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Pamela Black, Dr. Adam Reid, Josie Bryant, Dr. Francesca Short, and Dr. Josie Bryant

• Diseases caused by bacteria • What bacterial genomes look like • Genome sequencing technology • Mechanisms of transmission and resistance • Genomic epidemiology – tracking the spread of bacterial pathogens • Antimicrobial resistance 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 This course will be of interest to scientists, healthcare professionals, biomedical researchers and bioinformaticians. The course offers all learners an opportunity to learn about genomes, disease, and antimicrobial resistance. You require no previous knowledge of genome science to complete the course. You can use the hashtag #FLbacterialgenomes to talk about this course on social media.

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• Diseases caused by bacteria • What bacterial genomes look like • Genome sequencing technology • Mechanisms of transmission and resistance • Genomic epidemiology – tracking the spread of bacterial pathogens • Antimicrobial resistance 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 This course will be of interest to scientists, healthcare professionals, biomedical researchers and bioinformaticians. The course offers all learners an opportunity to learn about genomes, disease, and antimicrobial resistance. You require no previous knowledge of genome science to complete the course. You can use the hashtag #FLbacterialgenomes to talk about this course on social media.

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    Reviews summary

    Bacterial genomes: disease & resistance insights

    According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in bacterial genomes, disease outbreaks, and antimicrobial resistance, making complex topics digestible even for those new to genomics. Many found the lectures clear and concise, appreciating the engaging instructors and the use of real-world case studies, which highlight the direct applicability to public health and research roles. While generally considered highly relevant for professionals, some learners with prior biological knowledge felt the pacing was slow or desired more in-depth coverage and hands-on exercises. Overall, it is praised for its accessibility and ability to build foundational knowledge, particularly for career-focused individuals.
    Instructors are knowledgeable and effective in delivering content.
    "The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging, making the complex material easier to follow."
    "The lectures were clear and concise, which is a testament to the instructors' ability."
    The material is highly relevant with practical case studies.
    "I particularly appreciated the real-world case studies on disease outbreaks. They built a strong foundation for my work."
    "Understanding how genomic data is used in real disease outbreaks was fascinating and directly applicable to my public health role."
    "I work in a related field and found the course highly relevant to what I do."
    Complex topics are explained clearly, making the course accessible.
    "The content on genomic epidemiology was incredibly well-explained, making complex topics digestible."
    "As someone new to genomics, I was worried, but I found the course incredibly accessible and well-structured."
    "The explanations of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms were very clear, helping me solidify my understanding."
    Some learners desired more practical exercises and less theory.
    "I would have liked a bit more hands-on exercises, but overall, it's a great theoretical foundation."
    "The course material is up-to-date, but I missed having more practical activities."
    Pacing varies, being slow for experienced but ideal for beginners.
    "I felt the pace was a bit slow for someone with a biology background; it seemed to cater more to complete beginners."
    "My only minor critique is that some parts could have gone deeper, but for a foundational course, it's excellent."
    "I have some background, and it didn't quite hit the mark for me, maybe better for absolute beginners in genomics."

    Career center

    Learners who complete Bacterial Genomes: Disease Outbreaks and Antimicrobial Resistance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

    Reading list

    We've selected 17 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 Bacterial Genomes: Disease Outbreaks and Antimicrobial Resistance.
    Examines antimicrobial resistance through the lens of the 'One Health' concept, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It is crucial for understanding the multi-faceted nature of AMR and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. It is particularly relevant given the course names that mention One Health.
    Explores the profound impact of antibiotic overuse on the human microbiome and its potential links to various modern diseases, including those influenced by antimicrobial resistance. It provides valuable context on the broader ecological consequences of antibiotic use. It is an important read for understanding the 'why' behind the AMR crisis beyond just the microbiological mechanisms.
    This report outlines key research areas at the interface of human, animal, plant, and environmental health to combat AMR, reflecting the One Health approach. It crucial document for understanding current research priorities and future directions in the field. It is particularly relevant for those interested in the research and policy aspects of One Health and AMR.
    Provides evidence-based guidance on the appropriate use of antibiotics based on the WHO's AWaRe classification system. It practical resource for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners focused on optimizing antibiotic use to combat resistance. It is particularly relevant for antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
    Provides a compelling and accessible narrative about the rise of MRSA, a well-known example of antimicrobial resistance. It is particularly useful for gaining a broad understanding of how antibiotic resistance emerges and spreads, and the human stories behind it. It serves as excellent background reading for anyone new to the topic.
    Provides an overview of the problems associated with antibiotic resistance and explores potential solutions from various perspectives. It good resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges and the range of proposed interventions. It is suitable for a broad audience interested in the AMR crisis.
    Delves into the interconnectedness of antimicrobial resistance and bacterial virulence, providing a more in-depth look at the biological mechanisms involved. It is suitable for those seeking a deeper scientific understanding of how bacteria become resistant and cause disease. It is valuable for advanced students and researchers.
    Explores collaborative approaches to controlling antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral efforts. It useful resource for understanding the need for cooperation across different fields and regions to effectively address AMR. It is relevant for those interested in public health and policy interventions.
    While covering a broader scope of infectious diseases, this book dedicates significant attention to the threat of antimicrobial resistance as a major public health emergency. It provides a high-level overview of the challenges and potential solutions, making it suitable for gaining a broad understanding and appreciating the urgency of the topic. It is valuable for putting AMR into the larger context of global health threats.
    Discusses the ongoing challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, covering various aspects including assessment of resistance and mechanisms involved. It provides insights into the persistent nature of AMR and the scientific efforts to combat it. It is suitable for those seeking a more technical understanding of the issue.
    This textbook offers a comprehensive exploration of epidemiological methods with recent examples, making it a valuable resource for understanding how AMR is studied in populations. It is suitable for both students and practitioners in public health and clinical medicine.
    Similar to other epidemiology textbooks, this book provides foundational knowledge in epidemiological principles and their application to public health issues, including infectious diseases and outbreaks. It solid resource for students needing to build their epidemiological understanding relevant to AMR.
    This widely used textbook provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of epidemiology, which are essential for understanding the spread and control of infectious diseases, including antibiotic-resistant infections. While not specific to AMR, a solid grasp of epidemiology is crucial for anyone working in this field. It standard text in public health programs.
    Offers a fundamental understanding of bacterial molecular biology, covering topics such as bacterial genome structure and gene expression. It is suitable for students or researchers seeking a foundational knowledge of this field.
    Although not exclusively focused on bacterial genomes, this book provides a comprehensive overview of bacterial physiology and metabolism, including discussions on bacterial genome structure and function.

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