Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome from edX

Your body is not only made up of human cells, but also by trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Together they make up the human microbiome and have a tremendous impact on your health. For example, what you eat and drink impacts the gut microbes of the human gut microbiome.

In the MOOC Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome, you will learn how the human microbiome plays an important role in maintaining normal gut function, digesting certain nutrients, early life development, behavior and disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity and diabetes. You will learn how to distinguish fact from fiction about the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease.

Today, important research topics focused on nutrition, health and ageing lay within the study of microbiota composition, function and applicability. This course will help health care professionals gain a basic academic understanding of the human microbiome and the impact on human health. You'll discover the latest academic insights about food fibers, added bacteria, probiotics and microbiology. This knowledge can be applied by health care professionals in their daily practice because gut health is a hot topic, not only among researchers, but especially for health care professionals and consumers alike. Many patients with allergic issues struggle with gut health. Emerging research is connecting an imbalance of the microbiota in the gut microbiome to multiple disease states, including allergies. When finishing this course, you will know about the latest acdemic insights and how to apply them in your daily work.

What you'll learn

In this course you'll learn that the human microbiome plays an important role in maintaining normal gut function, digesting certain nutrients, early life development, behavior and, disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity and diabetes. Discover the complexity in maintaining a balanced healthy life and learn:

How to study the microbiome
How microbiota impact your health
Healthy ageing and microbiota
The relation between diet, genes and microbiota
Microbial therapies and diagnostics
How academic knowledge about the microbiome is important forpolicy makers, medical doctors, non-profit organizations and industry

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to study the microbiome
How microbiota impact your health
Healthy ageing and microbiota

The relation between diet, genes and microbiota
Microbial therapies and diagnostics
How academic knowledge about the microbiome is important forpolicy makers, medical doctors, non-profit organizations and industry

How to study the microbiome
How microbiota impact your health
Healthy ageing and microbiota
The relation between diet, genes and microbiota
Microbial therapies and diagnostics
How academic knowledge about the microbiome is important forpolicy makers, medical doctors, non-profit organizations and industry

Syllabus

Module 1: The human microbiome This module includes topics like: how to study the microbiome, microbiota for health and the human microbiome

Module 2: Early life microbiota development This module includes topics like: development of the microbiome, microbiome and health, life changing events, personal microbiota development

Module 3: Microbiota and Ageing This module includes topics like: healthy ageing, including centenarians, diet and longevity; and ageing related diseases such as immunescene

Module 4: Microbiota diet and disease Topics in this module include: nutrition, diet and genes and obesity

Module 5: Microbial therapies and diagnostics This module includes topics like: microbial therapies, personalized therapies and diagnostics.

Module 6: Applicability and societal impact This module includes topics like: applicability of the microbiome in medical therapy, pharmacy, nutritional companies, probiotic production and the food chain. We also go in to some examples of host microbiota interactions

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops knowledge of the human microbiome and its impact on human health

Investigates the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which are crucial factors in maintaining health

Explores the latest insights into microbial therapies and diagnostics, empowering learners to stay abreast of advancements in healthcare

Emphasizes the significance of the microbiome in health and disease, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals

Requires learners to have a basic understanding of biology and human physiology

Does not delve into advanced concepts or techniques in microbiome research

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 Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome with these activities:

Review Prescott, Harley & Klein's Microbiology 10th Edition

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Review the basics of microbiology to help you understand the role of microbes in the human body.

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Read Chapter 1: The Microbial World and You
Review the key terms and concepts in the chapter
Complete the practice questions at the end of the chapter

Review Tortora, Grabowski, & Derrickson: Principles of Anatomy & Physiology 15th Edition

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Familiarize yourself with basic Human Anatomy and Physiology to build upon throughout this course.

View Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 16th... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Human Body
Review the key terms and concepts in the chapter
Complete the practice questions at the end of the chapter

Join a study group to discuss the course material

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Enhance your understanding of the course material through collaboration and peer support.

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Work together on assignments and projects

Five other activities

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Explore the Human Microbiome Project website

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Gain a deeper understanding of the human microbiome through interactive resources.

Browse courses on Human Microbiome

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Visit the Human Microbiome Project website
Explore the different sections of the website
Watch the videos and read the articles

Take practice quizzes on the course material

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Reinforce your understanding of the course material and identify areas where you need improvement.

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Access the practice quizzes provided by the instructor
Take the quizzes regularly
Review your answers and identify areas where you need further study

Create a blog post about the gut microbiome

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Develop your critical thinking and communication skills by exploring a specific aspect of the human microbiome.

Browse courses on Microbiome

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Choose a specific topic related to the gut microbiome
Research the topic and gather information from credible sources
Write a blog post that presents your findings in a clear and engaging way

Create a glossary of key terms related to the human microbiome

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Solidify your understanding of the key concepts and terminology used in this course.

Browse courses on Microbiome

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Identify the key terms related to the human microbiome
Provide clear and concise definitions for each term
Organize your glossary in a logical way

Design a research project to investigate a specific aspect of the human microbiome

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Apply your knowledge of the human microbiome to develop a research project that explores a specific topic in depth.

Browse courses on Microbiome

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Identify a specific research question related to the human microbiome
Develop a research plan outlining your methodology and expected outcomes
Gather data and conduct your research
Analyze your results and draw conclusions
Present your findings in a written report or oral presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. They investigate the growth, development, and interactions of these organisms. This course can help you build a foundation in the field of microbiology, which is essential for a career as a Microbiologist. You will learn about the human microbiome, its impact on health, and how to study and analyze microorganisms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Nutritionist

Nutritionists help people improve their health by providing them with personalized nutrition plans. They assess clients' nutritional needs, develop meal plans, and educate them on healthy eating habits. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you provide more informed recommendations to your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are healthcare professionals who provide nutrition therapy to individuals and groups. They assess clients' nutritional needs, develop meal plans, and educate them on healthy eating habits. This course can help you build a foundation in the field of nutrition, which is essential for a career as an RD. You will learn about the human microbiome, its impact on health, and how to study and analyze microorganisms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, prescribe medications, and perform other medical care. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you provide more informed care to your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are healthcare professionals who provide primary care to patients. They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, prescribe medications, and provide other medical care. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you provide more informed care to your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse Practitioner

Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors (MDs) diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and provide other medical care. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you provide more informed care to your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance knowledge in various scientific fields. They design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. This course can help you build a foundation in the field of microbiology, which is essential for a career as a Research Scientist. You will learn about the human microbiome, its impact on health, and how to study and analyze microorganisms.

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Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about health and how to make healthy choices. They develop and implement health education programs, and work with individuals and groups to improve their health knowledge and skills. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you develop more effective health education programs.

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Food Scientist

Food Scientists research and develop new food products. They also work to improve the safety, quality, and nutritional value of food. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you develop more nutritious and healthier food products.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists work to improve the health of communities by promoting healthy eating habits. They develop and implement nutrition programs, and work with policymakers to create healthy food policies. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you develop more effective nutrition programs and policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease in populations. They design and conduct studies to identify risk factors for disease, and develop strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you develop more effective strategies to prevent and control disease.

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Microbiology Technician

Microbiology Technicians perform laboratory tests to identify and analyze microorganisms. They also work to develop new antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. This course can help you build a foundation in the field of microbiology, which is essential for a career as a Microbiology Technician. You will learn about the human microbiome, its impact on health, and how to study and analyze microorganisms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiology Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists dispense medications to patients. They also provide information about medications and their side effects. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you provide more informed information to patients about their medications.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect the health of populations. They work with policymakers to create laws and regulations that promote healthy eating and prevent disease. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you develop more effective health policies.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific discoveries and their implications for society. This course can help you gain a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in health. You will learn about the relationship between diet, genes, and microbiota, which can help you write more informed and engaging articles about the latest scientific discoveries.

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