Discover how the living things we can't notice with the naked eye impact you and our world in this free online course.

This course introduces you to fundamental knowledge about microbes, organisms that we can't perceive without a microscope yet influence life on earth in a tangible way. The opening content introduces you to various concepts and terms, including the idea of microorganisms, fungi and protozoa, illustrating why microbes are magical and why we should care about them. Next, you will learn about bacteria. Discover how stains indicate the type of bacteria, which determines whether you have a bacterial infection. Investigate the structure of bacteria, the interior, the making of bacterial cells, their fuel, how we use bacteria to our benefit and how they exchange deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with each other.

The second part of the course examines viruses. Find answers to questions about whether a particular virus is infectious, its benefits, whether it's alive, its size, how we discovered it and how we continue to find others. After that, you will explore fungi, their two main types, indoor moulds, diseases related to fungi and how global warming may impact fungal infection.

In the final part, you will consider parasites and prions. You will learn about two primary types of parasites: protozoa and helminths. You will become acquainted with diseases related to parasites and see the estimated worldwide prevalence of these diseases. Finally, the presenter discusses prions and illustrates the neurodegenerative diseases associated with prions. This foundational microbiology course provides visuals and clear examples of how these tiny organisms influence our world, making it ideal for beginners. So don't be intimated. Enrol today!