teaching

Introduction to simulation algorithms & numerics for epidemiological models

This is an introductory course on stochastic simulation algorithms and numerical methods to solve epidemiological models of disease transmission. The target audience are quantitatively minded people from all walks of scientific life with interest in disease transmission mechanisms. Most recently, the course has been taught at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Senegal.

We start with compartmental models by discussing frequency vs. density-dependent transmission models. Then, we give examples of different approaches to solve numerically deterministic dynamical systems of epidemics. In the major part, we study in detail biochemical reaction network simulation algorithms. Towards the end we also glimpse into numerics of stochastic differential equations.

Particular emphasis is on practicals with toy models, but you will also find sketches of proofs and links to rigorous mathematical theory.

You can have a look at the slides here.

Code in R and solutions for exercises upon request!

Any comments and suggestions are appreciated!