Mathematical modelling: Basic concepts & applications in Medical field

A mathematical model is an explicit description of the simpli-fied dynamics of a system. The word simplified is essential be-cause the art and science of mod-elling require the appropriate se-lection of information in order to achieve a specific purpose. A major goal of mathematical model in epidemiology is to de-velop understanding of the inter-play between the variables that determine the course of infection within an individual, and the variables that control the pattern of infections within communities of people. Mathematical model results help in: ? Determining the plausibil-ity of epidemiological explana-tions. ? Predict unexpected interre-lationships among empirical ob-servations (improve understand-ing). ? Help predict the impact of changes in the system.