mRNAs as Medicines
mRNAs as Medicines
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What you'll learn
Discover the incredible diversity of roles played by proteins in the human body and appreciate their importance.
Learn the basics of mRNA and protein synthesis and understand how mRNA instructs cells to produce proteins.
Learn about different types of medicines, their pros and cons, and understand how mRNA medicines work, from concept to practical applications.
Delve into case studies of mRNA medicines in vaccines, cancer and genetic disorder therapies, as well as future developments in mRNA technology.
Details to know
3 assignments
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There are 3 modules in this course
mRNA technology represents a new frontier in medicine, offering the potential to treat and prevent diseases in ways that were previously unimaginable. mRNA medicines have already shown their potential with the development of COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. mRNAs as Medicines will explore other potential applications, including cancer treatments, genetic disorders, and regenerative medicine, highlighting the broad scope and impact of mRNA technology.
mRNAs as Medicines breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible segments, making the fascinating world of mRNA technology accessible to everyone. In this course, you’ll learn about the structure of proteins and mRNAs, how they're made, and the roles they play in the body. You'll discover the properties of classic medicines and how recent technological advancements have broadened our therapeutic options. Through detailed case studies, you’ll examine the applications of mRNA medicines in vaccines, cancer treatments, and therapies for genetic disorders. Dive into the mesmerizing world inside our cells with immersive 3D animations and interactive challenges that reinforce your learning and engage with compelling case studies that bring real-world context to life. By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of mRNA technology, equipped with the knowledge to appreciate its impact on modern medicine.
The first module of our course, Introduction to Proteins and mRNAs, lays the foundation for understanding mRNA medicines by discussing proteins and their roles in the human body. We will delve into the molecular makeup of the human body, explore the concept of proteins from a biological perspective, and understand the process of protein synthesis. We will also discuss how proteins are essential for all biological entities, including viruses. This module will provide you with a solid understanding of proteins and their significance in the world of mRNA medicines.
What's included
7 videos3 readings1 assignment5 plugins
7 videos•Total 33 minutes
- Course Introduction•2 minutes
- Module 1 Introduction•1 minute
- Proteins and their roles in human health•10 minutes
- Protein structure•5 minutes
- mRNA structure•3 minutes
- How cells make proteins and know what proteins to make•9 minutes
- Where do mRNAs come from?•2 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
- mRNAs as Medicines: Glossary Terms•10 minutes
- mRNAs as Medicines: References•10 minutes
- Module Summary•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
- Module 1 Assessment•20 minutes
5 plugins•Total 75 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
In module 2 of our course, Learning About Medicines, we'll find out what properties make for a classic medicine and how our options have expanded with recent technological advances. We are now able to take the bold step of rethinking what a medicine can be. Specifically, we'll be addressing the question: How can proteins and mRNAs be used as medicines?
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment5 plugins
6 videos•Total 35 minutes
- Module Introduction•1 minute
- Medicines: Small molecules and proteins•7 minutes
- What makes mRNA suitable as a medicine?•9 minutes
- Making and delivering mRNA medicines•4 minutes
- Anatomy of a lipid nanoparticle•6 minutes
- mRNA medicines and the innate immune system•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- mRNAs as Medicines: Glossary Terms•10 minutes
- Module Summary•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
- Module 2 Assessment•20 minutes
5 plugins•Total 75 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
In the final module of our course, Applications for mRNA Medicines, we will explore the different types of mRNA medicines and their potential applications for preventing and treating disease. We will discuss how mRNA medicines can be used as vaccines to prevent disease or as therapies to treat existing disease. We will also delve into the potential of mRNA medicines to treat genetic disorders as well as create an entirely new class of regenerative medicines. This module will provide you with an overview of the exciting potential of mRNA medicines to address a broad spectrum of human disorders.
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment4 plugins
6 videos•Total 38 minutes
- Module Introduction•1 minute
- Prophylactic mRNA vaccines Part 1•5 minutes
- Prophylactic mRNA vaccines Part 2•14 minutes
- mRNA therapeutics that stimulate the immune system•8 minutes
- Non-immunogenic mRNA therapeutics•10 minutes
- Course Conclusion•1 minute
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- mRNAs as Medicines: Glossary Terms•10 minutes
- Module Summary•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
- Module 3 Assessment•20 minutes
4 plugins•Total 60 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
- Test your knowledge•15 minutes
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Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024
Very practical for industry practitioners who do not have a science background
Reviewed on May 20, 2026
i loved the animations also the concept was so good and well told
Reviewed on Jun 14, 2026
As for a beginner myself, this course has definitely expanded my understanding and explore the new field of mRNA Medicines. All the modules and tests are well explained with fantastic animations.
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