Bacterial Genomes

Disease Outbreaks and Antimicrobial Resistance

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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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."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Bacterial Genomes: Disease Outbreaks and Antimicrobial Resistance. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

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

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