Microorganisms play an important part in our lives. Microorganisms will recycle once-living matter into valuable nutrients for plants, but microorganisms are also the primary source of food spoilage in the process of food production.
Microbiology is defined as the branch of biology focused on microorganisms and the effects they have on other living organisms.The word microbiology is the combination of the terms micro--an object which not completely visible to the naked eye requires a microscope to see in detail and biology--the study of living things.
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Course Description
The study of microbiology is extremely rewarding, leading to advances in the welfare of the environment as well as human populations. Pursuing this fascinating subject lead to such careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research and forensics among other challenging professions.
Regardless of whether you are a serious student considering a career in microbiology or a layperson who just wants to learn everything you can about the world around you, Microbiology 101 is guaranteed to change the way you look at the world.
What will you gain by taking this course?
Appreciation for the vital roles microbes perform;
Awareness of the advantages--soil fertility and decomposition of organic matter--and disadvantages--food spoilage--of microbiology;
Understanding of the comprehensive history of microbiology;
Introduction to cellular respiration, bacteria, viruses, diseases, vaccines and drugs used for medical treatment.
Join us in the comprehensive online course as we explore in detail all aspects of microbiology, including microbiology history, as well as an in-depth look at cellular respiration, bacteria, viruses, diseases, vaccines, and even drugs used in medical treatments.
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.
Lesson 2: The Microorganism
Now moving on to learning more about the varying forms in which microorganisms exist.
Lesson 3: The Chemical Basis of Microbiology
In previous lessons, while we have gained insight to the different forms of microorganisms that exist and their varying applications (both effective and harmful), we have not yet begun to understand their basic structure, manner of functioning, and genera
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lesson 8: DNA Technology
In continuation from the previous lesson, we are extending the discussion of genetic systems of microorganisms to the point whereby scientists are now able to manipulate the genetic makeup of particular organisms for the benefit of modern-day application
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lesson 13: The Immune System
Within the previous lesson, we explored the world of disease- how diseases have become more endemic to society (science known as epidemiology) and the methods utilized to help contain and eradicate them.
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.
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. The first line of defense against invading pathogens---should the barrier be breached the white blood cells (the body
Lesson 16: Diseases of the Nervous System
Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system include all disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles.
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.
Lesson 18: Diseases of the Respiratory System
Moving from diseases affecting the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems to those pertinent to the respiratory system, we fill first attempt to gain a sense of what respiration is and how it functions within the body.
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.
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.
Lesson 21: Vaccines
A vaccine is a form of antigen (substance which stimulates an immune response) used to create a barrier of immunity against a specific disease.
Lesson 22: Exploring Antimicrobial Drugs
In order to explore the world of antimicrobial drugs, it would be helpful to first define the term antimicrobial. Anti means 'against' and 'microbial', as we defined earlier in this source, is an object which is not completely visible to the naked eye and
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.
Optional Certificates Awarded
Certificate of Class Participation
Certificate of Outstanding Achievement
Certificate of Academic Excellence
A passing grade in this course is 70% or higher.
In addition to the standard Certificate of Course Completion, Merit Awards may be issued by the instructor at his/her own discretion and are based on student achievement. Merit awards also incur an additional $30.00 processing fee that covers the customization, printing, and delivery of the award, as well as access to the UniversalClass™ Portfolio Service that documents your achievements online. Official Merit Awards have a serial number that verifies the authenticity of the award (great for employers to verify your achievement).
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Additional Information about the essentials of Microbiology
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment.
This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.
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