Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/antimicrobial-resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. Understanding its mechanisms, spread, and control is crucial for healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone concerned about public health. The Coursera course, ‘Antimicrobial resistance – theory and methods,’ offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to this complex topic.
This course, designed to guide learners through the fundamental aspects of AMR, begins with basic definitions and an overview of antimicrobials, their uses, and the emergence and spread of resistance. It effectively breaks down the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind resistance development, explaining the mechanisms bacteria employ to become resistant. The course doesn’t shy away from the practical side either, providing valuable training in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods.
The syllabus is logically structured, starting with a ‘Welcome’ module that sets the stage with course objectives, structure, and instructor introductions. Module A delves into ‘Antimicrobial and antimicrobial action,’ explaining what antimicrobials are, their origins, classifications, and how they exert their effects on bacterial cells. Module B, ‘Antimicrobials and resistance,’ builds on this by detailing the causes and mechanisms of resistance, as well as how resistance disseminates and is selected for.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to practical laboratory techniques. Module C, ‘Antimicrobial susceptibility testing,’ provides essential knowledge on the importance, methods, and applications of AST. Module D, ‘Interpretation,’ then guides learners on how to make sense of the results obtained from these tests. Ensuring the accuracy of these tests is vital, and Module E, ‘Quality assurance,’ covers quality management, quality control procedures, and the use of quality control strains.
Perhaps one of the most forward-looking aspects of the course is Module F, ‘Alternatives to AST – Genome analysis tools.’ This module introduces powerful genotypic methods, showcasing tools like Resfinder and My DB Finder, which leverage whole genome sequences to identify resistance genes. This provides a glimpse into modern approaches to tackling AMR.
Overall, ‘Antimicrobial resistance – theory and methods’ is an excellent course for anyone looking to gain a solid foundation in AMR. It strikes a good balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making complex scientific concepts understandable. The instructors are knowledgeable, and the course materials are well-presented. I highly recommend this course to students, early-career researchers, and healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of this critical global health issue.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/antimicrobial-resistance