitigating the risks of intentional release of infectious agents.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the science of pandemic influenza and the measures that can be taken to prepare for and respond to a pandemic. It is especially valuable for understanding the role of models in assessing and mitigating the risks of a pandemic.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology of infectious diseases. It is especially valuable for understanding the concepts and principles that underpin the use of infectious disease transmission models.
This atlas provides a comprehensive overview of zoonotic infectious diseases, including their distribution, transmission, and impact. It is especially valuable for understanding the role of infectious disease transmission models in assessing and mitigating the risks of zoonoses.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rd3sqp/infectious
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Emily Gurley, PhD, MPH
Dr. Amy Wesolowski, PhD
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English
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Good to know
Provides a broad view of infectious disease transmission models
Explains how to assess the usefulness of a given model
Helps learners understand how these models inform policy decisions
Taught by instructors with expertise in infectious disease modeling
No prior background in infectious disease models is required
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