IMMU 325
The Human Microbiome: New Concepts in Health and Disease
Ever wonder whether the latest headlines about ‘good bacteria’ are true or Just hype? This course will
cover the science behind the news and will address how the human microbiome Is shaping our understanding of
health, disease, and medical treatments. Topics will Include current technologies being used to study the
microbiome, microbial diversity, mucosal immunity and Immunotolerance as well as the Impact of diet on the
microbiome. The course will explore how dysbiosis of the microbiome contributes to human diseases, such as
obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Students will discuss how increased understanding of the microbiome impacts our
usage of probiotics, preblotics, and antibiotics.
This course Is designed for postdoctoral Fellows, postbacs, graduate students, and other Individuals who are
Interested in expanding their understanding of the microbiome and probiotics In health and disease. By the end of
the course, students should have an understanding of the Integral role of the microbiome In promoting human health
and of how dysbiosis contributes to disease.
Prerequisites
general knowledge of biology or consent of Instructor.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and compare Important constituents of the human microbiome ■ Describe technological methods used In microbiome analysis Assess the effects of probiotics and preblotics on human health and disease Evaluate the contribution of the microbiome In various human disease states
