About the Course
When the threat of pandemic looms, all eyes turn to the experts. Each outbreak is unique and raises different concerns; in providing answers, infectious diseases specialists rely on data and accurate modeling to predict the growth, spread, and control of disease. In this course, we will draw from science, math, and statistics to examine disease modeling techniques. Through individual and group work, we'll explore how models go through iterations to achieve degrees of confidence, how those models are practically applied in a crisis, and what happens when the models are wrong. We'll step into the shoes of decision-makers to analyze sets of data through different modeling approaches and recommend courses of action. By tracing the possible impacts of different choices, you'll experience the benefits and drawbacks of various models and appreciate what can and cannot be soundly concluded.
The content in Predicting Pandemics overlaps with the CTY course Disease Modeling. Students who have already taken Disease Modeling may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Create mathematical models showing how infections spread
- Compute the average number of secondary infections generated by one typically infected species through the lifetime of the infection in a fully susceptible population
- Explain how vaccinations and treatment protocols aid global populations
- Distinguish between models that determine the long-term behavior of a disease vs. models that seek to stop the disease immediately
- Work with real data sets to compute threshold values, determine statistical significance, and form an unbiased conclusion
- Analyze data by utilizing the platform R and R-studio to code, plot, and fit the data to a curve
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Fri for 6 weeks
Times: 9 - 10:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: June 19, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Important Information
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Thu for 6 weeks
Times: 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid