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    • Microbiology

    Microbiology Courses Online

    Learn microbiology for studying microorganisms. Understand microbial genetics, pathogenesis, and the role of microbes in health and disease.

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    Explore the Microbiology Course Catalog

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I)

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Biochemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, Algorithms, Probability & Statistics

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Genome Sequencing (Bioinformatics II)

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Graph Theory, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases, Computational Thinking, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      318 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Imperial College London

      Foundations in Virology and Vaccinology

      Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Public Health, Medical Science and Research, Pharmaceuticals, Biology, Clinical Trials, Laboratory Research, Pharmacology, Clinical Research, New Product Development, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Processes

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      57 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Chicago

      Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life

      Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Psychology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, Behavioral Health, Human Learning, Human Development, Blood Pressure, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Respiration, Vital Signs, Biology, Speech Language Pathology

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Imperial College London

      Immunology: The Immune System and its Failures

      Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Chronic Diseases, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Geriatrics, Public Health, Pulmonology, Pharmacotherapy, Biology, Patient Treatment, Precision Medicine, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Treatment Planning, Medical Science and Research, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Research, Pharmacology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      327 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      Imperial College London

      Immunology: Immune System and Infectious Diseases

      Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Biology, Public Health, Molecular Biology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      78 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

      Experimental Methods in Systems Biology

      Skills you'll gain: Quantitative Research, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Biochemistry, Experimentation, Laboratory Experience, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Systems Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Image Analysis, Laboratory Equipment

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      313 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Imperial College London

      Infectious Disease Modelling

      Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Simulations, Infectious Diseases, R Programming, Public Health, Differential Equations, Statistical Methods

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      293 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

      Systems Biology and Biotechnology

      Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Research, Unsupervised Learning, Data Synthesis, Mathematical Modeling, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Pharmacology, Science and Research, Network Analysis, Analytical Skills, Scientific Methods, Differential Equations, Computational Logic, Experimentation, Biochemistry, Laboratory Experience, Analysis, Biology

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      973 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Biology Everywhere

      Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Human Development, Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Chemistry, Environmental Issue, Child Development, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Music, General Science and Research, Decision Making, Natural Resource Management, Oncology, Liberal Arts, Education and Training, Environmental Policy, Psychology, Scientific Methods

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      345 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

      Introduction to Industrial Bioprocess Development

      Skills you'll gain: Process Engineering, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Sterilization, Microbiology, Process Control, Good Manufacturing Practices, Production Process, Biochemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Scalability, Manufacturing Processes, Process Development, Laboratory Testing, Engineering Calculations

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      285 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Edinburgh

      Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

      Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Research, Physical Science, Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Chemistry

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular microbiology courses

    • Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I): University of California San Diego
    • Genome Sequencing (Bioinformatics II): University of California San Diego
    • Foundations in Virology and Vaccinology: Imperial College London
    • Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life: The University of Chicago
    • Immunology: The Immune System and its Failures: Imperial College London
    • Immunology: Immune System and Infectious Diseases: Imperial College London
    • Experimental Methods in Systems Biology: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    • Infectious Disease Modelling: Imperial College London
    • Systems Biology and Biotechnology: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    • Biology Everywhere: University of Colorado Boulder

    Frequently Asked Questions about Microbiology

    Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms and their structures, functions, uses, and modes of existence. One common example of Microbiology is bacteria and their effects on biological systems, such as the resistance they develop to antibiotics and other clinical interventions.

    Microbiology is critical to understanding the role microorganisms play in our everyday lives. Knowing how they cause disease affecting humans, plants, and animals enables Microbiologists to explore solutions for the maintenance and modification of agriculture, healthcare, and medicine.‎

    According to collegegrad.com, more Microbiologists will be needed over the next 10 years to contribute to basic research, solve problems in industrial production processes, and monitor environmental conditions to ensure public health and safety. But jobs in Microbiology don’t end with Microbiologists—learners can find opportunities as Lab Supervisors, Bacteriologists, Mycologists, Parasitologists, Public Health Specialists, Virologists, Teachers and Professors, and other related roles.‎

    Courses offered through Coursera cover the critical uses of Microbiology. Learners can explore what antibiotics and antimicrobials are, what they do, where they come from, and how they act on bacterial cells. The theories and methods of antimicrobial resistance are covered, including testing, detection, and analysis. These lessons enable successful course takers to understand resistance concepts and apply genomic analysis tools, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WSG) data with selected online tools such as Resfinder.‎

    Any type of scientific background can be helpful before learning microbiology. You may have worked in a lab, at a research institution, or at a university. High school or college coursework in closely related subjects can be helpful too. This might include biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or any other type of biological science. This could also include physiology, virology, microbial physiology, chemistry, and physics. Coursework in math and statistics can be beneficial as well. Even a background in computer science can help prepare you to study microbiology. Depending on the context in which you want to learn microbiology, a background in fields like public health, agriculture, environmental studies, veterinary science, biosafety, and quality control may all help prepare you to learn about microbiology.‎

    An interest in science is definitely necessary for anyone who wants a role that uses microbiology. You'll also need to be a person who is analytical, curious, and detail-oriented. Written and verbal communication skills are a must, as are good interpersonal skills, as you'll often find yourself working with a team in this field. Those who enter the microbiology field must be good at math, and you'll need strong computer skills too, so you can use scientific and medical software required for the job.‎

    Learning microbiology is right for you if you have a curiosity about the changing world and a passion for understanding the microscopic organisms within it and how they impact humans, animals, and the environment. The field is very research-oriented, and many who enter it spend their time working in a lab, conducting experiments, and examining organisms that aren't visible to the naked eye. Learning microbiology can help prepare you for a career as a scientist or researcher, or it may even help prepare you for the medical field. If you want to work in an environment such as a hospital, lab, university, or environmental organization, you may consider a foundation that includes learning microbiology.‎

    Online Microbiology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Microbiology skills. Choose from a wide range of Microbiology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Microbiology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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