The exposome: cracking the science about what makes us sick from Coursera

What are the causes of disease? We know that most diseases result from a combination of genes and environment (nature and nurture). Our genes alone do not determine our fate. For most complex diseases, externalities - environmental factors in the broad sense - are more important. This includes our living and working environments, diet, social support and stress, pollution, and exposure to infectious agents. Exposome research is about discovering the non-genetic drivers of health and disease.

Derived from the term exposure, the Exposome represents the totality of exposures we face throughout our lifetime. It also represents the biological responses that arise from external exposures.

In this course, 7 researchers from Utrecht University and/or the NWO Gravitation programme Exposome-NL will offer their expertise. We will introduce you to the Exposome concept; why it’s important; how we measure the exposome; and the data sciences steps needed to establish associations with health outcomes. This course will conclude with reflections on what is needed to advance this nascent and transformative field of research.

Exposome research requires transdisciplinary approaches. Therefore, this MOOC will be of interest to current and prospective students and researchers in the fields of public health, environmental health, life sciences, clinical medicine, geosciences, humanities, and social and behavioural sciences.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Exposome concept

Welcome! Here you will find general information about the course. The learning objectives, the structure, and the requirements of completion will be presented to you. We will kick off with an introductory lecture by Prof. dr. Roel Vermeulen, a peer discussion assignment and a short quiz.

The transformative power of Exposome approaches: using the example of cardiovascular disease reasearch

This week we will learn about how Exposome approaches are changing research into the etiology of cardiovascular diseases.

The external Exposome: methodological approaches

This week we will address what the external Exposome is and how we can assess it. We will focus on two exposures: air pollution and the food environment.

The internal Exposome: methodological approaches

This week we delve into what the internal Exposome is, with a focus on metabolomics as one important approach.

Data science steps for analysing Exposome data

This week we look at the role of data science in Exposome research and the novel data science solutions.

Future perspectives & the next generation of studies

In this final week of the course Roel Vermeulen describes which exposome deliverables we can expect in the near future. Some of the experts reflect on challenges and future perspectives in the field of Exposome research.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the Exposome concept, which is transformative in nature and emerging in several fields

Taught by researchers from Utrecht University and NWO, who are recognized for their work in Exposome research

Develops foundational knowledge and methodological approaches central to Exposome research

Explores the Exposome concept in a multi-modal manner, including videos, readings, and discussions

May be useful for students pursuing a career in public health, environmental health, or clinical medicine

Requires students to come in with some background knowledge

Reviews summary

Important environmental health

Learners say this course provides insight into the exposome, which is the environment around us that affects internal health. Students say the course is well-rounded, complex, and important, but they do acknowledge that some peer reviews within the course are not always helpful.

Course focuses on impact of environment on our health.

"This course is the area in which humans have to act as soon as possible. It is a course that describes how the environment around us affects our internal well-being."

"Knowing, assessing, relating and researching the factors that impact human health are of utmost importance"

Peer reviews can be helpful, but not all are well done.

"I just want to comment that while peer reviews are good to have, they are not always well done."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The exposome: cracking the science about what makes us sick with these activities:

Read Environmental Health Perspectives

Show steps

Provides up-to-date research and perspectives on environmental health.

View Priorities on the Health Horizon on Amazon

Show steps

Review the latest issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.
Identify key articles relevant to exposome research.
Summarize the main findings and implications of these articles.

Explore Exposome Data Analysis Tools

Show steps

Develops proficiency in using software and techniques for analyzing exposome data.

Show steps

Follow online tutorials on data analysis tools.
Apply these tools to a small exposome dataset.
Discuss the results and identify challenges in data analysis.

Discuss Exposome Measurement Techniques

Show steps

Fosters collaboration and exchange of ideas on various methods used to measure exposome components.

Show steps

Read assigned articles on different measurement techniques.
Participate in group discussions to share knowledge and perspectives.
Develop a summary of key points and challenges in exposome measurement.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Solve Epidemiology Problems

Show steps

Strengthens analytical skills and develops a deeper understanding of epidemiological principles.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

Show steps

Identify different types of epidemiological studies.
Calculate measures of disease frequency and association.
Interpret and evaluate epidemiological data.

Create an Exposome Data Visualization

Show steps

Develops skills in presenting complex exposome data in a visually appealing and informative manner.

Show steps

Choose an appropriate dataset and visualization tool.
Design and create the visualization.
Interpret the data and identify patterns and trends.

Develop an Exposome Research Proposal

Show steps

Provides an opportunity to apply course concepts to a real-world research project.

Show steps

Define the research question and objectives.
Identify the relevant exposures and outcomes.
Develop a data collection and analysis plan.
Write the research proposal.

Develop a Literature Database on Exposome Research

Show steps

Builds a comprehensive resource for future research and reference.

Show steps

Conduct a systematic search of relevant literature.
Extract key information from selected articles.
Organize and summarize the findings in a database.

Career center

Learners who complete The exposome: cracking the science about what makes us sick will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists identify and evaluate environmental factors that may affect human health. They develop and implement strategies to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of environmental exposures. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a comprehensive overview of the exposome concept and the methods used to measure and analyze exposome data. This course can help environmental health scientists to develop the knowledge and skills needed to conduct research on the exposome and its impact on human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the adverse effects of chemicals and other toxic substances on human health and the environment. They develop and implement strategies to protect people and the environment from exposure to harmful substances. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a foundation in the principles and methods of exposome research, which is essential for understanding the role of environmental exposures in disease causation. This course can help toxicologists to develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct research on the exposome and its impact on human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. They design and conduct studies to identify risk factors and protective factors for disease development and progression. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of exposome research, which is essential for understanding the role of environmental and lifestyle factors in disease causation. This course can help epidemiologists to develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct cutting-edge research on the exposome and its impact on human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts develop and evaluate policies that aim to improve the health of populations. They work with policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to identify and address health disparities and promote healthy behaviors. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a comprehensive overview of the exposome concept and the methods used to measure and analyze exposome data. This course can help health policy analysts to develop the knowledge and skills needed to design and evaluate effective health policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Public Health Nutritionist

Public health nutritionists promote healthy eating and physical activity to prevent and manage chronic diseases. They develop and implement nutrition programs and policies that aim to improve the health of populations. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a solid understanding of the role of diet and other environmental factors in disease development. This course can help public health nutritionists to develop the knowledge and skills needed to design and evaluate effective nutrition interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to design and analyze studies in the health sciences. They work with researchers to develop and implement statistical models that can be used to identify risk factors for disease, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and make predictions about future health outcomes. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of data science, which are essential for biostatisticians. This course can help biostatisticians to develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct research on the exposome and its impact on human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste management, and climate change. They work with government agencies, businesses, and other organizations to develop and implement policies and technologies that protect the environment and human health. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a solid understanding of the role of environmental factors in disease development. This course can help environmental engineers to develop the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement effective environmental protection measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Risk Assessor

Risk assessors evaluate the risks of exposure to hazardous substances and other environmental hazards. They develop and implement risk management plans to minimize the risks to human health and the environment. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a foundation in the principles and methods of risk assessment, which is essential for risk assessors. This course can help risk assessors to develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct risk assessments and to develop effective risk management plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Assessor

Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement educational programs and materials that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to raise awareness about health issues and to encourage people to make healthy choices. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a solid understanding of the role of environmental and lifestyle factors in disease development. This course can help health educators to develop the knowledge and skills needed to design and evaluate effective health education programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations to comply with environmental regulations and to reduce their environmental impact. They develop and implement environmental management plans, conduct environmental audits, and provide expert advice on environmental issues. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a solid understanding of the role of environmental factors in disease development. This course can help environmental consultants to develop the knowledge and skills needed to advise clients on how to reduce their environmental impact and protect human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Industrial Hygienist

Industrial hygienists identify and evaluate workplace hazards that can affect the health of workers. They develop and implement strategies to control these hazards and to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a solid understanding of the role of environmental factors in disease development. This course can help industrial hygienists to develop the knowledge and skills needed to identify and control workplace hazards and to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Hygienist

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to make recommendations and to develop solutions to business problems. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of data science, which are essential for data analysts. This course can help data analysts to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with exposome data and to identify trends and patterns that can be used to improve public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Grant Writer

Grant writers develop and submit grant proposals to funding agencies. They work with researchers and other stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and to write proposals that are competitive and persuasive. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of grant writing, which is essential for grant writers. This course can help grant writers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to write successful grant proposals that will fund research on the exposome and its impact on human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They write articles, reports, and other materials that explain scientific discoveries and their implications for society. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a comprehensive overview of the exposome concept and the methods used to measure and analyze exposome data. This course can help science writers to develop the knowledge and skills needed to write about the exposome and its impact on human health in a clear and engaging way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical research coordinators manage and coordinate clinical research studies. They work with researchers, patients, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that studies are conducted according to protocol and that data is collected and managed accurately. The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick course provides a foundation in the principles and methods of clinical research, which is essential for clinical research coordinators. This course can help clinical research coordinators to develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage and coordinate clinical research studies effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator