The Human Microbiome in Health and Disease

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AM_1021

Course Objective

1. After the lecture series the students obtained insight in: - The historical development of microbiological sciences - Techniques to explore the human microbiome - Host – Microbe interactions in Health and Disease - Metabolic strategies of microorganisms - Interventions with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics 2. Students have gained experience on thinking and writing about the impact of microbes on either our environment, human health, or industrial applications.

Course Content

During 10 lectures, the enormous diversity of microbial life will become evident. The lectures will include a number of ways to explore microbial life forms associated with our body, in particular, related to health and disease. Applications of our knowledge on the human microbiota for diagnostics, prognostics and interventions will be discussed.

Teaching Methods

- 10 (guest) lectures (obligatory) including a 4-5 pages research proposal

Method of Assessment

- Each student will write a research proposal (approximately 4-5 pages) about a medical or industrial application of a human microbiome sciences science.
- The best proposal wins the Annual Microbiome Award

Literature

A collection of selected publications will be made available on the Canvas site.

Target Audience

MSc students Biomolecular Sciences and Biomedical Sciences

Custom Course Registration

All attendees need to register for the course shortly before it starts via the 'student' button on the ARTIS-Micropia website: https://www.micropia.nl.

Additional Information

Venue: The lecture room in 'de Volharding' in 'ARTIS' (Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam)

Entry Requirements

Molecular Biology

Recommended background knowledge

General and Molecular Microbiology