260.610.01
The Human Microbiome in Health and Disease
Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Wednesday, 3:30 - 5:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Pass/Fail
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
This course will expose you to the critical roles the naturally occurring microorganisms in our body - the microbiome - play in human health and disease. Covered topics include cardiometabolic disease, carcinogenesis, the gut-brain axis, infections and antibiotic resistance, microbe-drug interactions, and the microbiome in personalized medicine.
Introduces the students to the fascinating world of the human microbiome. Reviews current literature addressing the microbiome's role in healthy development and pathogenesis of conditions such as cardiometabolic disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Discusses current and up-and-coming therapeutics and diagnostic tools based on the microbiome, including personalized medicine. Prepares students to consider the role of the microbiome in their research.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the roles the microbiome plays in human health and disease.
- Explain the fundamental methodologies employed in microbiome research.
- Explain the various clinical applications of the microbiome, including therapeutics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
- Link the concepts learned in class to their research.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 10% Discussion
- 45% Written Assignment(s)
- 45% Group Presentation