Immunology: Immune System and Infectious Diseases from Coursera

The constant struggle between pathogens and the human immune system has been posing a significant threat to our health for thousands of years.

Infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. These are typically caused by bacteria (intra- and extracellular), viruses, fungi, parasites (worms/helminths) and prions. Under normal circumstance, the immune response orchestrates a robust protection against these pathogens using both molecular and cellular mechanisms. This usually leads to direct or indirect inactivation of the infectious agent, so the disease symptoms may not appear.

However, numerous pathogens have devised immune evasion strategies, which allow them to play ‘hide and seek’ with our immune system. The avoidance of human natural defences may result in host colonisation by a pathogen and thus an infection. This can manifest as disease when the infectious agent replicates and inflicts damage.

In this course, you will learn about the different types of pathogens, their confrontation with human immune system, and the dramatic consequences of their evasive strategies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Immune response to bacteria

In module one, you will explore the innate and adaptive mechanisms of defence against bacterial infections in the human host. As they differ, the responses to both intracellular and extracellular bacteria will be discussed. In particular, you will learn about the specific cell subsets that are involved and the molecules and mechanisms they deploy to provide protection against these pathogenic infections.

Viral immunity and evasion

In module two, we will explore both innate and adaptive mechanisms of defence against viral infections in the human host. The specific cellular and molecular immune mechanisms involved in this protection will be discussed. Finally, our experts will explain the plethora of strategies developed by the viruses to evade from our immune system and that ultimately allow them to survive and sometimes thrive in their mammalian host. Some examples will be discussed, including SARS-CoV-2.

Immunity against fungal infections

Module three of this course will explore in detail the immune mechanisms deployed by the mammalian host to combat this particular eukaryotic type of pathogen. In particular, you will discuss the role of specific cells and molecules involved and, using specific examples, you understand how our immune system responds to the various types of fungus its host encounters.

Immune responses to Leishmania parasites

In module four, you will explore the innate and adaptive immune responses to this neglected parasitic infection. The specific cells and molecules and their interactions will be explored. Using the different forms of the diseases, our expert will discuss how the parasite is able to use the immune system to evade destruction.

Malaria infection and immunity

Module five will investigate our immune response to this deadly parasite. Presented by our experts in the field, this module will cover the cells and molecules involved as well as the different phases of immune response deployed in the various phases of the parasite’s life cycle in the host. The module will also cover immune resistance to the clinical symptoms of the disease and will explain the difficulties encountered in the development of efficient prevention and treatment options.

Tuberculosis and human immunity

Module six, our last in the course, is dedicated to understanding tuberculosis. Led by our experts in the field, you will discover the symptomatic diversity of this bacterial infection, the primary cause of death worldwide resulting from a single pathogen. You will explore our immune response against this pathogen, the factors contributing to the ongoing tuberculosis epidemic and the immunopathology of the disease.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches about the immune response to various types of pathogens, which is standard knowledge in medicine

Taught by Malgorzata (Maggie) Trela and Sophie Rutschmann, who are recognized for their work in immunology

Develops an understanding of immune evasion strategies, which is a core skill for immunologists and microbiologists

Covers a range of topics, including bacterial immunity, viral immunity, and fungal immunity, which is relevant to both academic and industry settings

Examines immune responses to specific pathogens, such as Leishmania parasites and malaria, which is highly relevant to global health

Explores the immunopathology of tuberculosis, which is a major public health concern worldwide

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 Immunology: Immune System and Infectious Diseases with these activities:

Review basic microbiology techniques

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Brush up on essential microbiology techniques to enhance your understanding of experimental methods used in the course.

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Review your lecture notes or textbooks.
Watch online tutorials or videos.
Practice basic techniques in a lab setting.

Explore the Khan Academy videos on immunology

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Supplement your understanding of the immune system by exploring the comprehensive video tutorials provided by Khan Academy.

Browse courses on Immunology

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Visit the Khan Academy website.
Search for videos on immunology.
Watch the videos and take notes.
Complete the practice exercises.

Conduct a group discussion on an assigned topic

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Engage in active learning by collaborating with peers to discuss and explore the intricate relationship between the immune system and pathogens.

Browse courses on Immune System

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Form a study group with 2-3 classmates.
Choose a topic related to the course material.
Research the topic and prepare a presentation.
Present your findings to the group.
Engage in a discussion and exchange ideas.

Four other activities

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Create a visual representation of the immune system

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Solidify your understanding of the immune system by creating a visual representation that illustrates its components and mechanisms.

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Choose a medium, such as a diagram, flowchart, or infographic.
Research the different components and functions of the immune system.
Design a visual representation that clearly depicts these components and their interactions.
Present your visual representation to the class.

Volunteer at a local hospital or clinic

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Gain practical experience and observe the real-world applications of immunology and pathogen interactions in a clinical setting.

Browse courses on Infectious Diseases

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Contact local hospitals or clinics to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the necessary training and background checks.
Assist with tasks related to patient care, laboratory procedures, or research.
Observe and learn from healthcare professionals.

Participate in a case study competition

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Challenge yourself by applying your knowledge in a competition setting, fostering a deeper understanding of pathogen-immune system interactions.

Browse courses on Infectious Diseases

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Find a case study competition related to the course.
Form a team with 2-3 classmates.
Analyze the case study and develop a solution.
Present your solution to a panel of judges.

Develop a treatment plan for a patient with an infectious disease

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Apply your knowledge to a practical scenario by creating a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with an infectious disease.

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Choose a specific infectious disease.
Research the disease, its symptoms, and treatment options.
Review patient medical records and test results.
Develop a treatment plan that includes medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
Present your treatment plan to a healthcare professional for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Immunology: Immune System and Infectious Diseases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Immunologist

Immunologists study the immune system, including its components, functions, and dysfunctions. Their work helps us understand how to prevent and treat diseases, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. This course provides a comprehensive overview of immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Immunologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist

Microbiologist

Microbiologists investigate microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Their work is critical in developing treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as a Microbiologist. The course covers topics such as the immune response to bacteria, viral immunity and evasion, immunity against fungal infections, immune responses to parasites, and tuberculosis and human immunity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Parasitologist

Parasitologists study parasites, including their life cycles, transmission, and impact on human health. Their work helps us understand how to prevent and treat parasitic infections. This course provides a comprehensive overview of immunology and parasitic infections, which is essential for a successful career as a Parasitologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Parasitologist

Virologist

Virologists study viruses, including their structure, function, and evolution. Their work helps us understand how to prevent and treat viral infections. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and viral immunity, which is essential for a successful career as a Virologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virologist

Mycologist

Mycologists study fungi, including their diversity, ecology, and impact on human health. Their work helps us understand how to prevent and treat fungal infections. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and fungal immunity, which is essential for a successful career as a Mycologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mycologist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Epidemiologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including immunology, infectious diseases, and drug development. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Research Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Infectious Disease Physician

Infectious Disease Physicians diagnose and treat patients with infectious diseases. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and public health departments. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Infectious Disease Physician.

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Public Health Microbiologist

Public Health Microbiologists play a critical role in protecting the public from infectious diseases. They work in a variety of settings, including public health laboratories, hospitals, and clinics. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Public Health Microbiologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Microbiologist

Medical Microbiologist

Medical Microbiologists work in clinical laboratories to identify and characterize microorganisms that cause disease. They also develop and implement diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as a Medical Microbiologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Microbiologist

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a variety of audiences, including the general public, policymakers, and other scientists. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Science Writer.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help inventors protect their intellectual property. They work with inventors to draft and file patent applications, and they represent inventors in patent litigation. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is essential for a successful career as an Patent Attorney.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect the health of the public. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is helpful for a successful career as an Health Policy Analyst.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is helpful for a successful career as an Science Teacher.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This course provides a strong foundation in immunology and infectious diseases, which is helpful for a successful career as an Healthcare Administrator.

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