Microbes often get a bad name. Whilst some of them do cause disease, others play vital roles in recycling nutrients in the soil to enable plants to grow, and in breaking down human waste. Without microbes, we would have no beer, no yoghurt, no coffee. That's quite impressive for something too small to see. This free course, Microbes friend or foe? sheds some light on them.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- Learning outcomes
- 1 Disease-causing bacteria
- 1 Disease-causing bacteria
- 1.1 Evolution of antibiotic resistance in microbes
- 2 Microbes in sewage treatment
- 2 Microbes in sewage treatment
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
Tags
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Reviews
4.2 rating, based on 6 Class Central reviews
4.7 rating at OpenLearn based on 33 ratings
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This course provides a clear and engaging overview of the world of microorganisms, covering both their beneficial and harmful impacts. One of the key advantages highlighted is how microbes play a crucial role in processes like fermentation, waste decomposition, and even food production. On the downside, the course also covers the harmful side of microbes, such as their ability to cause diseases and spoil food, which emphasizes the importance of understanding microbiological processes. Overall, the course effectively balances the benefits and risks associated with microbes, making it highly informative and practical.
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Kushagra TrivediThe **"Microbiology: Microbe – Friend or Foe?"** course offers an engaging exploration of microorganisms and their dual role in our lives. It covers both beneficial microbes in food, medicine, and agriculture, as well as harmful pathogens causing diseases. The course structure is well-organized, with interactive content, real-world applications, and clear explanations. Visual aids and case studies enhance understanding, making complex topics accessible. However, more hands-on experiments or virtual labs would improve the learning experience. Overall, it’s a great course for beginners and professionals alike, providing valuable insights into microbiology’s impact on health, industry, and the environment. -
The OpenLearn course 'Microbes - friend or foe?' offers a fascinating introduction to the world of microorganisms. While the course touches on various aspects of microbiology, I found the sections on pathogenic bacteria particularly engaging. The c…
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Really helpful and deep understanding of how different microbes play role for the benefit or against the human body.
Appreciated -
ótimo curso , bem desenvolvido e elaborado ... bem dinâmico ... recomendo a todos os universitários das áreas de biológicas e dos cursos da saúde
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i got benefied from each sentense in this course i learned a lot of infos about microbs and the common types and how they got used in treaating water ...
