Equations of the End: Teaching Mathematical Modeling Using the Zombie Apocalypse

Abstract

Mathematical models of infectious diseases are a valuable tool in understanding the mechanisms and patterns of disease transmission. It is, however, a difficult subject to teach, requiring both mathematical expertise and extensive subject-matter knowledge of a variety of disease systems. In this article, we explore several uses of zombie epidemics to make mathematical modeling and infectious disease epidemiology more accessible to public health professionals, students, and the general public. We further introduce a web-based simulation, White Zed (http://cartwrig.ht/apps/whitezed/), that can be deployed in classrooms to allow students to explore models before implementing them. In our experience, zombie epidemics are familiar, approachable, flexible, and an ideal way to introduce basic concepts of infectious disease epidemiology.

FIGURE 1

Schematic representation of two models used during one-day modeling workshop. Panel A depicts a simple “SZR” model, wherein the population is divided into three compartments: Susceptible (S), Zombies (Z), and Removed (R). Panel B depicts a more complex model, adding compartments for individuals who have been infected but not yet turned into zombies (E), susceptible individuals who have found shelter (H), and zombies who were killed during interactions with susceptible individuals (K).

FIGURE 2

Screenshot of the White Zed simulation website. The graph displays population dynamics of a zombie apocalypse. The left control panel allows users to specify the population makeup at the beginning of the simulation, while the right control panel allows users to specify the infection parameters of the disease.