109 Spring MCB Core Course Modules
Course description
This course provides an overview of the bacterial communities that associate with the human body, with a focus on the intestinal microbiome. We will discuss common methods and experimental approaches used to interrogate human microbiomes, exploring how these approaches have evolved from the pre to post genomic era and dive into common pitfalls. We will also discuss functional properties of human associated microbiomes as well as current thinking as to the mechanisms that underlie microbiome assembly and stability. Finally, we will cover cutting-edge efforts to alter or manipulate microbiomes as therapies to treat human disease.
Prerequisites
None although a familiarity with microbiological or immunological background material would be beneficial
Reading material
The source material for this course will be primary research literature and review articles.
Grading
The course grade will be based on two short answer quizzes (one after each of the first two weeks), and a 1-page mock proposal (due the week after the last class). Proposal topic: propose a probiotic-based therapeutic for a microbiome-relevant disease. What are some challenges and considerations? What bacterium would you use? What would it do? Be creative! Required: cite appropriate literature.
Instructor
Benjamin Ross
Prerequisite
None although a familiarity with microbiological or immunological background material would be beneficial