eLearnAfrica
The Power of Genomics to Understand the COVID-19 Pandemic
Wellcome Connecting Science
  • Start Date: 04 Jul, 2022
  • 3 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Gain insights into tracking, treating, preventing, and preparing for pandemics through genome sequencing and data sharing.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
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Course Description

See how viral genomics can improve the response to COVID-19 and future pandemics


Genomics is crucial in understanding and responding to pandemics, including COVID-19.


On this three-week course, you’ll learn key concepts in viral genomics, how they can be applied to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they can help us prepare for future pandemics.


Explore genome sequencing and the SARS-CoV-2 genome


The course starts with a review of how viruses cause diseases and pandemics, examining the factors that can lead to a public health emergency.


You’ll also get a comprehensive introduction to the SARS-CoV-2 genome structure, and learn how genome sequencing is used in COVID-19 surveillance.


Learn about COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics development


Once you’re comfortable with the basics of genome sequencing and the contributing factors of pandemics, you’ll move on to vaccines and therapeutics.


You will have an overview of the development and production of COVID-19 vaccines and the available treatments of the disease, and you’ll gain further insights into the impact of viral variants.


Understand why viral genomic surveillance is critical


You’ll see how sharing genomic sequencing helps experts understand disease epidemiology, allowing them to give better advice and to be more prepared for the future.


Ultimately, this course will show you how important genomics is for developing effective strategies, not only against the COVID-19 pandemic but, importantly, against pandemics in general.


This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the genomics response to the current pandemic. While no prior knowledge about COVID-19 is required, it is likely to be most useful to researchers, healthcare professionals, science journalists, policymakers, and those working in public health.


    • Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

    • Wellcome Connecting Science

      This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

    • You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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