Antimicrobials & Selective Toxicity — Online Lab Series I
Wednesday 30 September 2026 · 13:00–16:00 (KSA time) · Live Online · Hosted from Saudi Arabia
A three-hour live online lecture from FSGene (Medical Molecular Genetics Laboratory), part of its Empowering Young Minds Online Lab Series, answering one central question: how do we target microbes without harming humans?
What the session covers
- Definition of antimicrobials and their major classes
- The principle of selective toxicity and the "magic bullet" concept
- Mechanisms of action and the key microbial targets antimicrobial agents exploit
- Structural and functional differences between microbial and human cells that make targeted therapy possible
- The therapeutic index and antimicrobial safety
- Toxicity, spectrum of activity and antimicrobial resistance
- Clinical case studies: penicillin, chloramphenicol and amphotericin B
Learning outcomes
By the end of the session participants should be able to define antimicrobials and distinguish their major classes, explain selective toxicity and why it underpins anti-infective therapy, describe the mechanisms of action of key agents, analyse how host–microbe differences enable selective targeting, and recognise the practical limitations of antimicrobial therapy — toxicity, resistance and the therapeutic index.
Who should attend
Students, researchers, pharmacists, physicians, laboratory professionals and healthcare practitioners who want a clear foundation in antimicrobial therapy. The course is pitched at all levels, with no prerequisites.
Instructor
Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Ibrahim, PhD, MSc, B.Pharm — FSGene Consultant Scientist and Senior Trainer.
Fees and registration
150 SAR (reduced from 250 SAR under the Saudi National Day offer). Registration and payment are completed on the official FSGene course page (course ID FSGENE-0-004); seats are limited. Certificates are issued by FSGene, with accredited or SCFHS-recognised certification stated per course on the organiser's page.
