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Causes of Human Disease

Transmitting and Fighting Infection

Michael Routledge

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in the science behind causes of human disease. No previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in nursing, healthcare or social care, or just wish to learn more, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLinfectiousdisease to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Causes of infectious diseases
The differences between bacteria, viruses and parasites and how they cause infectious diseases
How infectious diseases are transmitted
How antibiotics work and the challenges of antibiotic resistance in the treatment of bacterial diseases
The basic components of the immune system, and the innate and adaptive immune responses
What immunisation is and how it works

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Reviews summary

Clear introduction to infectious disease causes

According to learners, this course offers a clear and accessible introduction to the causes of human disease, focusing on infectious agents and how the body fights them. Students often praise the engaging nature of the lectures and the ability of the instructors to make complex topics easy to understand, even for those with limited scientific background. It is frequently described as a great starting point for understanding infectious diseases, providing a solid foundational knowledge. While highly valued for general interest and foundational learning, some reviewers indicate it may not offer sufficient depth for individuals seeking advanced or specialized knowledge in the field.

Instructors make the learning experience enjoyable.

"The lecturers were engaging and made the material interesting."

"I really enjoyed the presentation style of the instructors."

"Lectures were dynamic and kept my attention throughout the course."

Topics are highly relevant and provide useful insight.

"The topics covered are very relevant to current health issues."

"Provided useful insights into how infections spread and are treated."

"Great overview of key concepts like antibiotic resistance and immunity."

"The content felt immediately applicable to understanding public health discussions."

Serves as a strong foundation for beginners.

"This course is a perfect introduction to the world of infectious diseases."

"It provided me with a great starting point and the basic knowledge I needed."

"Excellent foundational course for anyone new to the subject."

"Gave me a solid base from which I can pursue more advanced learning."

Content is explained well, easy for anyone to grasp.

"The explanations were incredibly clear and easy to follow, even without a science background."

"Instructors broke down complex topics into understandable segments."

"I found the course content very accessible; everything was presented logically."

"Helped me understand concepts I previously struggled with, thanks to the clear presentation."

Too basic for those with prior advanced knowledge.

"As someone with some medical background, I found it a bit too basic; didn't go into enough detail."

"Wish there was more advanced material for those seeking deeper understanding."

"This course is more of a surface-level overview than an in-depth study."

Career center

Learners who complete Causes of Human Disease: Transmitting and Fighting Infection will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Causes of Human Disease: Transmitting and Fighting Infection.

Janeway's Immunobiology

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Considered a foundational textbook in the field, this book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of immunology. It is widely used in undergraduate, graduate, and medical school programs. While detailed, it offers clear writing and informative illustrations, making complex concepts accessible. is essential for solidifying a strong understanding and serves as a valuable reference.

Causes of Human Disease

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Clear introduction to infectious disease causes

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Reading list

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