Fundamentals of Antimicrobial Resistance

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), defined as the ability of microorganisms to withstand antibiotics, represents a substantial risk to global health and necessitates comprehensive strategies to mitigate its proliferation. This course provides an intensive introduction to AMR— a silent pandemic that is included among the top global health crises. We will explore the historical context of antibiotics, fundamental mechanisms by which bacteria, fungi, and viruses evade these drugs, and the ecological and societal factors that drive resistance. Key topics include the molecular basis of resistance (efflux pumps, enzymatic inactivation), evolution of AMR, role of the human microbiome, and latest developments to study and combat AMR. The course concludes with bioinformatics analysis of published data to identify antimicrobial resistance, teaching students about pathogenic bacteria and known antibiotic resistance genes. This is an engaging, discussion-based, and hands-on practice course designed for students interested in environmental science, molecular biology, medicine, and public health.