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SYSC 410/510: Modeling Pandemics (CRNs 65786 and 65785)
4 credits Hybrid format, with asynchronous web-meeting: Fridays noon to 1:50pm, starting 4/3/20
Subtitle: Using models to better understand and communicate pandemic spread, risks, and outcomes
How do pandemics like COVID-19 spread? What does it mean to “flatten the curve”? Which prevention and mitigation strategies might be effective in various contexts? In this course, we’ll examine how systems science models can be used to understand the complex dynamics of pandemics and our response to them. We’ll focus specifically on using system dynamics and network models applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Course will focus on the impact of: A) protective measures to reduce contacts and infectivity, B) testing capacity and policy, C) treatment capacity and approach. Published models and data will be examined, tested, adapted/extended/simplified as appropriate and then used to evaluate scenarios of interest. Students will learn to evaluate reliable sources of data. The social, equity, and economic dimensions of this issue will also be examined.
The course will have synchronous and asynchronous components. Students will form small groups to evaluate specific models, acquire and assess data, articulate interesting and feasible policies/actions, etc. Evaluation will be based on individual participation (synchronous and asynchronous), a literature review assignment, and group project work deliverables. Guest knowledge experts will be invited to participate in the course to the degree feasible.
Instructors: Joe Fusion and Wayne Wakeland
Joe earned Ph.D. in Systems Science and has a background in biology and computer science. He has taught many SySc courses including AI:Neural Networks I, Systems Theory, Artificial Life, Game Theory, Data Mining with Information Theory, and Application of Data Science. He has worked in industry as a data scientist. Wayne is Professor and Systems Science Program Chair, earned his Ph.D. in Systems Science, and a BS Engr. and Master of Engr. He has taught modeling and simulation courses at PSU for decades. He also spent twenty years in industry, in manufacturing and IT positions.