Brief Introduction
A brief course led by Dr. Drew Weissman, a pioneer of mRNA technology. Learn the facts about how mRNA vaccines work and what role they play in halting the COVID-19 pandemic from a team of experts in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Description
As COVID-19 continues to affect the world, many people want to learn more about the vaccines developed to tame the pandemic. This short course from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania teaches learners the science behind the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the mRNA vaccine platform developed against it. Taught by a team of experts led by Dr. Drew Weissman, a pioneer of the mRNA vaccine technology, this course briefly explains:
- a useful framework for understanding viral epidemics and pandemics
- what a virus is and how viruses cause diseases
- the various types of vaccines and how they work
- some details about coronaviruses, including the ones that have transferred from animals to humans
- the basic science and development of mRNA vaccines
- the clinical aspects of COVID-19 disease
- the clinical aspects, side effects, and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19
- answers to common questions and concerns about mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, and
- some potential future applications of mRNA vaccines
Please note:
This course is designed for educational purposes only. It does not provide or constitute medical advice or professional services. The information in this course should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines mentioned in this course both use licensed University of Pennsylvania technology. As a result of these licensing relationships, Penn and Dr. Weissman have received and may continue to receive significant financial benefits in the future based on the sale of these products. BioNTech provides funding for Dr. Weissman’s research into the development of additional infectious disease vaccines.
Knowledge
- By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Examine the role of vaccines in humanity’s ongoing fight against disease
- Describe, in simple terms, how mRNA vaccines work
- Discuss possible directions for mRNA vaccines as humanity looks to a future beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 - A clinical update
- 4.7
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
How did this disease develop? Where did it come from? How does it cause diseases? The answers to these questions will be answered in the first video of module 1....
Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy
- 4.7
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Welcome to "Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy". One Health is the concept that human, animal, and environmental/ecosystem health are linked....
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Use of mRNA Vaccines
- 0.0
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
A brief course led by Dr. Drew Weissman, a pioneer of mRNA technology. Taught by a team of experts led by Dr....
Life After COVID-19: Get Ready for our Post-Pandemic Future
- 4.8
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
The pandemic will create long-lasting and surprising ripple effects, even after vaccines are widely available. Are you ready for what's next?...
