Introduction: Modeling the Epidemic

Our Model of infection with and spread of an epidemic has two major levels:

• A model for the infection of one population with the virus. This model uses differential equations and chemical reactions to predict what happens over time given an initial number of phage and bacteria. For our lab experiments, this model will tell us what happens in each single well of the 96 in the microtiter plate.
• A model of the spread of the virus among populations as they interact. This model will predict the spread of infection between populations of E. coli grown in a 96 well plate. We will use a Automated Liquid Handling Machine to mix the wells in a variety of patterns, for example, simple diffusion and in a network based on air traffic data.

Updates

Model Level 1: Gene Network Model

We decided to put the work on the gene network model on hold because the model is very complex and difficult to accurately construct and its impact on the overall results is questionable. Thus we are focusing our attention on other more vital aspects of the project for now and will hopefully return to working on this model towards the end of the summer if time permits.

Model Level 2: One Population Infection Model

Model Level 3: Spread of an Epidemic between Populations