Stories of Infection

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/stories-of-infection

Introduction

### Course Review: Stories of Infection on Coursera As the world continues to grapple with the implications of infectious diseases, an understanding of these conditions has never been more crucial. "Stories of Infection," offered on Coursera, is an innovative course that takes a patient-centered, narrative-driven approach to teaching the complexities of infectious diseases. It is an engaging journey through the clinical experiences of patients, designed to illuminate the intricate relationships between microbes, the human body, and the broader societal context. #### Course Overview The course leads learners through a comprehensive examination of various infectious diseases using a series of animated, story-based videos. Each episode follows the trajectory of a patient's illness, from the first symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, effectively intertwining storytelling with scientific principles of microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology. By employing this engaging format, the course instills both knowledge and empathy, making the science of infection accessible and relevant to a broad audience. The narrative approach not only serves to teach but also entices learners to delve deeper into subsequent studies in microbiology and immunology. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introductory Module**: The course begins by establishing a foundation in the human immune system and the basic principles of how microbes can cause disease. Through the narrative of a cholera patient, learners will grasp the connection between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes. Each lecture is supported by terms in a glossary, facilitating comprehension and retention. 2. **Bacterial Infections Part 1 & 2**: These modules dive into specific bacterial infections, presenting six and seven cases, respectively. Here, learners evaluate how various factors, like agricultural practices and individual health histories, influence patient outcomes. The course emphasizes the importance of timely diagnoses and helps learners contextualize the symptoms and microbiological underpinnings of these diseases. 3. **Viral Infections Part 1 & 2**: In these sections, five viral case studies in each module unravel the complexities of viral diseases. The course addresses social stigmas and healthcare access, while connecting certain viruses with cancer risks. Knowledge about vaccines, specifically the MMR vaccine, is also integrated, critical for understanding public health practices. 4. **Other Infectious Pathogens**: This module broadens the scope further, examining diseases caused by mites, protozoa, fungi, and more. Learners will analyze how arthropods spread infectious diseases, equipping them with a more rounded framework for interpreting a variety of health issues. #### Course Experience The storytelling format is perhaps the most enriching aspect of this course. The animated patient narratives convey complex medical concepts in an engaging way, making it both informative and captivating. The integration of quizzes after each module reinforces learning, allowing students to assess their understanding as they progress. Additionally, learners benefit from a well-structured glossary and resource materials, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the clinical presentations and the pathophysiology of infectious diseases. The course doesn't merely skim the surface; it encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its real-world implications. #### Recommendations I highly recommend "Stories of Infection" for anyone interested in the fields of healthcare, public health, microbiology, or immunology. Whether you are a medical student, a healthcare professional, or simply an inquisitive mind eager to understand how infectious diseases impact people’s lives, this course has something to offer. The combination of patient narratives and scientific rigor creates a unique learning environment that not only educates but also inspires. By the end of the course, learners will have gained valuable insights into infectious diseases, the human immune response, and the socio-economic factors that affect health outcomes. In an age where understanding infectious diseases is vital, “Stories of Infection” provides the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of this critical field. Enroll today, and prepare to embark on a captivating journey into the world of infectious disease!

Syllabus

Introductory Module

In Module One, we will begin to hear how some microbes cause disease in humans. We will familiarize ourselves with the human immune system, including the cells that make up the innate and adaptive immune responses. We will also examine the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and infectious disease as we explore the story of one person’s experience with cholera. By the end of this module, learners will be more familiar with how the host immune defenses actively defend the body against disease-causing microbes. After each lecture, there is a glossary of terms pertaining to that lecture, which will assist learners in answering the quiz questions. Learners can also find a glossary of all terms from the course, listed alphabetically, under the "Resources" tab.

In Module Two, we will explore six infectious diseases caused by bacteria. We will see how factors like agricultural practices, prior infections, smoking history, and financial situations can play a role in infectious disease. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these six infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

In Module Three, we will explore seven additional cases of infectious disease involving bacteria. We will see how a timely and accurate diagnosis can be vital for a patient's survival. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these seven infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

In Module Four, we will explore five cases of infectious disease involving viruses. We will see how factors like social stigma, prior infections, access to medications, and family history can play a role in infectious disease. We will also examine the link between viruses and some cancers. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these five infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

In Module Five, we will explore five additional infectious diseases caused by viruses. We will also apply our knowledge of the immune system to explore the use of vaccines, and understand the history of the MMR vaccine. By the end of this module, learners will be able to interpret the clinical presentation of these five infectious diseases and describe the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology, and immunology.

In Module Six, we will explore six cases of infectious disease caused by mites, protozoa, tapeworms, fungi, and tick-borne bacteria. We will also examine how arthropods like mosquitos and ticks can spread disease. While most of these diseases are caused by infectious pathogens other than viruses and bacteria, learners will be able to apply their knowledge of immunology and microbiology to understand and interpret the clinical presentation of these six infectious diseases.