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Transmitting and Fighting Infectious Diseases

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Transmitting and Fighting Infectious Diseases

Instructor: Andrew Kirby

3,453 already enrolled

Included with

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

54 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

54 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Compare bacteria, viruses and parasites as causes of infectious disease.
Describe different modes of transmission of infectious agents.
Understand what an antibiotic is and explain what is meant by resistance to antibiotics.
Explain the basic components of the immune system and how it fights invading pathogens.

Skills you'll gain

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Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

1 assignment¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Understanding how pathogens cause infections and how infectious diseases are transmitted is crucial for preventing and controlling the spread of illnesses.

In this course, you will learn how diseases like the common flu spread, the mechanisms behind bacterial resistance, the body's defence mechanisms, and the importance of immunization. You will understand what pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are and discover how antibiotics work. You will then explore what causes resistance to antibiotics, a significant and growing problem worldwide, as it can make the treatment of bacterial infections more challenging and, in some cases, ineffective. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to defend the body against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. The course will help you understand the immune system's main components and how the innate and adaptive immune responses fight invading pathogens. You will explore immunisation and how it triggers the immune system to remember pathogens.

Module details

Welcome to the Transmitting and Fighting Infectious Diseases course. This course explores infectious diseases, how they are transmitted and how they can be treated.