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Lina Cavaco, Pimlapas Leekitcharoenphon, and Rene S. Hendriksen

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly pressing global concern. This course offers unique and comprehensive insights into the challenges posed by AMR, exploring its mechanisms, implications for public health and laboratory methods as well as tools for identification.

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Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly pressing global concern. This course offers unique and comprehensive insights into the challenges posed by AMR, exploring its mechanisms, implications for public health and laboratory methods as well as tools for identification.

Participants gain learning experience on how bacteria become resistant and which mechanisms lead to the outcome of resistance. As part of the course, you will also receive demonstration and training in methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and detection of specific resistance in the microbiological laboratories.

Additionally, it will take you through various techniques employed including culture-based methods such as agar dilution and disk diffusion assays which determine the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and whole genome sequencing are also outlined in detail equipping you with basic understanding. These methods provide valuable insights into the prevalence and mechanisms of AMR, aiding in the development of effective treatment strategies and surveillance programs.

In our new version an additional module including detection of specific resistance mechanisms has been incorporated.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the course
This module is a welcome to the course where you can find information on the course structure, the content that you will be introduced to in the next modules, the grading, as well as an introduction to the instructors and the teaching material.
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Module A- Antimicrobial and Antimicrobial Action
In this module you will learn about antibiotics/ antimicrobials and you will get to know more about what they are, where they come from, what are the major groups and how can we classify them, as well as how do they have an effect and how do they act on the bacterial cells.
Module B - Antimicrobials and Resistance
This module contains information about antimicrobials and the development of resistance in bacteria including causes for resistance and their mechanisms, as well as an insight in how resistance disseminates and how it can be selected.
Module C- Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
This module deals with antimicrobial susceptibility testing in the laboratory: its importance and use, descriptions of the methods and their applications and detailed descriptions of the procedures applied for the main methods. Additionally, this module gives practical insight on how to interpret antimicrobial susceptibility results.
Module D- Alternatives to Phenotypic Testing (Whole Genome Analysis Tools)
As alternative to the phenotypical methods, the researcher might decide to use genotypically based methods to identify genes of interest. In the lectures of this module we present the ResFinder tool which may be used to find resistance mechanisms ( genes and in the future versions also specific point mutations) from Whole genome sequences of bacteria of interest. The second lecture is a demonstration of the MyDBFinder which can be used to identify genes of interest defined by the user from Whole genome sequence data.
Module E- Quality Management and Quality Control
This module is dedicated to Quality management and Quality assurance (QA)/ Quality control (QC) procedures and use of QC strains to assure the quality of results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing: importance, elements and principles.
Module F- Presentation of Critically Important Antimicrobials
The module provides an in-depth understanding of critical important antimicrobials (CIA). You will explore the importance of CIAs, the mechanism of action and the challenges associated.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, building a valuable understanding for healthcare practitioners working in public health and infectious disease research
Provides an overview of laboratory methods and tools used for detection of antimicrobial resistance, enhancing diagnostic capabilities
Taught by renowned experts in the field with extensive research experience in antimicrobial resistance, ensuring high-quality content delivery
Covers important topics such as quality management and quality control in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, ensuring reliable and accurate results
Includes a practical module on detection of specific resistance mechanisms, offering valuable insights into current research techniques
Requires familiarity with basic microbiology and antimicrobial resistance concepts, making it suitable for healthcare professionals and students with a foundation in these areas

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Reviews summary

Understanding antimicrobial resistance

Learners say this course on antimicrobial resistance provides theoretical and practical information on resistance mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, genomics, and surveillance methods for healthcare professionals, researchers, laboratory staff, and students. The 5-star rated course is well-structured and engaging with clear explanations, informative content, and helpful instructors like Lina Covaco. Many beginners and intermediate learners find the course comprehensive and informative while experienced professionals appreciate the updated information and practical applications. Overall, learners feel that the course broadens their understanding of antimicrobial resistance, enhances their skills, and provides them with valuable knowledge for their careers.
Makes use of engaging lectures, interactive simulations, and real-world examples to illustrate the concepts and make the learning process interesting and memorable.
"It was an amazing experience."
"T​his is a well orginized e-learning course."
"This course is an exicillent resoures of learning AMR"
Structured with logical progression of topics, clear explanations, and helpful examples. The quizzes and assignments are also well-aligned with the content, providing opportunities for practice and reinforcement.
"Well structured course"
"Lectures are carefully and properly selected to feature important principles, concepts, and applications."
"I have understood many phenomenons that I was looking for"
Provides practical guidance on diagnosing and treating antimicrobial resistance. The course also covers the latest research and developments in the field, which is essential for healthcare professionals and researchers.
"I have learnt great things."
"This course was helpful in increasing my knowledge towrds the antimicrobial species and MRSA bacteria."
"I learned a lot regarding antimicrobial testing, I work with antibiotic resistance and this course allow me to know and improve my knowledge"
Covers a wide range of topics in antimicrobial resistance, from theory to methods, diagnostic techniques to genomics, surveillance methods to practical applications.
"This course covers all the basic and essential information related."
"Excellent resource for understanding antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and information on online tools available for identification of resistance genes"
"Overall great course for learning about antimicrobial resistance."
Taught by experts in the field who are knowledgeable and experienced. The instructors present the material in a clear and engaging manner, and they are responsive to questions.
"Excellent course! Highly recommended."
"It was taught by a great instructor who was clearly knowledgeable in the topic"
"Thank you for the opportunity. I have learned a valuable knowledge"
The exams can be challenging and may require additional study and preparation.
"difficult exams."
Some sections of the course may be too technical for beginners or those without a background in microbiology.
"it's a good option "
"Too technical however"
"Some of the content seems repeated on different lectures."
Some learners have noted that there is some repetition or redundancy in the content of the course, which can be a bit tedious for some learners.
"There is a lot of repetitive content throughout every lecture."

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 Antimicrobial resistance - theory and methods with these activities:
Review a book on the history of antibiotics
Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of antimicrobial discovery
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book
  • Read and take notes on the chapters relevant to antimicrobial discovery
Gather Course Materials
Prepare yourself for the course by collecting digital and physical materials to aid your learning.
Show steps
  • Identify required and recommended materials.
  • Download or purchase digital materials.
  • Locate physical materials, such as textbooks, in your school or local library.
Read relevant news articles
Familiarize yourself with recent developments in the field through reputable news sources to reinforce your understanding
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources of information
  • Skim headlines and abstracts to find relevant articles
  • Read and summarize articles
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Attend a Conference or Webinar on Antimicrobial Resistance
Networking with experts and professionals in the field of AMR can provide valuable insights and connections. Attending conferences or webinars allows you to stay informed about the latest research and advancements.
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming conferences or webinars related to antimicrobial resistance
  • Register and attend the event, actively participating in discussions and networking with attendees
Review Antibiotic Mechanisms of Action
Solidify your understanding of how antibiotics work to combat bacterial infections.
Show steps
  • Study the different mechanisms of action of various antibiotic classes.
  • Practice identifying the mechanisms of action from antibiotic names or structures.
Compile Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Resources
Deepen your understanding of antimicrobial susceptibility testing by gathering and organizing relevant information.
Show steps
  • Search scientific databases for articles on AST techniques.
  • Identify websites and online tools that offer AST-related resources.
  • Create a central repository for all gathered materials.
Discuss Case Studies on AMR
Engage in peer discussions to broaden your perspective and exchange insights on real-world AMR cases.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or form one with classmates.
  • Select case studies on antimicrobial resistance.
  • Discuss the cases, sharing your analysis, and perspectives.
Follow online tutorials on molecular methods for AMR detection
Expand your knowledge and skills in molecular methods used in AMR detection
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online platforms or courses offering tutorials
  • Select a tutorial on a specific molecular method
  • Follow the tutorial, taking notes and completing any assignments
Participate in Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance
Volunteering in antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs provides practical experience and contributes to the monitoring of AMR trends. This activity allows you to apply your knowledge while making a meaningful contribution to public health.
Show steps
  • Identify organizations or research institutions that conduct antimicrobial resistance surveillance
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Participate in data collection, analysis, or reporting activities, as assigned by the organization
Develop a Poster on AMR Mechanisms
Showcase your knowledge by creating a visual representation of the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
Browse courses on Antimicrobial Resistance
Show steps
  • Gather information on different AMR mechanisms.
  • Design and organize the poster to present the information clearly.
  • Include relevant images, diagrams, and data to support your explanations.
Design a Research Proposal on Molecular Methods for Detecting AMR
Designing a research proposal requires a deep understanding of molecular methods used in AMR detection. This activity will challenge you to apply your knowledge, fostering a comprehensive grasp of these techniques and their applications.
Browse courses on Polymerase Chain Reaction
Show steps
  • Identify a specific research question related to the detection of antimicrobial resistance using molecular methods
  • Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify relevant studies
  • Develop a hypothesis and design a methodology for your proposed research
  • Outline the expected outcomes and potential impact of your research
Create a presentation on a specific antimicrobial resistance mechanism
Solidify your understanding of specific AMR mechanisms and develop effective communication skills
Browse courses on Antibiotic Resistance
Show steps
  • Choose an AMR mechanism to focus on
  • Research the mechanism, including its causes, consequences, and implications
  • Design a presentation that clearly explains the mechanism and its impact
Explore Advanced Molecular Techniques for AMR Detection
Staying updated with cutting-edge techniques in AMR detection is essential for professionals in the field. This activity encourages you to explore and understand advanced molecular methods, broadening your knowledge and skills.
Show steps
  • Identify online courses, workshops, or tutorials that cover advanced molecular techniques for AMR detection
  • Enroll in the selected tutorial and actively participate in the learning process
  • Apply the knowledge gained to analyze research articles or case studies related to AMR detection
Participate in a hackathon or competition focused on AMR
Put your skills to the test and collaborate on innovative solutions for AMR challenges
Show steps
  • Find an appropriate hackathon or competition
  • Form or join a team
  • Develop a solution to the challenge

Career center

Learners who complete Antimicrobial resistance - theory and methods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi. They research the growth, structure, and biochemical properties of microorganisms and identify them using various techniques such as microscopy, culturing, and molecular methods. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and susceptibility testing, which is essential for understanding how microorganisms respond to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and characterize antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor diseases. They analyze blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to identify microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and determine their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to detect and identify it, which will be invaluable in your role as a medical laboratory scientist.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease outbreaks. They collect and analyze data to identify risk factors and develop strategies to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. This course will help you understand the role of antimicrobial resistance in disease outbreaks and provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to investigate and respond to such outbreaks effectively.
Infection Control Practitioner
Infection control practitioners work to prevent and control the spread of infections in healthcare settings. They develop and implement infection control policies and procedures, monitor for infections, and investigate outbreaks. This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to prevent and control its spread in healthcare settings.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They also work with physicians to optimize medication therapy and monitor for adverse drug reactions. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial resistance and the factors that contribute to it. It will also equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to counsel patients on the appropriate use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in antimicrobial resistance and the principles of antimicrobial therapy. It will also help you develop the skills needed to make informed decisions about the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in your practice.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. They also work to prevent the spread of animal diseases to humans. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial resistance and the principles of antimicrobial therapy in animals. It will also equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in your practice.
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge and develop new technologies. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to study it. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to design and conduct research studies on antimicrobial resistance.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality assurance managers develop and implement quality assurance programs to ensure that products and services meet safety and quality standards. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of quality management principles and the methods used to ensure the quality of antimicrobial susceptibility testing results. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement quality assurance programs in your organization.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that products and services meet regulatory requirements. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the methods used to ensure compliance. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement regulatory affairs programs in your organization.
Science Writer
Science writers communicate scientific information to the public. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to study it. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to write clear and concise articles, blog posts, and other materials about antimicrobial resistance for a variety of audiences.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to study it. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to write clear and concise technical documents about antimicrobial resistance for a variety of audiences.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to study it. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to teach about antimicrobial resistance in a clear and engaging manner.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators oversee the operations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to address them in healthcare settings. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement effective antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Public Health Educator
Public health educators promote healthy behaviors and educate the public about health issues. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of antimicrobial resistance and the methods used to study it. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create and deliver effective public health education campaigns about antimicrobial resistance.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Antimicrobial resistance - theory and methods.
Provides an in-depth look at the development of antibiotic resistance. It is written by experts in the field and provides detailed information on the molecular basis of resistance.
This report from the World Health Organization (WHO) provides a global perspective on the problem of antibiotic resistance. It discusses the magnitude of the problem, the causes of resistance, and the impact on human health.
This report from the World Health Organization (WHO) provides a global perspective on the problem of antibiotic resistance. It discusses the magnitude of the problem, the causes of resistance, and the impact on human health. This report is similar to 'Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Threat'.
This guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clinicians with information on the diagnosis and treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. It covers the different types of resistance, the methods for diagnosing resistance, and the treatment options for resistant infections.
This reference guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides health care providers with information on the diagnosis and treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. It covers the different types of resistance, the methods for diagnosing resistance, and the treatment options for resistant infections.

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