mRNA Vaccines: The Science and the Impact

Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Led by Dr. Drew Weissman

Course Description

"mRNA Vaccines: The Science and the Impact" is an enlightening introductory course offered by the prestigious Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. This course, led by Dr. Drew Weissman, a pioneer in mRNA vaccine technology, delves into the fascinating world of viral epidemics, with a particular focus on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the groundbreaking mRNA vaccines developed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to understand the science behind viral outbreaks and the innovative vaccine platforms designed to counter them. By exploring the intricacies of viruses, vaccine types, and the specific characteristics of coronaviruses, students will gain a solid foundation in the field of infectious diseases and vaccine development.

What Students Will Learn

  • A framework for understanding viral epidemics and pandemics
  • The nature of viruses and their disease-causing mechanisms
  • Various types of vaccines and their modes of action
  • Detailed insights into coronaviruses, including zoonotic transfers
  • The science and development process of mRNA vaccines
  • Clinical aspects of COVID-19 disease
  • Efficacy, side effects, and safety of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19
  • Answers to common questions and concerns about mRNA vaccines
  • Potential future applications of mRNA vaccine technology

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in learning about mRNA vaccines and their impact on global health.

Course Coverage

  • Viral epidemics and pandemics throughout history
  • Types of viruses and their transmission methods
  • Coronaviruses and their animal-to-human transfer
  • Development and mechanism of nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccines
  • Clinical aspects of COVID-19
  • Efficacy, safety, and side effects of mRNA-LNP vaccines
  • Future potential of mRNA-LNP technology in combating other diseases

Who This Course Is For

  • Students interested in medicine, virology, and vaccine science
  • Healthcare professionals seeking to expand their knowledge
  • Individuals curious about the science behind COVID-19 vaccines
  • Anyone wanting to understand the potential of mRNA technology in medicine

Real-World Applications

The knowledge gained from this course will enable learners to:

  1. Better understand and explain the science behind mRNA vaccines
  2. Make informed decisions about personal and public health
  3. Contribute to discussions on vaccine efficacy and safety
  4. Appreciate the potential of mRNA technology in future medical applications
  5. Understand the complexities of viral epidemics and pandemic responses

Syllabus

Module 1:

  • Factors leading to viral pandemics from the 20th century to present
  • Different types of viruses and their transmission methods
  • Properties of coronaviruses that have transferred from animals to humans

Module 2:

  • Development and mechanism of nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccines
  • Clinical aspects of COVID-19
  • Efficacy, safety, and side effects of mRNA-LNP vaccines for COVID-19
  • Potential applications of mRNA-LNP technology for other diseases

This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field, including Dr. Drew Weissman, a pioneer of mRNA vaccine technology. By enrolling, you'll gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge science behind the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the potential future applications of this revolutionary technology in combating other infectious diseases.