Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections
An overview of Candida and other pathogenic yeasts, from mucosal infections to bloodstream disease, biofilms and laboratory recognition.
An overview of what you will study and build.
Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections covers the most common group of fungal pathogens encountered in healthcare. Students explore the biology of Candida and related yeasts, how they live as part of the normal human microbiota and what changes allow them to cause mucosal or invasive disease. The course then follows the spectrum from oral and vaginal candidiasis to candidaemia, explains how yeasts are recognised in the laboratory and examines why biofilms on catheters and other medical devices are so difficult to manage.
With shifting species distribution and the emergence of resistant yeasts, a sound understanding of Candida is valuable across nursing, laboratory and infection prevention roles. This course suits nurses, laboratory staff and health science graduates who want an accessible but accurate overview. Sessions combine short lectures with case-based discussion led by working specialists. For the final project, students produce an educational briefing on one yeast-related topic, such as device-associated infection, for a defined healthcare audience.
6 modules, one growing line of knowledge.
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Candida species and their niches
- Commensalism and the shift to disease
- Virulence factors
- Oral and oesophageal candidiasis
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Predisposing factors for mucosal infection
- Routes into the bloodstream
- Deep-seated organ involvement
- Patient groups at higher risk
- Gram stain and colony features
- Chromogenic agar and identification tools
- Reporting yeast isolates
- How biofilms form
- Catheters, prostheses and implants
- Biofilm tolerance to antifungals
- Changing species distribution
- Hand hygiene and line care
- Surveillance of candidaemia
Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections
By the end you will be able to:
- Describe the biology and commensal lifestyle of Candida and related yeasts.
- Distinguish mucosal from invasive forms of candidiasis.
- Explain how yeasts are recognised and reported in the laboratory.
- Explain why biofilms on medical devices increase infection risk.
- Summarise prevention measures and epidemiological trends for yeast infections.
Where this programme sits in the school.
Where this programme can take you.
Roles and uses that build on what you learn here. Outcomes depend on your experience and local market.
- Infection prevention support officer
- Laboratory assistant in a microbiology department
- Supporting role in a clinical mycology laboratory team
- Medical device quality and biofilm testing assistant
- Health educator producing infection awareness materials
Requirements, assessment and certificate.
Admission requirements
No prior mycology knowledge is required; a basic background in biology, nursing or health sciences is helpful.
How you are assessed
Assessment combines participation in live sessions with short case-based exercises for each module. The final briefing is reviewed by the professor.
Final project
An educational briefing on a yeast-related topic, such as device-associated infection, written for a defined healthcare audience.
Certificate
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
How the programme grows, phase by phase.
- Biology of Candida and related yeasts
- Mucosal candidiasis
- Invasive candidiasis and candidaemia
- Laboratory recognition of yeasts
- Biofilms and medical devices
- Prevention and epidemiology
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Questions about this programme
Do I need experience to study Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections?
No prior mycology knowledge is required; a basic background in biology, nursing or health sciences is helpful.
How is Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment combines participation in live sessions with short case-based exercises for each module. The final briefing is reviewed by the professor.
What is the final project?
An educational briefing on a yeast-related topic, such as device-associated infection, written for a defined healthcare audience.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
What can I study after Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections?
The natural next step is Diploma in Medical Mycology Foundations.
Keep branching.
From our species guide.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).