Host-associated Microbiomes

Catalog description

This seminar covers an emerging field of research on the microbial communities that associate with the bodies of larger organisms such as plants and animals. Topics include the methods used to study microbiomes, microbial ecology, symbiosis, and the evolutionary considerations of host-associated microbiomes. Emphasis will be placed on the role that microbiomes play in animal processes (e.g., immunity, development, nutrition, behavior, and disease), including humans. Students read assigned scientific articles throughout the course and are expected to participate robustly in student-led discussions. Students also explore the literature independently and read articles in support of a semester-long, thesis-driven writing project.