221.660.01
Systems Science in Public Health: Basic Modeling and Simulation Methods
Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Wednesday, 3:30 - 6:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
221.654.81 Systems Thinking in Public Health
or
552.626.81 Systems Thinking: Concepts and Methods
Mathematical and computational modeling and simulation methods have helped transform many industries and fields such as manufacturing, transportation, communications, and finance and are increasingly being used in public health. As the use of such methods continues to grow, regardless of one’s eventual role in public health, familiarity with such approaches and methods will likely become more and more important in the future.
Introduces students to mathematical and computational modeling and simulation methods that can help public health decision makers better understand and improve various systems in public health. Addresses the basic concepts of mathematical and computational modeling and simulation. Covers probability theory, decision analysis, Markov models, compartment models, and systems dynamics models, as well as basics of economic and operational modeling. Introduces TreeAge, and VenSim software. Offers examples of public health systems including both communicable and non-communicable disease control programs (e.g., vaccines, medications, and non-pharmaceutical interventions), dietary and physical activity behaviors and interventions, and healthcare systems and healthcare policy.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Distinguish between the purpose, scope, conceptual differences, and assumptions of systems models
- Choose appropriate simulation tools for specific research questions
- Develop a basic system dynamics model to address public health issue/questions
- Use the information generated to communicate to stakeholders and inform policy and practice debates
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 20% Participation
- 30% Written Assignment(s)
- 20% Presentation(s)
- 30% Final Project