Course Description
This course is a basic overview of microbiology concepts. It is geared towards the casual learner learning about the foundational concepts of microbiology.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Learning Outcomes
By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Define the role of microorganisms as decomposers in the nutrient cycle, illustrating their importance in maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth.
- Identify key historical milestones in microbiology, including the development of the Germ Theory and the discovery of antibiotics, to understand their impact on modern medicine.
- Identify the role of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture and environmental sustainability, demonstrating their applications in soil fertility and waste management.
- Recognize the characteristics and classifications of microorganisms, differentiating between effective and harmful types through specific examples.
- Define the roles of mitochondria, lysosomes, centrioles, and microtubules in cellular function by examining their structure and mechanisms.
- Describe the impact of microbiomes on human health, specifically how microbial communities influence immune function and disease prevention.
- Define the structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the presence or absence of a nucleus and organelles.
- Identify at least two functions of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis within cells, such as regulating material exchange and protecting internal environments.
- Define the differences between aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways in microorganisms based on their specific energy sources and byproducts.
- Identify examples of microbial species and classify them according to their metabolic processes such as catabolism and anabolism, and their environmental niches.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of sterilization, selective removal, and temperature manipulation techniques in various practical settings to limit microbial expansion effectively.
- Recognize the impact of unchecked microbial growth on human health, agriculture, and industrial infrastructures and identify primary control methods.
- Recognize the role of microbial genetics in developing genetically modified organisms for medical and industrial applications.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
Introduce Yourself | 2 points |
Lesson 1 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 2 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 2 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 3 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 4 Review Exam | 19 points |
Lesson 5 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 5 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 6 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 7 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 8 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 8 Review Exam | 17 points |
Lesson 9 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 10 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 10 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 11 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 11 Review Exam | 12 points |
Lesson 12 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 12 Review Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 13 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 14 Review Exam | 19 points |
Lesson 15 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 16 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 17 Review Exam | 16 points |
Lesson 18 Review Exam | 18 points |
Lesson 19 Review Exam | 7 points |
Lesson 20 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 21 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 22 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 23 Review Exam | 20 points |