Can chemistry help to feed a growing population, or overcome increasing bacterial resistance? Find out how the Penicillin class of antibiotics has been a major breakthrough in the treatment of patients. However, with bacteria developing efficient ways of resisting antibiotic treatment, discover how scientists are treating patients with infections resulting from resistant bacteria.
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The world’s population is approaching eight billion people, putting increasing strain on our ability to feed everybody. Explore the strategies currently being developed, and the role that chemistry plays in finding solutions to food security.
Syllabus
Week 1: The fight against bacteria
Week 2: Feeding a growing global population
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...
- Explore the origins of antibiotic development and how some bacteria are able to become resistant to antibiotics.
- Explore the challenges behind educating people in the proper use of antibiotics.
- Identify uses of chemistry in addressing the challenges of feeding a growing population.
- Explore the uses of natural crops and their genetically-modified alternatives.
