Microbiology: Certificate Program

About This Course

Watch microbiology processes unfold before your eyes through engaging and fun video lessons that can help you earn a Microbiology Certificate in as little as two weeks. You'll get fundamental knowledge of the structure of microbes along with advanced training in human diseases, immunology and applied microbiology.

Who's This For?

Individuals in teaching, researching or scientific writing careers can use this course to keep their knowledge fresh. Nurses and other healthcare professionals might also find this certificate course to be useful.

Prerequisites

While there aren't any prerequisites for this course, students may benefit from previous training in basic science, such as an intro to biology or general chemistry course.

Benefits of the Certificate

This course can help you in a variety of ways, including:

• Strengthening your understanding of diseases, immunology and lab techniques
• Giving you mastery of topics that could be useful in both your professional and personal life
• Adding this certificate to your online profile or resume, to highlight your skills in this field
• Demonstrating your interest in continuing your education throughout your career.

Microbiology Program Breakdown

Biology Review

Start this course with a review of DNA, RNA and enzyme function. Revisit major elements in biological molecules, isotopes and atomic mass then study passive and active transport in cells.

Microbiology Basics

Get essential knowledge of the germ theory of disease, antibiotics, bacteria and protozoa. See characteristics of algae and cyanobacteria plus take a look at the different types of fungi.

Bacterial Biology

This chapter addresses bacterial cell classification, the structure of the cell membrane and types of bacterial cell walls. You'll learn about bacterial endospores and plasmids and study aerobic and anaerobic bacterial metabolism.

Microbiology Laboratory Techniques

Find out how different types of stains work and discover how to grow bacteria in a lab. Learn about techniques for serial dilution and study differential and selective media.

Microorganisms and the Environment

Explore the nitrogen cycle in this chapter, which looks at the types of bacteria found in anaerobic environments and deepwater vent ecosystems. Also find out about Thermus aquaticus and microbial contamination.

The Disease Process

Disease prevention methods and the spread of disease are covered in this chapter, where you'll also examine types of diseases and causes for infections.

Introduction to Viruses

Learn the components of viruses and explore their life cycle and how they're classified. Discuss virus mutation and replication, flu viruses and immune system evasion.

DNA Viruses

Get an in-depth look at DNA viruses, including adenoviridae viruses, liver cancer, chickenpox, herpes, lymphoma and smallpox.

RNA Viruses

Examine lassa virus, gastrointestinal infection, stomach flu, SARS, Ebola, West Nile, influenza and measles in this chapter. Also explore treatment methods for HIV and other RNA virus families.

Protozoan Diseases

Learn about causes and symptoms of such diseases as giardia, malaria, amoebic dysentery, sleeping sickness and trichomoniasis.

Fungal Infections

This chapter looks at various infections causes by fungi, including Cryptococcus, histoplasmosis, candidiasis and ringworm.

Foodborne Illnesses and Bacterial Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Learn about botulism, tooth decay, salmonella and E.coli in this chapter, which also addresses symptoms of typhoid fever and cholera, ulcers, dysentery and more.

Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Diseases

In this chapter, explore symptoms and treatments for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Bloodborne Bacterial Diseases

Find out about Lyme disease symptoms and treatment methods along with other diseases like spotted fever, typhus, Q fever, plague and toxic shock syndrome.

Bacterial Diseases of the Respiratory Tract

This chapter examines diphtheria, pertussis, Legionnaire's disease and tuberculosis. You'll learn how bacterial meningitis is transmitted and signs of bacterial pneumonia.

Bacterial Skin and Wound Infections

Explore the symptoms of staph infection, and then find out causes for flesh eating bacteria and transmission methods for anthrax. Get details on gangrene, tetanus, leprosy, including signs and treatments.

Immunology And the Body's Defenses Against Pathogens

This chapter teaches you how the immune system works and examines anatomical barriers that are part of the immune system. You'll explore killer cells, adaptive immunity, the lymphatic system, antibodies and hypersensitivity.

Antimicrobial Drugs

Learn about the different types of antibiotics in this chapter, which covers penicillin, antimicrobial peptides, antifungal drugs and antibiotic resistance.

Applied Microbiology or Food and Industrial Microbiology

Find out how fermentation is used to make food and alcohol, then explore the microbiology of cheesemaking and how bacteria is used to make specific compounds. Examine bioremediation and the Ames test.

Sterilization and Antiseptic Techniques

This course ends with a look at sterilization and antiseptic methods, including autoclaves, irradiation, filtration and pasteurization. You'll learn about phenol disinfectants, peroxide antiseptics and ethylene oxide.