The Human Microbiome

The human microbiome, the organisms that make up the human ecosystem, profoundly impact health and disease. In this course, students will learn about the organisms that make up the microbiome and then investigate the microbiomes of several organ systems. The course will focus on the skin and the gut as primary examples. Students will learn about the gut microbiome, its impact on the immune system and gut microbiome and brain interaction. The microbiome impacts cancer disease and therapy, which will be explored. Finally, the course will cover recent advances and ethical questions surrounding the microbiome.