Science Matters: Let's Talk About COVID-19 from Coursera

Welcome to ‘Science Matters: Let's Talk about COVID-19’, from the Jameel Institute at Imperial College London.

The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is the most significant public health emergency of the 21st century so far. As the epidemic spreads, people around the world want to understand the science behind the most pressing questions: how many people have been infected? How dangerous is the virus? When will a vaccine be available? How can the epidemic be contained, and the damages mitigated? What is the economic impact? What’s the role of social media and local communities in the epidemic response?

Researchers at the Jameel Institute and other research institutes at Imperial College London have been at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 emergency, with clinical, epidemiological and social science analyses informing the outbreak response. They are generating robust empirical evidence that governments and international agencies are using around the world to plan their responses.

On this course, you will hear directly from our world-class experts about the theory behind the analyses of COVID-19 and its spread, while learning how to interpret new information using core principles of public health, epidemiology, medicine, health economics, and social science. You will be able to watch regular situation reports about the state of the epidemic, provided by the researchers of J-IDEA and its director Professor Neil Ferguson.

If you want to learn even more about these topics, a number of free MOOCs are available from Imperial College London. We also offer a fully online Global Master of Public Health for those of you who want to delve even deeper and join our professional community.

Please note:

This course was launched in February 2020 and we have continued to develop content as the COVID-19 situation progresses and new insights emerge. While we endeavour to include the most recent information, this is a fast-moving situation and information is constantly changing.

This course is to be used for educational purposes only and is open to all and free of charge.

The information in this course does not constitute clinical or other advice and must not be used for the purposes of providing any clinical or other advice. If you have any health concerns, please refer to your regional health authorities’ guidelines and consult a medical professional.

Please note the views expressed by individuals in the course content do not necessarily reflect those of Imperial College London, the Jameel Institute and any other funding partners.

Imperial College London, the Jameel Institute and any other funding partners shall not be liable, to the maximum extent permitted by law, for any loss suffered or for any other adverse or negative consequence arising directly or indirectly from your reliance on the information contained in this course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Science Matters: Let's talk about COVID-19

Join us to learn more about the science underpinning the analyses of the novel coronavirus pandemic, now referred to as COVID-19.

COVID-19 Situation Reports: Updates on the Ongoing State of the Epidemic

This module will include regular updates about the current state of the epidemic from the leading researchers of the Jameel Institute and the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA), including Prof Neil Ferguson. Don't forget to check out the Sit.Reps discussion forum.

How to Forecast an Epidemic: Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Modelling

This module will cover a number of the essential principles of epidemiology and infectious disease modelling. You will hear from our experts who will explain the basic reproductive number is used to understand transmissibility, about how the case fatality rate is estimated, how phylogenetic analysis can be used to understand the epidemiology of COVID 19 and about the relative sensitivity of international COVID-19 surveillance. Don't forget to check out this module's discussion forum.

Health Systems and Economic Impacts

This module covers a number of the principles of health systems and health economics within the context of epidemics. You will learn about capacity planning, and the concepts of efficiency and opportunity cost in economics and be able to apply these concepts using the Jameel Institute Pandemic Hospital Planner tool, found in the further learning section. In addition to this, you will learn about how indicators are used to measure emergency preparedness globally, and what can be learned from past experiences of healthcare financing during the response to the Ebola epidemic in west Africa. You will also have the opportunity to learn what the indirect effects of epidemics can be, and about their importance in emergency responses. Finally, you will receive insight into the structures of government and how they respond to emergencies. At the end of this module you will be invited to participate in a peer-reviewed assignment, where you will apply the concepts and insights covered to analyse a health system of your choosing.

Community Engagement and Response

This module will cover the importance of community engagement, drawing on lessons learned from previous outbreaks such as Ebola. You will also learn about the impact of misinformation ‘infodemics’. As part of this interactive module, you’ll be invited to answer questions on your experience during the pandemic and see how your experience compares with your fellow learners. Don't forget to check out this module's discussion forum.

The Virology of COVID-19

In this module, we’ll discuss the virology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We will cover the general structure of the virus, its genetics and its process of replication. We will also find out how the biological characteristics of the virus are related to its risk of causing a pandemic, and what kind of diagnostic tools are used to identify it.

The Clinical Presentations of COVID-19

In this module, we’ll discuss the clinical aspects of COVID-19 from diagnosis of mild symptoms to how it manifests in the lungs and throughout the body in more severe illness. You will learn about a range of treatments for COVID-19 and early research results. You will also have the opportunity to discuss what you learned in a forum and to engage in further reading.

Summary Module

This session is being created in real time as the epidemic unfolds. This section will be updated with up to date materials once they become available.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the science behind the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a pressing concern in healthcare and public health today

Taught by experts from the Jameel Institute at Imperial College London, a globally recognized institution for research in public health and epidemiology

Provides up-to-date information and insights on the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, helping learners stay informed about the latest developments

Covers a wide range of topics, from epidemiology and disease modeling to health systems and economic impacts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic

Suitable for learners with an interest in public health, epidemiology, infectious disease, or the impact of pandemics on society

Explicitly states that the course is for educational purposes only and that the information should not be used for clinical or other advice, which may be a caveat for learners seeking professional guidance

Reviews summary

Science matters: covid-19 course

Learners say this informative and timely course about COVID-19 provides an overview of the science behind the virus and its implications. Many loved the up-to-date information and engaging assignments, such as discussions and quizzes. However, some learners expressed concerns about outdated information and technical difficulties with the course platform.

Contains current information on COVID-19

"The up-to-date nature of the course stood out."

"I am thankful for this nice course."

"This is a very academic course."

Learners experienced problems with the course platform

"Unfortunately, like with many Coursera courses it is really cumbersome to download parts of the course."

"The online technology is also not very good."

"I found it impossible to contact those people managing and overseeing the course to make these points."

Shorter than expected, with 8 weeks of content promised but only 5 weeks delivered

"I was under the impression, that this is a certificate course, but unfortunately Coursera Learner Services / support confirmed it didn't."

"I wish I have finished my course but still I didn’t get my certificate and notification about I have finished the course."

"However the 5 weeks that were uploaded were very informative and educational."

Some information in the course is no longer relevant

"I only got partially through this course and chose to withdraw, because the information provided is very outdated!"

"Unfortunately the content was severely delayed in being put onto the webpages."

"I would compare this course to eg the development of the alphabet system."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Science Matters: Let's Talk About COVID-19 with these activities:

Read 'Fundamentals of Epidemiology' by Leon Gordis

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of epidemiological principles by reading this foundational text.

View Epidemiology on Amazon

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Read and summarize key chapters
Complete practice questions and exercises

Review Basic Epidemiology

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Review basic principles of epidemiology to strengthen foundational understanding of course concepts.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Read textbook chapters on basic epidemiology
Review online resources and videos on epidemiology

Participate in Class Discussions

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Engage with peers to discuss course topics, share insights, and clarify concepts.

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Attend regular class discussions
Contribute to online forums or discussion boards

Seven other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all ten activities

Create a Multimedia Presentation on COVID-19 Epidemiology and Data Analysis

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Enhance your understanding of COVID-19 epidemiology by creating a multimedia presentation, reinforcing the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Gather data from reputable sources on COVID-19 epidemiology and data analysis
Analyze the data to identify trends, patterns, and key insights
Develop a multimedia presentation incorporating visuals, charts, and graphs to convey your findings

Interpret Epidemiological Data

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Engage in exercises that involve interpreting epidemiological data to enhance analytical skills.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Analyze case studies and epidemiological data sets
Use statistical software or online tools for data analysis
Discuss interpretations with peers or instructors

Explore Online Tutorials on COVID-19 Variant Analysis Techniques

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Expand your knowledge of COVID-19 variant analysis by accessing online tutorials, deepening your understanding of the techniques discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Bioinformatics

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Identify online tutorials or courses on COVID-19 variant analysis techniques
Follow the tutorials, completing the exercises and activities
Apply the techniques to analyze real-world data on COVID-19 variants

Summarize class content

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Create a short summary after each class to improve memorization and analysis.

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Review and highlight key points
Take additional notes
Synthesize and condense information
Write and review summary

Solve Math-Based Puzzles to Reinforce Infectious Disease Modeling Concepts

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Strengthen your grasp of infectious disease modeling by engaging in math-based puzzles, complementing the theoretical concepts discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Infectious Disease Modeling

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Identify math puzzles related to infectious disease modeling, such as SIR models or transmission rate calculations
Attempt to solve the puzzles, applying the mathematical concepts covered in the course
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Develop a Public Health Intervention Plan

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Design a comprehensive intervention plan to address a public health issue related to infectious disease outbreaks.

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Identify a specific public health issue
Research best practices and evidence-based interventions
Develop a detailed plan outlining goals, strategies, and evaluation methods

Assist in a Local Health Organization

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Apply knowledge and skills in a practical setting while gaining valuable experience in public health.

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Contact local health organizations for volunteer opportunities
Attend training sessions and orientations
Perform assigned tasks under supervision

Career center

Learners who complete Science Matters: Let's Talk About COVID-19 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses are nurses who work to prevent and control the spread of disease in communities. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, clinics, and community health centers. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a public health nurse, including how to assess and address public health needs, develop and implement health promotion programs, and provide health education to individuals and families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Infectious Disease Physician

An infectious disease physician is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to become an infectious disease physician, including how to diagnose and treat infectious diseases, prescribe medications, and develop and implement infection control measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infectious Disease Physician

Health Educator

Health educators are professionals who develop and implement health promotion programs and materials. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a health educator, including how to develop and evaluate health education programs, create and deliver health education materials, and advocate for healthy public policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Epidemiologist

An epidemiologist is a scientist who studies the patterns and causes of disease in populations. The research done by epidemiologists can help governments and other organizations develop public health policies to prevent and control the spread of diseases, including pandemics like COVID-19. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an epidemiologist, including how to collect and analyze data, identify risk factors for disease, and develop and evaluate public health interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Health Economist

Health economists are economists who study the economics of health care. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, government agencies, and health care organizations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a health economist, including how to use economic principles to analyze health care issues, develop and evaluate health care policies, and forecast health care costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts are professionals who analyze and develop health policy. They work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, think tanks, and health care organizations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a health policy analyst, including how to analyze health data, identify health policy issues, and develop and evaluate health policy proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Communications Specialist

Health communications specialists are professionals who create and disseminate health information to the public. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, health departments, and public relations firms. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a health communications specialist, including how to write and edit health information, develop and implement health communication campaigns, and use social media to promote health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Medical Writer

Medical writers are professionals who write and edit medical and health-related materials. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, health departments, and pharmaceutical companies. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a medical writer, including how to write and edit scientific and medical documents, develop and implement medical writing projects, and use medical terminology and style guides.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians are statisticians who work in the field of health care. They design and analyze studies to evaluate the effectiveness of medical treatments and interventions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a biostatistician, including how to design and conduct statistical studies, analyze health data, and interpret statistical results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are professionals who draw blood for laboratory tests. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and blood banks. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of blood collection and the role of phlebotomists in the healthcare system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Phlebotomist

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are professionals who dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They work in a variety of settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, as it will provide you with a foundational understanding of the principles of pharmacology and the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians are professionals who perform laboratory tests and procedures. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a laboratory technician, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of laboratory science and the role of laboratory technicians in the healthcare system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a CNA, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of patient care and the role of CNAs in the healthcare system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Nursing Assistant

Home Health Aide

Home health aides are healthcare professionals who provide personal and medical care to patients in their homes. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a home health aide, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of patient care and the role of home health aides in the healthcare system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Home Health Aide

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in a variety of settings, such as doctors' offices, clinics, and hospitals. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of medical assisting and the role of medical assistants in the healthcare system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Assistant