The mythology of the discovery of the first antimicrobial agent and its successful use in the treatment of human disease is compelling.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered some blue-green mold growing on a second plate culture of staphylococci and noticed that there was no growth of cocci immediately around the mold.

He accurately assumed that the mold released a diffusible substance, which he called penicillin. Initially, penicillin proved to be unstable and difficult to purify in crystalline form, and its direct application was fraught with difficulty.

However, Ernest Duchesne published his French academy thesis in 1896, in which he described a Penicillium culture that easily eliminated typhoid in rabbits and pigeons.

This course provides an ideal introduction to the development and current status of antimicrobial drugs, including their future potential and limitations.

The term “antimicrobial” is used to describe agents that destroy or suppress the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Destructive effects include killing sensitive microorganisms and causing lysis of their pathogenic structures, such as the bacterial cell wall. The most important requirement of antimicrobial agents, beyond their ability to attack sensitive pathogens, is their selectivity.

In other words, the safety of these agents allows their use by humans or higher animals without causing any or insignificant damage to the host. Antibiotics are a class of antimicrobial agents produced naturally by microorganisms or chemically modified for enhanced activity in a pathogenic infection.

The earliest record of the use of drugs used to prevent or treat microbial infections was the use of moldy bread to try and treat infected wounds and other diseases in the time of the Roman Empire.

The use of substances for healing had its origins in the very beginnings of the human race. However, it was not until this millennium that the use of preparations made from microbes or their products really became scientifically based and the members of the two main classes of compounds, the sulfonamides and the antibiotics, discovered and tested initially in a systematic way.

The drugs used nowadays to prevent or treat microbial disease, by and large, are extremely effective and while it is wise to remain keenly aware of the possibility of toxic reactions in many cases, it is possible to counter the unwanted effects very satisfactorily.

This course is open to anyone with an interest in antimicrobial therapy and that includes beginners and professionals in related fields.

Course Provider:

Open College UK Ltd

Format:

This course is set in the English language and is entirely coursework based. All notes and reading materials, including text book/s are supplied by us direct in one complete package. There are no other required text or materials, books to purchase. We supply everything for you within your course package for the low fee shown. There are no hidden or additional fees to pay.

Method of Learning:

This is a home study, distance learning course. All of your course study materials are posted to you in one complete study package. All of your coursework is to be completed within the outlined period. This course is structured in an EASY LEARNING and user friendly way.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this home learning programme, students should be able to understand the basics of many key areas within this subject. Participants of the course will have acquired an overall basic understanding of the subject matter and will have achieved a sound basis to summarize important topics and be reasonably competent to make further progress and educational development in this field with a range of theoretical skills and insights to assist with any short or long term goals.

Grading Assessment:

This course is assessed upon the successful completion and submission of coursework with a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Distinction is 90%. All content is course work based, home study through the post or online, depending on the subject being studied. NO attendance or visits to any exam centre is required on this subject.

Entry Requirements:
There are NO entry requirements. No background training or qualifications are required. Anyone can enrol at any time, beginners, intermediates and experienced all year round. You are expected to be able to read and write or type/word process your coursework and be able to understand the English language.