Microbiology courses can help you learn about microbial physiology, genetics, and ecology, as well as the roles of microorganisms in health and disease. You can build skills in laboratory techniques like culturing, staining, and microscopy, along with data analysis for interpreting microbial behavior. Many courses introduce tools such as PCR machines, bioinformatics software, and various types of microscopy, that support conducting experiments and analyzing results in real-world applications.

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Testing, Quality Assurance, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Bioinformatics, Medical Laboratory, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Data Quality, Medical Science and Research, Biology, Public Health
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Lecturio
Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Infection Control, Infectious Diseases, Hand Hygiene, Bloodborne Pathogens, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Taxonomy
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Copenhagen
Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Biology, Infection Control, Chronic Diseases, Diagnostic Tests, Pharmacology
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Health Informatics, Big Data, Biostatistics, Data Analysis, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Diet, Biology, Specimen Collection
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Manchester
Skills you'll gain: Biotechnology, Sustainable Technologies, Process Engineering, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Biomedical Engineering, Materials science, Scalability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Data Analysis Software, Scientific Visualization, Taxonomy, Data Integration, Data Import/Export
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Public Health, Drug Development, Biotechnology, Medical Science and Research, Climate Change Programs, Cell Biology, Health Disparities, Biology, Clinical Trials, Laboratory Research, Pharmacology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, New Product Development, Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Processes
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Leeds
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Immunology, Pathology, Infection Control, Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Cell Biology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Medical Science and Research, Database Development, Taxonomy, Data Pipelines
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Patient Education And Counseling, Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Therapy, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Trials, Pain Management, Preventative Care, Treatment Planning, Urology, Patient Treatment, Immunology, Epidemiology, Surgery, Cell Biology, Care Management, Biology, Pathology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Biology, Environment, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Development, Natural Resource Management, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Climate Change Adaptation, Estimation, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Methods, Experimentation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Hematology, Physiology, Oncology, Microbiology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Epidemiology, Internal Medicine, Chronic Diseases, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Geriatrics, Pathology, Pulmonology, Environment, Pharmacotherapy, Biology, Public Health, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are tiny, often microscopic organisms that include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Understanding microbiology is crucial because these organisms play significant roles in various ecosystems, human health, and industry. For instance, beneficial bacteria are essential for digestion and nutrient absorption, while harmful pathogens can cause diseases. Additionally, microbiology is vital in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, where it contributes to advancements in health care, food production, and environmental sustainability.‎
A degree or training in microbiology can open doors to various career opportunities. Common job roles include microbiologist, clinical laboratory technician, quality control analyst, and research scientist. Microbiologists may work in laboratories, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies, focusing on research, diagnostics, or product development. Other positions may involve teaching, regulatory affairs, or environmental monitoring. The demand for professionals in this field continues to grow, particularly in health care and biotechnology sectors.‎
To succeed in microbiology, you'll need a combination of technical and soft skills. Key technical skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with microbiological tools and equipment. Additionally, a solid understanding of biology, chemistry, and genetics is essential. Soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are also important, as they enable you to collaborate with colleagues and convey complex information clearly. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research and technologies in microbiology are equally vital.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in microbiology. One notable option is the Microbiology Foundations course, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject. Other courses may focus on specific applications of microbiology in health care, agriculture, or environmental science. When selecting a course, consider your current knowledge level and specific interests within the field to find the best fit for your learning journey.‎
Yes. You can start learning microbiology on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in microbiology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn microbiology effectively, start by identifying your learning goals and preferred study methods. You can enroll in online courses, read textbooks, or watch educational videos. Engaging in hands-on laboratory experiences, whether through formal education or virtual simulations, can enhance your understanding. Additionally, joining study groups or online forums can provide support and facilitate discussions with peers. Regularly reviewing and applying what you learn will help reinforce your knowledge and skills.‎
Microbiology courses typically cover a range of topics, including microbial physiology, genetics, ecology, and pathogenic microbiology. You may also explore laboratory techniques, such as culturing microorganisms, microscopy, and molecular biology methods. Other subjects might include the role of microbes in human health, food production, and environmental processes. Understanding these topics will provide a well-rounded foundation in microbiology and prepare you for various applications in the field.‎
For training and upskilling employees in microbiology, consider courses that focus on practical applications and industry relevance. Courses like Microbiology Foundations can provide essential knowledge for those in health care, pharmaceuticals, or food safety. Tailoring training programs to meet the specific needs of your workforce can enhance their skills and improve overall productivity in microbiology-related tasks.‎