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Statistical Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology (University of Zurich)
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:43
Abstract
This course provides an introduction to statistical approaches for studying infectious disease dynamics, with a focus on integrating different mathematical models and empirical data to characterize the underlying biological and social processes. In addition, this course offers an overview of the methodological foundations as well as their application to real-world public health concerns.
Objective
Upon completing this course students will be able to: - formulate, understand, and analyse statistical models used in infectious disease research - incorporate appropriate biological, behavioural, immunological, virological, medical, and demographical aspects in their models, discuss the differences between modelling approaches to compare and contrast them - understand topics of interest to policy makers
Content
Infectious diseases continue to shape human health worldwide—from fast-spreading respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza, to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and syphilis, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Each epidemic is characterized by distinct transmission routes, epidemiological dynamics, and control challenges. This course provides an introduction to statistical approaches for studying infectious disease dynamics, with a focus on integrating different mathematical models and empirical data to characterize the underlying biological and social processes. In addition, this course offers an overview of the methodological foundations as well as their application to real-world public health concerns. Contents of the course are as follows: Introduction to infectious disease epidemiology, Deterministic and stochastic compartmental (SIR-type) models, Simulation and inference, Reproduction numbers, Incubation period, Serial interval, Generation time, Delays, Back calculation, Nowcasting, Vaccination: effectiveness, efficacy and safety, Temporal and spatio-temporal detection of transmission clusters.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Statistical Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology (University of Zurich)
**Course at University of Zurich**
|
No time listed | 1.5 h weekly |
Offered In
-
Statistics Master (The following courses belong to the curriculum of the Master's Programme in Statistics. The corresponding credits do not count as external credits even for course units where an enrolment at ETH Zurich is not possible.)