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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

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Geneva

      Chemical Biology

      Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Experimentation, Laboratory Experience, Scientific Visualization, Biology, Laboratory Equipment, Image Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      145 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      D

      Duke University

      Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases

      Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Pathology, Patient Evaluation, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Internal Medicine, Laboratory Testing, Neurology, Public Health, Biology, Chronic Diseases, Patient Treatment, Preventative Care, Health Care

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      694 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      A

      American Museum of Natural History

      Marine Biology

      Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Environmental Science, Environment, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Environmental Issue, Natural Resource Management, Water Resources, Environment and Resource Management, Research

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      485 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

      Integrated Analysis in Systems Biology

      Skills you'll gain: Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Analysis, Systems Analysis, Biology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Data Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      87 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Chemicals and Health

      Skills you'll gain: Environmental Regulations, Chemistry, Laboratory Testing, Public Health, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Science, Health Assessment, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Environmental Policy, Biology, Risk Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Environmental Health: the Foundation of Global Public Health

      Skills you'll gain: Environment Health And Safety, Environmental Regulations, Systems Thinking, Environmental Policy, Public Health, Health Systems, Health Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Issue, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Health Disparities, Health Assessment, Pollution Prevention, Risk Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      96 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      Tel Aviv University

      Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology

      Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Food and Beverage, Laboratory Research, Nutrition and Diet, Environmental Science

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • I

      Imperial College London

      What Are Viruses And How Do We Work With Them?

      Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Medical Science and Research, Epidemiology, Laboratory Research, Biology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      12 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design

      Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Electrical Engineering, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Design Process, Systems Design, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Research Design, Biology, Computational Logic, Control Systems, Experimentation, Laboratory Experience, Technical Standard, Design Software

      Build toward a degree

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      29 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Genomics: Decoding the Universal Language of Life

      Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Environment, Precision Medicine, Biology, Health Systems, Medical Science and Research, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Computational Thinking, Data Processing, Experimentation, Research, Scientific Visualization

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      323 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Imperial College London

      Immunology: Adaptive Immune System

      Skills you'll gain: Geriatrics, Infectious Diseases, Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Pathology, Chronic Diseases, Molecular Biology, Oncology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      65 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Genome Assembly Programming Challenge

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Graph Theory, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Network Analysis, Program Development, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Algorithms

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      344 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

    • Chemical Biology: University of Geneva
    • Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases: Duke University
    • Marine Biology: American Museum of Natural History
    • Integrated Analysis in Systems Biology: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    • Chemicals and Health: Johns Hopkins University
    • Environmental Health: the Foundation of Global Public Health: University of Michigan
    • Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology: Tel Aviv University
    • What Are Viruses And How Do We Work With Them?: Imperial College London
    • Engineering Genetic Circuits: Design: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Genomics: Decoding the Universal Language of Life: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    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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