MIB-50803 Microbes Inside

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic knowledge in biological sciences.

Contents:

Our intestinal tract is colonized since birth by microbes that outnumber our body cells in number and genes. Apart from the processing of our food, these microbes also affect our health and have been implicated in many diseases. A series of expert lectures, a literature study and an excursion will provide an integrated view of the human intestinal tract and their microbes including their cross-talk and importance for the pharma and food industry. This course (3 ECTS) has conceptual and programmatic links to the Advanced Practical Course Microbiology MIB30303 (3 ECTS).

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the basic mechanisms by which microbes colonize the intestinal tract and interact with the host;
- describe high throughput approaches to study intestinal functionality in health and disease;
- describe effects of dietary components on gut microbiota and host.

Activities:

Attend lectures supported by literature.

Examination:

- written exam with open questions (90%);
- group assignments (10%).
The minimum mark for the exam is 5.5 and for the assignments 5.0.

Literature:

Michael T. Madigan; John M. Martinko; [et.al]. (2014). Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 13 or 14th ed. Benjamin Cummings. ISBN 13: 9780321897398.
Additional reading and hand-outs will be made available.