Online Microbiology Course and Class Overviews

Several microbiology courses are offered online as part of undergraduate and graduate programs. Read on to learn about online courses in environmental microbiology, introductory microbiology and microbiology with a medical emphasis.

Overview of Online Microbiology Courses

Online microbiology courses typically are designed for undergraduate students or university graduates looking to complete prerequisites for advanced study in an allied health profession, such as nursing, physician assistance, physical therapy, dental hygiene, medicine, veterinary medicine or environmental engineering. Distance education courses in microbiology generally are open to students who've completed college-level courses in introductory biology, anatomy and physiology.

Technical Course Requirements

Online microbiology students need Internet access and an active e-mail account, which typically is used to communicate with teachers and fellow students. A CD-ROM might be necessary to view certain course materials, and students generally need to download support software, such as Virtual Unknown Microbiology, and have access to common software programs, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Online microbiology students might be required to purchase a lab kit, which often includes a microscope and oil immersion lens, for at-home lab assignments. Students may also be expected to purchase textbooks online or at university bookstores.
Distance education courses in microbiology commonly follow a semester or summer session schedule that's aligned with a university's academic calendar. Homework assignments and discussions may be posted online. Quizzes and exams might be taken online or in a supervised environment with a school-approved proctor.

List of Online Microbiology Courses

Microbiology Fundamentals Course

This course offers an introduction to microorganisms as they relate to the human environment. Topics focus on the ecology, diversity, growth and genetics of microorganisms, as well as fungal, bacterial and viral infections, microbial anatomy and the immune response. Laboratory assignments emphasize the isolation and identification of microorganisms.

Microbiology with a Medical Emphasis Course

Students in this course explore microbial pathogenesis, molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology and mammalian host resistance. They often explore modules on diseases of microbial origin, with a focus on diagnosis, infection prevention and common treatment therapies. Lab assignments typically cover procedures or techniques for isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.

Microbiology for Health-Allied Professions Course

This course covers microbiological fundamentals with an emphasis on preparing students for graduate-level microbiology coursework. Topics might include microbial morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology and bacterial metabolism. Microscopy and staining, molecular biology, serological techniques and biochemical testing typically are covered through lab assignments.

Environmental Microbiology Course

Students investigate microbial processes as they apply to natural and artificial environments. They learn about enzyme and growth kinetics, microbial and environmental interaction, biogeochemical cycles, parasitology and metabolic regulation. In some cases, courses with an environmental emphasis also examine water, waste water, industrial and soil microbiology.