Topics: Computational Epidemiology

Course Details

Course Number: 5443  Section Number: 101

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 320

Days & Times:

MW 2:00 - 3:20

Course Attachments

Textbooks

No Textbook Required.  ISBN: Selected readings will be assigned.
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Tina Johnson PhD   
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Course Objectives

This course is designed as an introduction to computational life sciences and will focus on computational methods for addressing problems in the fields of epidemiology and public health.  Current epidemic models and research will be explored in these areas.


Course Expectations

Software:  Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, NetLogo, GraphViz, Perl  (All software is available on lab computers in Bolin; most software is available for free download)

Additional Material:   A USB stick will be necessary to turn in programs.  Avoid using a U3 Cruzer stick as these do not always work in the labs.  Manila envelopes necessary to turn in programming assignments.


Grading Standards

            Assignments                                      10%

            Paper/Presentations                         20%

            Projects                                               20%

            Tests (2)                                              30%    (15% each)

            Final Exam                                          20%


Final Exam12/12/2012  5:45-7:45 p.m.

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Assignments and programs will be accepted late up to two weeks after the due date with a penalty of 5 points per day. Late work will not be accepted for credit after two weeks from the due date.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar and the MSU Undergraduate Bulletin for university policies on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities. 


Other Policies

Disability Policy:  In accordance with the law, MSU provides academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities.  Students with disabilities must be registered with Disability Support Services before classroom accommodations can be provided.  The DSS office is located in Clark Student Center, Room 168, phone 397-4140.

Counseling Center:  MSU offers personal, group, career, and academic counseling.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free services by contacting the Counseling Center:  Room 108 Clark Student Center, 397-4618, counseling@mwsu.edu.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.