Stories of Infection from Coursera

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.

Bacterial Infections Part 1

In Module Two, we will explore six infectious diseases caused by bacteria. We will see how factors like agricultural practices, prior infections, smoking history, and financial situations can play a role in infectious disease. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these six infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

Bacterial Infections Part 2

In Module Three, we will explore seven additional cases of infectious disease involving bacteria. We will see how a timely and accurate diagnosis can be vital for a patient's survival. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these seven infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

Viral Infections Part 1

In Module Four, we will explore five cases of infectious disease involving viruses. We will see how factors like social stigma, prior infections, access to medications, and family history can play a role in infectious disease. We will also examine the link between viruses and some cancers. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these five infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

Viral Infections Part 2

In Module Five, we will explore five additional infectious diseases caused by viruses. We will also apply our knowledge of the immune system to explore the use of vaccines, and understand the history of the MMR vaccine. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these five infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

Other Infectious Pathogens

In Module Six, we will explore six cases of infectious disease caused by mites, protozoa, tapeworms, fungi, and tick-borne bacteria. We will also examine how arthropods like mosquitos and ticks can spread disease. While most of these diseases are caused by infectious pathogens other than viruses and bacteria, learners will be able to apply their knowledge of immunology and microbiology to understand and interpret the clinical presentation of these six infectious diseases.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Engaging infection learning

learners say this course is largely positive, offering engaging assignments and well-structured case studies in microbiology and immunology. Many of the 5-star reviews mention how the course's real-life examples of infectious diseases makes the learning easy to follow and memorable.

The visual aids and animations make the learning process easier.

"I liked the illustrations accompanying the stories."

"I really liked the fact that all the infections were explained on patient examples."

"The drawing for each module was very helpful and I was able to have a clear vision of each infectious diseases."

Case studies make the material relatable and interesting.

"The use of story-telling increased my engagement and intrigue."

"It was a very well organized, prepared course, where I was able to learn by a different method: studying by cases."

"The audio quality was good, the tempo of the speaker perfect. I loved the illustrations."

Learning about infections through stories is engaging and easy to remember.

"Telling stories to teach and emphasize important medical knowledge is a very good way to teach and learn!"

"This unique, interesting, and informative class is creatively presented."

"The stories, which focus on individual people, helped me develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter."

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

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Reviewing CDC guidelines will bolster your preparation to tackle infectious disease.

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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

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Review the techniques you'll need to use in this course to better prepare yourself for the concepts covered in the upcoming modules.

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Review aseptic technique
Practice streaking for isolation

Watch video tutorials on emerging infectious diseases

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Expand your knowledge of infectious disease trends by watching video tutorials on emerging pathogens.

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Search for video tutorials on emerging infectious diseases
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key points

14 other activities

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Read 'Immunology 8th Edition' by Abbas

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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

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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

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Reinforce your understanding of infectious diseases through guided online tutorials, covering essential topics like bacterial and viral infections.

Browse courses on Infectious Diseases

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Access the Khan Academy module on Infectious Diseases.
Watch the videos and complete the interactive exercises.

Complete practice problems on bacterial growth curves

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Practice the fundamentals of bacterial growth dynamics to solidify the concepts covered in upcoming modules.

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Plot bacterial growth curves from provided data
Calculate growth rates from bacterial growth curves

Organize a study group to discuss infectious disease case studies

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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

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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

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Develop a visual representation of the immune system's response to bacterial infections to consolidate your understanding of the mechanisms involved.

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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

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The more you familiarize yourself with patient cases, the more intuitive and natural your decision-making will become.

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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

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Improve your understanding of infectious disease presentations and management by discussing real-world case studies with peers.

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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

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Creating a concept map will provide you with a holistic and integrative view of infectious disease.

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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

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Test your knowledge and develop problem-solving skills by attempting practice questions that simulate real-life clinical scenarios involving infectious diseases.

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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

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Put your understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms to work by creating a visual summary that will help solidify your knowledge.

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Research the different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
Design a poster that visually represents these mechanisms

Conduct an independent literature review

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An independent literature review will provide you with in-depth knowledge on a specific infectious disease topic.

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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

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Gain practical experience in infectious disease management by volunteering at a local health clinic.

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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

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Synthesize and consolidate your learning by creating a comprehensive study guide that encompasses the essential concepts and topics covered in the course.

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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

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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

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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:

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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