Product Description

Mathematical Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Model Building, Analysis and Interpretation O. Diekmann University of Utrecht, The Netherlands J. A. P. Heesterbeek Centre for Biometry Wageningen, The Netherlands The mathematical modelling of epidemics in populations is a vast and important area of study. It is about translating biological assumptions into mathematics, about mathematical analysis aided by interpretation and about obtaining insight into epidemic phenomena when translating mathematical results back into population biology. Model assumptions are formulated in terms of, usually stochastic, behaviour of individuals and then the resulting phenomena, at the population level, are unravelled. Conceptual clarity is attained, assumptions are stated clearly, hidden working hypotheses are attained and mechanistic links between different observables are exposed. Features:
∗ Model construction, analysis and interpretation receive detailed attention
∗ Uniquely covers both deterministic and stochastic viewpoints
∗ Examples of applications given throughout
∗ Extensive coverage of the latest research into the mathematical modelling of epidemics of infectious diseases
∗ Provides a solid foundation of modelling skills
The reader will learn to translate, model, analyse and interpret, with the help of the numerous exercises. In literally working through this text, the reader acquires modelling skills that are also valuable outside of epidemiology, certainly within population dynamics, but even beyond that. In addition, the reader receives training in mathematical argumentation. The text is aimed at applied mathematicians with an interest in population biology and epidemiology, at theoretical biologists and epidemiologists. Previous exposure to epidemic concepts is not required, as all background information is given. The book is primarily aimed at self–study and ideally suited for small discussion groups, or for use as a course text.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #527926 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-01
• Released on: 2000-03-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
"this is a very well–written book...." (Int. Jnl of Epidemiology, Vol. 30/1, 2001)

"The extensive exercises make the book suitable not only for courses in modeling, but also for self–study by epidemiologists, mathematicians, and statisticians." (SIAM Review, Vol. 43, No. 4)

"An attractive feature is that over one–third of the book is devoted to worked–out answers to the exercises" (Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics Review. Vol. 43 No.4. 2001)

Review
"this is a very well–written book...."(Int. Jnl of Epidemiology, Vol. 30/1, 2001)

"The extensive exercises make the book suitable not only for courses in modeling, but also for self–study by epidemiologists, mathematicians, and statisticians." (SIAM Review, Vol. 43, No. 4)

"An attractive feature is that over one–third of the book is devoted to worked–out answers to the exercises" (Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics Review. Vol. 43 No.4. 2001)

From the Back Cover
Mathematical Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Model Building, Analysis and Interpretation O. Diekmann University of Utrecht, The Netherlands J. A. P. Heesterbeek Centre for Biometry Wageningen, The Netherlands The mathematical modelling of epidemics in populations is a vast and important area of study. It is about translating biological assumptions into mathematics, about mathematical analysis aided by interpretation and about obtaining insight into epidemic phenomena when translating mathematical results back into population biology. Model assumptions are formulated in terms of, usually stochastic, behaviour of individuals and then the resulting phenomena, at the population level, are unravelled. Conceptual clarity is attained, assumptions are stated clearly, hidden working hypotheses are attained and mechanistic links between different observables are exposed. Features:
∗ Model construction, analysis and interpretation receive detailed attention
∗ Uniquely covers both deterministic and stochastic viewpoints
∗ Examples of applications given throughout
∗ Extensive coverage of the latest research into the mathematical modelling of epidemics of infectious diseases
∗ Provides a solid foundation of modelling skills
The reader will learn to translate, model, analyse and interpret, with the help of the numerous exercises. In literally working through this text, the reader acquires modelling skills that are also valuable outside of epidemiology, certainly within population dynamics, but even beyond that. In addition, the reader receives training in mathematical argumentation. The text is aimed at applied mathematicians with an interest in population biology and epidemiology, at theoretical biologists and epidemiologists. Previous exposure to epidemic concepts is not required, as all background information is given. The book is primarily aimed at self–study and ideally suited for small discussion groups, or for use as a course text.

Customer Reviews

Excellent, A must for mathematician and edidemiologists
I got hold of this book via one of the authors about two years ago when I first began working on disease modeling. It's a excellent book, well written, easy to follow and the discussions in each chapter are both intriguing and sensible. This books is aimed at biologists and epidemiologists who wish to work with mathematical models, but don't understand the various complexity that mathematicians sometimes go in to.

It is divided into three sections, Part I being the most important for nearly all readers. This is an introduction to modeling and its fundamental concepts. Part II works on the theory, important concepts like the reproduction ratio are looked at in great detail here. Finally Part III is elaborations to nearly all the exercises. I particularly like this section as the answers are given in both mathematical equations and words, so it is clear to see what is going on.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone with a vague interest in disease modelling. I've tried to think of something negative to say about this book, but I can't find anything. Perphaps the cover's a bit strange?