Online Class: Introduction to Microbiology

This course is a basic overview of microbiology concepts.

COURSE CLOSED

We're sorry, this course is no longer open for enrollment.

23

Lessons
68

Exams &
Assignments
30

Hours
average time
3.0

CEUs

Course Description

This course is a basic overview of microbiology concepts. It is geared towards the casual learner learning about the foundational concepts of microbiology.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Completely Online
Self-Paced
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microbiology

Microbiology is defined as the branch of biology focused on microorganisms and the effects they have on other living organisms. Additional lesson topics: Great Microbiologists 80 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: And the Prize Goes To...; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment 1: Who's Who in Microbiology
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment 2: Research Pays Off
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: The Microorganism

Now moving on to learning more about the varying forms in which microorganisms exist. 73 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment 1: Understand Microorganisms
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment 2: Pathogens Rule
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: The Chemical Basis of Microbiology

In previous lessons, while we have gained insight to the different forms of microorganisms and their varying applications (both effective and harmful), we have not yet begun to understand their basic structure, manner of functioning, and genera 88 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment 1: Cell Bingo
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment 2: Center Stage
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

All cells have a cell membrane that separates the environs outside a cell from the degree of organization within the cell. Additional lesson topics: Cellular Biology 68 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment 1: Carry the Oats!
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment 2: Cellular Similarities
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Microbial Metabolism

One reason why the metabolism of microbes is an instrumental area of study is that it serves as a way of differentiating one species from another. 68 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment 1: Metabolism for Molecules
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment 2: Energy Generator
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Microbial Growth and Control of Growth

In the last few lessons we have spent time learning about microorganisms, their nutritional needs, and the manner in which they utilize the energy they obtain. 70 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment 1: Microbial Control
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment 2: What's Clean?
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Microbial Genetics

The contributions of microbial genetics to the science world, as well as, the world at large, have been extensive and, in many respects, pivotal to furthering significant studies. 90 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment 1: Ingredients Please
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment 2: Copy That
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: DNA Technology

We are extending the discussion of genetic systems of microorganisms to the point where scientists are now able to manipulate the genetic make up of particular organisms for the benefit of modern day application 68 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment 1: Genetic Basics
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment 2: Do That Again
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: The Bacteria

As we have learned about bacteria from a very early age -- falling down and scraping our knee and having it treated with an antibacterial spray, we may think we know all we need to on the subject. Additional lesson topics: Bacterial Ecosystems 80 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment 1: Identifying Bacteria
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment 2: Classifying Bacteria
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: 'V' for 'Virus'

Viruses are a means of transmitting genetic information in an effort to continue their survival. In order to accomplish their end goal, viruses act as agents which reproduce their own DNA/RNA within living cells. 96 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment 1: What is a Virus?
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment 2: Virus Life Cycle
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: The Algae, Fungi, Protozoa and Helminthes

The world of microorganisms is made of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. They are grouped together not by their function but by their small size. 78 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment 1: Microorganism Tag
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment 2: Category Please?
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: The Development of Disease

To understand how diseases have evolved throughout the ages, we first need to have a basis for qualifying what indeed a disease is. 66 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Lesson discussions: Threats Everywhere
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment 1: What is a disease?
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment 2: Back Off!
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: The Immune System

In the previous lesson, we explored the world of disease- how diseases have become more endemic to society (known as epidemiology) and the methods utilized to help contain and eradicate them. 68 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment 1: Immunity Factors
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment 2: Body Guards
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Disorders of the Immune System

All immune defense mechanisms can only take place in a healthy system where the immunity defenses are properly functioning. 108 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment 1: Immunity and Your Body
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment 2: Defensive Moves
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Diseases of the Skin and Eye

The largest organ of the body, skin (in conjunction with mucous membranes) is designed to prohibit microorganisms from entering the body. Additional lesson topics: Diseases of the Eye 90 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment 1: Viral Infections
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment 2: The Eyes Have It
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: Diseases of the Nervous System

Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems include all disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. 74 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment 1: Meninges Mater
Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment 2: Nervous?
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

By looking at the components of both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and how, respectively they each perform their core responsibilities, we can ascertain how ensuing diseases compromise their functioning. 68 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video
Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment 1: Take Your Pick
Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment 2: Yellow Fever S&S
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: Diseases of the Respiratory System

Moving from diseases affecting the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems to those pertinent to the respiratory system, we first attempt to gain a sense of what respiration is and how it functions in the body. 88 Total Points

Lesson 18 Video
Complete: Lesson 18 Assignment 1: Job Description
Complete: Lesson 18 Assignment 2: ATP Means Energy
Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19: Diseases of the Digestive System

According to the food pyramid and collective wisdom, a diet based upon sound nutrition and a regular exercise program can alleviate many serious health problems down the road. Additional lesson topics: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis 108 Total Points

Lesson 19 Video
Complete: Lesson 19 Assignment 1: Danger Ahead
Complete: Lesson 19 Assignment 2: Diver What?
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam

Lesson 20: Diseases of the Reproductive System

Species, in the general sense, all have a desire to ensure the survival of their kind. And, reproduction is the method by which they are able to accomplish the perpetuation of their genealogy/race. 90 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 20 Assignment 1: Connections
Complete: Lesson 20 Assignment 2: STD's
Assessment: Lesson 20 Exam

Lesson 21: Vaccines

A vaccine is a form of an antigen (substance which stimulates an immune response) used to create a barrier of immunity against a specific disease. 70 Total Points

Lesson 21 Video
Lesson discussions: Do You Have What It Takes?
Complete: Lesson 21 Assignment 1: This Shot's For You
Complete: Lesson 21 Assignment 2: Who Are You?
Assessment: Lesson 21 Exam

Lesson 22: Exploring Antimicrobial Drugs

Eploring the world of antimicrobial drugs, it is helpful to define the term antimicrobial. Anti means 'against' and 'microbial', is an object which is not completely visible to the naked eye and 100 Total Points

Lesson 22 Video
Complete: Lesson 22 Assignment 1: Anti-What?
Complete: Lesson 22 Assignment 2: Antibiotic Know How
Assessment: Lesson 22 Exam

Lesson 23: Conclusion

Some may believe that just because microbiology deals with small particles invisible to the naked eye, the impact of its studies and findings are not equally as important as larger bodied sciences, e.g., biology and nuclear physics. 70 Total Points

Lesson 23 Video
Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Lesson 23 Assignment 1: Defining Microbiology
Complete: Lesson 23 Assignment 2: Bugs Everywhere

1859

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define microbiology.
Define the microorganism.
Describe the chemical basis of microbiology.
Describe prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Describe microbial metabolism and growth.
Summarize microbial genetics and DNA technology.
Describe bacteria and viruses.
Describe the algae, fungi, protozoa and helminthes.
Describe the immune system, disorders of the immune system, and the development of disease.
Describe diseases of the skin and eye.
Describe diseases of the nervous system.
Describe diseases of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
Describe diseases of the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.
Describe diseases of the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.
Summarize vaccines and antimicrobial drugs.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Student Testimonials

"The course is so informative that adds my knowledge as a Laboratory Assistant. What I learned in this course was that it encourage me to pursue as a Laboratory Technician." -- Frank E.
"It was great." -- Philip Z.
"The instructer was very helpful when I contacted him on specific issues and returned our assignments promptly." -- Helen B.
"I think everything begins with a good instructor and this class was a success, because he cared to explain and make sure that the student felt comfortable." -- Yolanda A.
"James was very responsive and helpful to my questions." -- Kathy S.
"Would return to take another course in the future." -- Daniel T.
"Alot of useful information. Presented in an easy to read format, organized" -- Daniel T.
"My instructor worked hard to keep me informed with his assessments of my assignments and exams." -- Tommy R.
"Although I work in Bacteriology and have very limited knowledge of Biology I used this course to help me understand some of what I deal with daily. To me, all the materials were useful/helpful." -- Tommy R.
"The whole structure of this course is so well organised that it has made my learning easy as well as interesting! A Great program!" -- Irene C.