OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Stories of Infection

Maya Adam, MD

This course introduces learners to a variety of infectious diseases using a patient-centered, story-based approach. Through illustrated, short videos, learners will follow the course of each patient’s illness, from initial presentation to resolution. Integrating the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology and immunology, this course aims to engage and entice the learner towards future studies in microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases.

Read more

This course introduces learners to a variety of infectious diseases using a patient-centered, story-based approach. Through illustrated, short videos, learners will follow the course of each patient’s illness, from initial presentation to resolution. Integrating the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology and immunology, this course aims to engage and entice the learner towards future studies in microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases.

The patient-centered videos included in this course were created as part of the Re-imagining Medical Education initiative, led by Charles Prober MD, Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education at the Stanford School of Medicine. This initiative was the first of its kind to explore the collaborative creation of foundational medical education online content by inter-institutional teams of faculty. The content presented in this course was created by faculty from Stanford University School of Medicine, in collaboration with The University of Washington School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, UCSF School of Medicine, and The University of Michigan Medical School. Support for this initiative was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Burke Family Foundation.

PLEASE NOTE: Information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used for diagnostic and/or treatment purposes.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Introductory Module
In Module One, we will begin to hear how some microbes cause disease in humans. We will familiarize ourselves with the human immune system, including the cells that make up the innate and adaptive immune responses. We will also examine the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and infectious disease as we explore the story of one person’s experience with cholera. By the end of this module, learners will be more familiar with how the host immune defenses actively defend the body against disease-causing microbes. After each lecture, there is a glossary of terms pertaining to that lecture, which will assist learners in answering the quiz questions. Learners can also find a glossary of all terms from the course, listed alphabetically, under the "Resources" tab.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Is designed for learners of all ages, who may have an interest in the field of medicine, microbiology, immunology, or infectious diseases
Examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and infectious diseases
Uses a patient-centered approach to bridge the gap between theory and practice
Builds a strong foundation in immunology and microbiology
Covers both common and rare infectious diseases
May require learners to have a basic understanding of human biology and the immune system

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Engaging story-based infectious disease overview

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience. Many praise the unique story-based format and engaging patient cases presented through excellent illustrated videos. Reviewers frequently highlight the brilliant integration of microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology for each case, making the material relatable and easy to follow. It is seen as a solid introduction and good preparation for future studies in medical or related fields. However, some learners mention it is best suited as a high-level overview and may lack sufficient depth for those already possessing a science background.
Best for learners needing a broad overview.
"It feels like a good high-level intro, but not sufficient if you need detailed scientific understanding."
"The science covered is very basic and doesn't go into enough detail for someone with a science background."
"This is a solid introduction... Requires some basic biology knowledge to fully appreciate."
Connects micro, path, and immunology well.
"...the way they tied in the microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology for each case was brilliant."
"The integration of different biological aspects (micro, path, immunology) is well done."
"I particularly appreciated the focus on the clinical presentation alongside the underlying science."
Patient stories make learning engaging.
"Absolutely loved this course! The patient stories made learning about infectious diseases so engaging and easy to follow."
"The story-based approach is unique and helps contextualize the science."
"Engaging and informative! The video format with patient stories was very effective."

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 Stories of Infection with these activities:
Review CDC Guidelines
Reviewing CDC guidelines will bolster your preparation to tackle infectious disease.
Browse courses on Microbiology
Show steps
  • Read through the basic guidelines for different disease categories.
  • Reflect on how these guidelines affect your understanding of the topics covered in this course.
Review basic microbiology techniques
Review the techniques you'll need to use in this course to better prepare yourself for the concepts covered in the upcoming modules.
Browse courses on Microbiology
Show steps
  • Review aseptic technique
  • Practice streaking for isolation
Watch video tutorials on emerging infectious diseases
Expand your knowledge of infectious disease trends by watching video tutorials on emerging pathogens.
Browse courses on Emerging Infectious Diseases
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials on emerging infectious diseases
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on key points
14 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 17 activities
Read 'Immunology 8th Edition' by Abbas
Review the fundamentals of immunology to strengthen your understanding of the immune system's role in infectious diseases.
View Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introductory chapters to gain a general overview of immunology.
  • Focus on chapters covering adaptive and innate immune responses.
  • Make notes and summarize key concepts to enhance retention.
Complete the Khan Academy module on Infectious Diseases
Reinforce your understanding of infectious diseases through guided online tutorials, covering essential topics like bacterial and viral infections.
Browse courses on Infectious Diseases
Show steps
  • Access the Khan Academy module on Infectious Diseases.
  • Watch the videos and complete the interactive exercises.
Complete practice problems on bacterial growth curves
Practice the fundamentals of bacterial growth dynamics to solidify the concepts covered in upcoming modules.
Browse courses on Microbiology
Show steps
  • Plot bacterial growth curves from provided data
  • Calculate growth rates from bacterial growth curves
Organize a study group to discuss infectious disease case studies
Engage in collaborative learning and reinforce your understanding by discussing infectious disease case studies with peers, exploring different perspectives and approaches.
Browse courses on Infectious Diseases
Show steps
  • Form a study group with fellow students.
  • Select a case study to discuss.
  • Prepare by reading the case study and researching relevant topics.
  • Meet to discuss the case, share insights, and learn from each other.
Create an infographic on the immune response to bacterial infections
Develop a visual representation of the immune system's response to bacterial infections to consolidate your understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Browse courses on Immune Response
Show steps
  • Research the key components of the immune response to bacterial infections.
  • Identify the main steps and interactions involved.
  • Use a tool like Canva or PowerPoint to create a visually appealing infographic.
Practice interpreting patient cases
The more you familiarize yourself with patient cases, the more intuitive and natural your decision-making will become.
Browse courses on Case Study Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose patient case studies from reliable medical websites.
  • Identify the key symptoms and diagnostic indicators.
  • Predict the potential diagnoses.
  • Research the actual diagnoses and compare your predictions.
Join a study group to discuss case studies
Improve your understanding of infectious disease presentations and management by discussing real-world case studies with peers.
Browse courses on Infectious Diseases
Show steps
  • Find a study group or form your own
  • Select case studies to discuss
  • Prepare for discussions by reading the case studies and researching relevant topics
Develop a concept map
Creating a concept map will provide you with a holistic and integrative view of infectious disease.
Browse courses on Microbiology
Show steps
  • Identify the key concepts covered in the course modules.
  • Establish relationships between the concepts.
  • Construct a visual representation of the concept map.
Solve practice questions on bacterial and viral infections
Test your knowledge and develop problem-solving skills by attempting practice questions that simulate real-life clinical scenarios involving infectious diseases.
Browse courses on Bacterial Infections
Show steps
  • Gather practice questions from textbooks, online resources, or previous exams.
  • Attempt the questions under timed conditions.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Create a poster summarizing the key mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
Put your understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms to work by creating a visual summary that will help solidify your knowledge.
Browse courses on Antibiotic Resistance
Show steps
  • Research the different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
  • Design a poster that visually represents these mechanisms
Conduct an independent literature review
An independent literature review will provide you with in-depth knowledge on a specific infectious disease topic.
Browse courses on Medical Research
Show steps
  • Select a specific infectious disease topic.
  • Search for research articles in databases.
  • Read and synthesize the findings of the articles.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.
Volunteer at a local health clinic
Gain practical experience in infectious disease management by volunteering at a local health clinic.
Browse courses on Infectious Diseases
Show steps
  • Find a local health clinic that accepts volunteers
  • Complete any necessary training or orientation
  • Assist with patient care under the supervision of healthcare professionals
Create a comprehensive study guide covering key concepts and topics
Synthesize and consolidate your learning by creating a comprehensive study guide that encompasses the essential concepts and topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on Study Guide
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes, textbooks, and other course materials.
  • Identify key concepts and organize them logically.
  • Summarize the information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Include diagrams, charts, or other visual aids to enhance understanding.
Develop a presentation on a specific infectious disease and its management
Deepen your understanding by researching and presenting on a specific infectious disease, exploring its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and evidence-based management strategies.
Browse courses on Infectious Disease
Show steps
  • Choose an infectious disease of interest.
  • Research the disease, including its transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Create a presentation that covers the key aspects of the disease.
  • Rehearse your presentation and seek feedback from peers or instructors.

Career center

Learners who complete Stories of Infection will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Clinical Microbiologist
Clinical Microbiologists study the microorganisms that cause disease in humans. They use their knowledge of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology to develop diagnostic tests, identify new pathogens, and develop new treatments for infectious diseases. This course would be a valuable resource for Clinical Microbiologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Clinical Microbiologists to develop their diagnostic and treatment skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Microbiologist
Infectious Disease Physician
Infectious Disease Physicians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and public health departments. This course would be a valuable resource for Infectious Disease Physicians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Infectious Disease Physicians to develop their diagnostic and treatment skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Infectious Disease Physician
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical Laboratory Scientists perform a variety of tests on patient samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and reference laboratories. This course would be a valuable resource for Medical Laboratory Scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Medical Laboratory Scientists to develop their diagnostic and laboratory skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Laboratory Scientist
Microbiology Professor
Microbiology Professors teach and conduct research in the field of microbiology. They work at colleges and universities, as well as in research institutes. This course would be a valuable resource for Microbiology Professors because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Microbiology Professors to develop their teaching and research skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiology Professor
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They work in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. This course would be a valuable resource for Pharmacists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Pharmacists to develop their medication management and counseling skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and diagnosing and treating illnesses. This course would be a valuable resource for Physician Assistants because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Physician Assistants to develop their diagnostic and treatment skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to protect and improve the health of the public. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and community health centers. This course would be a valuable resource for Public Health Nurses because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Public Health Nurses to develop their community health assessment and intervention skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies. This course would be a valuable resource for Research Scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Research Scientists to develop their research skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Science Writer
Science Writers write about science and technology for a variety of audiences. They work for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course would be a valuable resource for Science Writers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Science Writers to develop their storytelling and科普skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Teacher
Teachers teach students about a variety of subjects, including science and health. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. This course would be a valuable resource for Teachers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Teachers to develop their lesson plans and teaching skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals. They work in a variety of settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, and farms. This course may be useful for Veterinarians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect animals, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. The course also includes case studies of real patients, which would help Veterinarians to develop their diagnostic and treatment skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and apply this knowledge to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Health Educator
Health Educators develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs. This course may be useful for Health Educators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Immunologist
Immunologists study the immune system, including its development, function, and regulation. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutes, and hospitals. This course may be useful for Immunologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, including their structure, function, and genetics. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutes, and hospitals. This course may be useful for Microbiologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the major infectious diseases that affect humans, including their clinical presentation, microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Stories of Infection.
Cover image
Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and...
Save
Comprehensive reference on infectious diseases. It provides detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of infections.
Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Jawetz Melnick & Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 28 E
Save
Classic textbook of medical microbiology. It covers the basic principles of microbiology, as well as the specific details of important pathogens. It valuable resource for students and practitioners of medicine.
Jawetz Melnick & Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 28 E
Paperback
$$$
Jawetz Melnick & Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 28 E
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
MICROBIOLOGY
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of microbiology, including the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It covers topics such as microbial diversity, microbial growth and metabolism, and microbial genetics.
Microbiology: An Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$$
Microbiology: An Introduction Plus Mastering...
Hardcover
$$$$
Microbiology: An Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$$
Mastering Microbiology with Pearson eText --...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Microbiology: An Introduction
Hardcover
$$
Microbiology: An Introduction
Hardcover
$$$
Microbiology: An Introduction Plus Mastering...
Hardcover
$$$$
Modified Mastering Microbiology with Pearson Etext ...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Cover image
Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of pediatric infectious diseases. It valuable resource for pediatricians and other healthcare providers who care for children with infections.
Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious...
Paperback
Check
Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Medical Microbiology
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of microbiology, including the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Medical Microbiology
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Twenty...
Save
Comprehensive reference on internal medicine. It provides detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Twenty...
Hardcover
$$$$
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Twenty...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 2-Volume Set
Save
Comprehensive reference on pediatrics. It provides detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 2-Volume Set
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Goldman-Cecil Medicine E-Book
Save
Comprehensive reference on internal medicine. It provides detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases.
Goldman's Cecil Medicine - Elsevier eBook on...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Jawetz Melnick&Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 26/E
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of medical microbiology, including the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Jawetz Melnick&Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 26/E...
Paperback
$$$
Jawetz Melnick&Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 26/E...
Paperback
$$$$
Jawetz Melnick&Adelbergs Medical Microbiology 26/E...
Paperback
$$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Stories of Infection.
COVID-19 Contact Tracing
Most relevant
HI-FIVE: Health Informatics For Innovation, Value &...
Most relevant
Bacteria and Chronic Infections
Most relevant
Epidemics
Most relevant
Respiratory Disease Control and Sustainable Livestock...
Most relevant
HI-FIVE: Health Informatics For Innovation, Value &...
Most relevant
Understanding Patient Perspectives on Medications
Most relevant
Lecture Series for Preventing and Controlling COVID-19
Most relevant
Reflections from 40 Years Fighting International Epidemics
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Stanford University
Instructor
Maya Adam, MD
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Is designed for learners of all ages, who may have an interest in the field of medicine, microbiology, immunology, or infectious diseases
Examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and infectious diseases
Uses a patient-centered approach to bridge the gap between theory and practice
Builds a strong foundation in immunology and microbiology
Covers both common and rare infectious diseases
May require learners to have a basic understanding of human biology and the immune system
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Stories of Infection.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser