Human Microbiome

Our intestinal tract is colonized since birth by microbes that outnumber our body cells in number and genes. Apart from the processing of our food, these microbes also affect our health and have been implicated in many diseases. A series of expert lectures, a literature study, computer practical and a case study will provide an integrated view of the human intestinal tract and their microbes including their cross-talk and importance for the pharma and food industry. This course (3 ECTS) has conceptual and programmatic links to the course Research Methods Microbiology MIB-30303.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• explain the basic mechanisms by which microbes colonize the intestinal tract and interact with the host;
• describe high throughput approaches to study intestinal functionality in health and disease;
• describe effects of dietary components on gut microbiota and host;
• identify a research problem from literature;
• find, interpret and cite relevant literature;
• handle microbiome data and do basic analyses;
• interpret, present and describe a literature study in an oral presentation and written report;
• collaborate with fellow students in a literature study and writing the report.

Assumed Knowledge:
Basic knowledge in biological sciences.