Small and Mighty: Introduction to Microbiology

Offered By: University of Reading via FutureLearn

Course Description

Overview

Discover the fascinating world of microbes

Microbes may be invisible to the eye, but they dominate every environment on Earth – including you. Microbes are often associated with disease yet the majority of species help to keep us alive. How can you distinguish the good from the bad?

On this course, you’ll explore a general introduction to the field of microbiology and investigate the amazing diversity of microbial life. Learn about the significant roles microbes play in health, food, and the environment through expert interviews, lab demonstrations and practical experiments you can try at home.

This course is for anyone interested in microbiology. There should be something for everyone – whether you are coming to the course with a fair amount of previous knowledge, or none at all. There will be plenty of help available for those who are completely new to the subject. The course will be of particular interest to those who are studying biology at school or considering applying to a microbiology degree.

Syllabus

Meet the microbes

Welcome to the course
Types of microbes
How microbes function
Where microbes live
Microbe-host interactions
Review and reflect

Studying the hidden world

Microbiology discoveries
Microbiology techniques
Interpreting results
Your turn to analyse results
Review and reflect

For better or worse

Medical microbiology
Treatment and prevention
Food microbiology
Environmental microbiology
Microbes and biotechnology
Review and reflect

Taught by

Glyn Barrett