The group uses mathematical modelling techniques to, identify, isolate and understand the factors governing the transmission and persistence of an infection. The models are used to project the incidence, prevalence and spatial distribution of the infection. Possible interventions such as quarantine, mass vaccination, educational campaigns, treatment and drug efficacy and safety are built into the models. The group is then able to evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of public health intervention strategies and advise public health officials on optimal resource allocation. Mathematical modelling is an inexpensive, quick way of resolving a physical/biological problem by expressing it in mathematical language and then using mathematical tools to analyse the problem before reverting the solution back to the physical problem. In this regard, great potential exists for the employment of mathematical models to plan and evaluate intervention programs.
Research Activities
The Deparment is involved in the following research activities:
- Pharmacometrics: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic modeling;
- Disease Modelling;
- Genetic Control Mechanisms;
- Ecological Modelling;
- Financial Modelling
- Climate Change Modelling;
- Time Series Modelling and Forecasting;
- Numerical Methods;
- Cost effectiveness analysis in Modelling.
The Department also offers courses in the following Mathematical and Statistical packages for Data analysis:
- MATLAB,
- MATHEMATICA,
- R,
- EXCEL
- SPSS,
- MINITAB,
Community Engagement
- MATMA (The Matabeleland Mathematics Association) which was formed with the aim to improve the pass rate of Mathematics at all levels in the Matabeleland region is still being facilitated by staff in the Department of Applied Mathematics.
- NUSTSEC (National University of Science and Technology school enrichment centre) which caters for those students who can afford lessons for a minimum fee is being facilitated by the Department of Applied Mathematics.
- The NUSTSEP (National University of Science and Technology school enrichment programme) programme which caters for underprivileged students from Bulawayo Province, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and the Midlands is facilitated by the Department. This is a partnership between the National University of Science and Technology; and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The students are taught Mathematics and Science subjects at ‘O’ Level and Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at ‘A’ Level using the Activity based methodology