Host-microbiome Interactions in Health and Disease

Will focus on current understanding of how various microbiomes communicate and interact with the host and the factors that influence these interactions. We will discuss how the new technologies such as metagenomics and metabolomics have enhanced our understanding of host-microbiome interactions in health and disease. Students will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on how to apply recent discoveries to disease processes, health restoration and maintenance. The course will help students develop skills in critical thinking and in reading and evaluating original scientific literature. Expected: students with a background in basic microbiology ( BIOL 0530 or its equivalent). 20 enrollment.