Overview
Topic status: In progress
Two areas of interest are diseases in wild rabbit populations and Dengue fever in Nth Queensland, for which some differential equation models have already been developed.
In the case of rabbits, the interest is in how the diseases mixomatosis and calicivirus interact, where there appears to be some evidence that the presence of mixomatosis suppresses an invasion of calicivirus. Mathematical modelling could help to quantify this effect. With Dengue fever several differental equation models have been developed, including one for the city of Cairnes (currently not published). The interests here is how different groups with different interactions between them contribute to the overall risk of contracting Dengue fever. The student could choose which one of these two areas to work in. While this project could look at further development of these ordinary differential equation models, it would also be useful to try a different approach; to develop an individual-based simulation model that could be used to incorporate more realistic assumptions of the known behaviour of the host species.
Research activities
The research activities undertaken during this project are:
- data gathering/specimen processing
- reading research papers, computer programming.
Expected outcomes
The expected outcomes for this project are a:
- written report (preferably in LaTeX) of investigations performed
- CD of computer programs developed.
Duration of project
The project duration is 6 - 8 weeks in January/February 2012. The total length of time spent on the project will be 120 hours.
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.
Dr Glenn Fulford
