Composition and Function of the Human Microbiome

Catalog description

This course is designed for senior undergraduate and graduate students in biomedical and related sciences, providing an introduction to the human microbiome. The goal is to help students understand the methodologies used to study the microbiome, as well as the significance of this complex community of organisms that inhabit our bodies and influence both health and disease. Topics will include metagenomic sequencing techniques, bioinformatic analytical methods, and the composition of the microbiome at various body sites. The course will also explore the functional roles of the microbiome in maintaining health, its involvement in disease processes, and its potential impact on personalized medicine. Strategies for modifying the microbiome will also be discussed.