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78236-01 - Lecture with practical courses: From Data to Impact: A Practical Guide to Inference for Infectious Disease Dynamics (2 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers |
Monica Golumbeanu (monica.golumbeanu@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Christian Selinger (christian.selinger@unibas.ch) |
| Content | Infectious diseases involve complex dynamics that can only be fully understood by looking beyond descriptive patterns to the underlying mechanisms of transmission and control. Mathematical models provide a powerful framework for this task: they help us interrogate data, uncover hidden structure, and explore “what if” scenarios that cannot be tested directly in real life. By doing so, models can inform decision-making and support public health planning. This course offers a practical introduction to statistical and mathematical inference for infectious disease dynamics. Through a series of case studies focusing on malaria dynamics, participants will learn how to select suitable methods, build and apply models, and, most importantly, develop critical thinking in the use of quantitative approaches for data-driven impact. |
| Learning objectives | - Understand and integrate diverse data sources including epidemiological, climatic, and genomic data to study infectious disease dynamics and evaluate intervention impact. - Apply a range of modelling approaches including time series models, mechanistic mathematical models, and parameter inference techniques to real-world infectious disease data. - Perform model selection and critical assessment, evaluate model assumptions, limitations, and appropriateness for specific research questions. - Interpret and communicate results, critically analyse model outputs and draw meaningful conclusions across different contexts and applications. |
| Comments | We also encourage attending Prof. Chitnis’ course on Infectious Disease Modeling: https://vorlesungsverzeichnis.unibas.ch/en/course-directory?id=299213 However, this is entirely optional. Our course is fully self-contained. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 25.02.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Fasnachtswoche |
| Wednesday 04.03.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 11.03.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 18.03.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 25.03.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 01.04.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 08.04.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 15.04.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 22.04.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 29.04.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 06.05.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 13.05.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 20.05.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Wednesday 27.05.2026 | 16.15-18.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 4 |
| Modules |
Module: Advances in Epidemiology, Statistics and Global & Public Health (Master's Studies: Epidemiology) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Pass/Fail based on in class participation and homework (work in groups) |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut |