The study is just basic epidemiology. Using zombies just makes the subject less dry.
It also makes for a more fun way of getting friends and relatives to think about prepping.
I took a course in mathematical epidemiology in the 80’s, and we used seir/d models. My professor was a genius, and it was a fun course. We used parameters from real diseases, and some of the results were pandemic in nature. I see nothing wrong with students having fun studying a zombie outbreak, I will be teaching a graduate math course based on the Kerbal Space Program (KSP) game. I like to make learning fun.
I guess...Kinda like studying Porky Pig for art class, huh???