We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Nimalan Arinaminpathy
Compartmental modelling is a cornerstone of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases and this course will introduce some of the basic concepts in building compartmental models, including how to interpret and represent rates, durations and proportions. You'll learn to place the mathematics to one side and concentrate on gaining intuition into the behaviour of a simple epidemic, and be introduced to further basic concepts of infectious disease epidemiology, such as the basic reproduction number (R0) and its implications for infectious disease dynamics. To express the mathematical underpinnings of the basic drivers that you study, you'll use the simple SIR model, which, in turn, will help you examine different scenarios for reproduction numbers. Susceptibility to infection is the fuel for an infectious disease, so understanding the dynamics of susceptibility can offer important insights into epidemic dynamics, as well as priorities for control.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/zjvxe3/developing
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Modelling the Basics
Compartmental modelling is a cornerstone of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. You will be introduced to some of the basic concepts in building compartmental models, including how to interpret and represent rates, durations and proportions in such models. This work lays the foundations for modelling the dynamics of infectious disease transmission.
Read more
Syllabus
Modelling the Basics
Compartmental modelling is a cornerstone of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. You will be introduced to some of the basic concepts in building compartmental models, including how to interpret and represent rates, durations and proportions in such models. This work lays the foundations for modelling the dynamics of infectious disease transmission.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces compartmental models, fundamental for infectious disease modeling, helping students build a solid foundation in disease transmission dynamics
Provides insights into the behavior of epidemics without delving deeply into mathematics, making the concepts accessible to those new to infectious disease epidemiology
Emphasizes understanding the basic reproduction number (R0) and its implications for infectious disease dynamics, building a solid understanding of key epidemiological concepts
Utilizes the simple SIR model to express mathematical underpinnings, enabling students to grasp the fundamental principles driving disease transmission
Explores the dynamics of susceptibility, a crucial aspect of understanding epidemic dynamics and control priorities, providing a comprehensive view of infection susceptibility
Integrates concepts covered throughout the course, solidifying understanding of the interplay between model parameters and disease dynamics
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Foundational sir model for epidemic dynamics
According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in mathematical modeling of infectious diseases, particularly the SIR model. Learners frequently praise the instructor's ability to explain complex concepts with remarkable clarity and build practical intuition for epidemic behavior. It's considered highly accessible for beginners in epidemiological modeling. However, some more experienced learners felt the content was too basic, desiring more in-depth mathematical rigor or extensive hands-on coding applications beyond conceptual understanding. Overall, it's a largely positive introduction, setting a solid base for further study.
Emphasizes practical intuition for epidemic behavior, often setting advanced math aside.
"I loved how they demystified R0 and provided practical intuition for epidemic behavior."
"I found the 'placing mathematics to one side' approach very refreshing for building intuition."
"The focus on the 'why' and 'how' rather than just equations was exactly what I needed."
Provides a solid introduction to compartmental modeling and epidemic dynamics.
"Highly recommend for anyone needing a solid foundation in compartmental modeling."
"It sets a good foundation, but definitely needs follow-up courses for deeper application."
"A strong introductory course. The explanations are clear, and the pace is appropriate."
Concepts are explained with remarkable clarity, making complex topics digestible.
"An outstanding course! Prof. X explains complex concepts with incredible clarity."
"The instructor is excellent, breaking down potentially intimidating topics into digestible segments."
"It built my understanding step-by-step, making the SIR model accessible."
More conceptual overview than practical model building, lacking extensive coding.
"I wish there were more advanced examples or coding exercises beyond the very basic SIR model."
"I expected more in-depth mathematical analysis or practical implementation (e.g., using Python/R)."
"It's more of a conceptual overview than a 'developing' course for someone who wants to build models."
Content is very basic, potentially too superficial for those with prior experience.
"It's very basic, perhaps too basic if you have any prior background in differential equations or mathematical modeling."
"I found this course somewhat lacking. While it covers the SIR model, it felt very superficial."
"Not suitable for intermediate learners; I was hoping for more rigorous mathematical treatment."
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 Developing the SIR Model with these
activities:
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Improve your retention and understanding by organizing and regularly reviewing the materials covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Gather all lecture notes, slides, assignments, and other materials.
-
Organize the materials in a logical way, such as by topic or module.
-
Review the materials on a regular basis to reinforce your understanding.
Join a study group
Show steps
Discuss and clarify concepts with peers to solidify your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
-
Find a group of students who are also enrolled in the course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss lecture material, work on assignments together, and quiz each other.
-
Use online platforms like Google Meet or Zoom for virtual meetings.
Show all two activities
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Improve your retention and understanding by organizing and regularly reviewing the materials covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all lecture notes, slides, assignments, and other materials.
- Organize the materials in a logical way, such as by topic or module.
- Review the materials on a regular basis to reinforce your understanding.
Join a study group
Show steps
Discuss and clarify concepts with peers to solidify your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a group of students who are also enrolled in the course.
- Meet regularly to discuss lecture material, work on assignments together, and quiz each other.
- Use online platforms like Google Meet or Zoom for virtual meetings.
Show all two activities
Career center
Learners who complete Developing the SIR Model will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist is a research scientist who studies the causes and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course may be useful for an Epidemiologist, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
A Biostatistician is a statistician who applies statistical methods to the analysis of biological data. This course may be useful for a Biostatistician, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Mathematical Modeler
Mathematical Modeler
A Mathematical Modeler is a mathematician who develops and uses mathematical models to solve problems in a variety of fields. This course may be useful for a Mathematical Modeler, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Public Health Scientist
Public Health Scientist
A Public Health Scientist is a scientist who works to improve the health of populations. This course may be useful for a Public Health Scientist, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Infectious Disease Physician
Infectious Disease Physician
An Infectious Disease Physician is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. This course may be useful for an Infectious Disease Physician, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Virologist
Virologist
A Virologist is a scientist who studies viruses. This course may be useful for a Virologist, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Immunologist
Immunologist
An Immunologist is a scientist who studies the immune system. This course may be useful for an Immunologist, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
An Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer is a public health professional who works to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. This course may be useful for an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A Health Educator is a professional who works to promote health and prevent disease. This course may be useful for a Health Educator, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst is a professional who analyzes health policies and programs. This course may be useful for a Health Policy Analyst, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist is a professional who uses data to solve problems. This course may be useful for a Data Scientist, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer is an engineer who applies engineering principles to the study of medicine and biology. This course may be useful for a Biomedical Engineer, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is a computer scientist who designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course may be useful for a Software Engineer, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst is a professional who uses mathematical and analytical methods to improve the efficiency of organizations. This course may be useful for an Operations Research Analyst, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
Actuary
Actuary
An Actuary is a professional who uses mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk. This course may be useful for an Actuary, as it provides a foundation in compartmental modeling, a cornerstone of mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Compartmental modeling can be used to study the spread of infectious diseases in populations, and to develop strategies to prevent and control them.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zjvxe3/developing
Reading list
We've selected ten 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
Developing the SIR Model.
Provides a graduate-level introduction to mathematical epidemiology, with a focus on the analysis of deterministic and stochastic models. It covers topics such as compartmental models, stability analysis, and bifurcation theory.
Provides an introduction to mathematical demography, with a focus on the application of mathematical models to the study of human populations. It covers topics such as population growth, age structure, and mortality.
Provides an introduction to dynamical systems theory, with a focus on applications in biology. It covers topics such as phase portraits, stability analysis, and bifurcation theory.
Provides an introduction to probability and stochastic processes, with a focus on applications in science and engineering. It covers topics such as probability distributions, random variables, and Markov chains.
Provides an introduction to differential equations, with a focus on applications in science and engineering. It covers topics such as first-order equations, linear equations, and systems of equations.
Provides an introduction to linear algebra, with a focus on applications in science and engineering. It covers topics such as vectors, matrices, and linear transformations.
Provides an introduction to calculus, with a focus on applications in science and engineering. It covers topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals.
Provides an introduction to algebra and trigonometry, with a focus on applications in science and engineering. It covers topics such as polynomials, trigonometric functions, and conic sections.
Provides an introduction to arithmetic, with a focus on basic operations and number theory. It covers topics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Save
Provides an introduction to fractions, decimals, and percents, with a focus on basic operations and applications. It covers topics such as converting fractions to decimals and percents, and solving problems involving fractions, decimals, and percents.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zjvxe3/developing
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructor
Nimalan Arinaminpathy
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Infectious Disease Modelling. It's comprised of three courses:
- Interventions and Calibration
- Building on the SIR Model
- Developing the SIR Model (viewing)
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser