NBIK15016U The Human Microbiome
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine
Humans harbour ten times more bacterial cells than human cells. Different parts of the human body are inhabited by specific microbial communities forming the human microbiome. Within recent years it has become clear that the human microbiome interacts extensively with their human host and is important for human health.
This course will give students a thorough understanding of the
microbial communities in and on humans. This includes the different
roles of the communities in the well-being of humans and links to
important human diseases like allergies, obesity, inflammatory
bowel diseases, and diabetes. Students will obtain detailed
knowledge on the different microorganisms shaping the microbiome of
key human habitats, i.e. the colon, skin, oral cavity, vagina and
lungs.
Knowledge:
By completing the course the student will be able to:
- describe the main members of the microbiome of the human colon, skin, oral cavity, vagina, and lungs
- describe key physiological aspects of the main members of the human microbiome
- describe how the main members of the microbiome interact with their human host
- describe how the human microbiome may be linked to human disease, i.e. obesity, allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diabetes
- describe how the human microbiome may affect the behaviour of humans
- describe how human life style may influence the microbiome
- describe the pros and cons of using specific animal models to study the links between microbiomes and human health
Skills:
- present orally and in writing key aspects of the human microbiome and its effects on human health
- propose studies for investigating the human microbiome and its interactions with the human host
Competences:
- evaluate the effects of the human microbiome on human health
- evaluate methods used to investigate the human microbiome and the interactions between the human microbiome and the human host
- evaluate the use of animal models in the study of interactions between microbiomes and human health
- independently retrieve and critically evaluate information from the primary scientific literature on the human microbiome and relationships between the human microbiome and human health
- discuss original scientific articles and reviews on the human microbiome
- submit a coherent brief research project proposal on a specific microbiome-related topic
See Absalon.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 15
- Preparation
- 119
- Project work
- 40
- Seminar
- 30
- Exam
- 2
- Total
- 206
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written examination, 2 hours under invigilationThe course has been selected for ITX exam on Peter Bangs Vej.
- Exam registration requirements
To participate in the exam, the student must perform all satisfactory assignments including handing in a coherent research project proposal on a microbiome-related topic and a presentation of a scientific paper.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
The University will make computers and power available to students taking written exams with invigilation in the University’s building on Peter Bangs Vej 36 (ITX). Students are therefore not permitted to bring their own computers, tablets or mobile phones. If textbooks and/or notes are permitted, according to the course description, these must be in paper format or on a USB flash drive.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners/co-examiners
- Re-exam
Oral examination 25 minutes, no preparation, no aids allowed.
If the requirements of performing all satisfactory assignments including handing in a coherent research project proposal on a microbiome-related topic is not fulfilled, the student must hand in a two page essay presenting a relevant scientific paper no later than three weeks before the reeexam.
If the requirements of presentation of a scientific paper is not fulfilled the student must hand in a satisfactory essay no later than three weeks before the reexam.
Criteria for exam assesment
In order to obtain the grade 12 the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NBIK15016U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- No limitation
- Course is also available as continuing and professional education
- Study board
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting departments
- Department of Biology
- Department of Food Science
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Søren Johannes Sørensen (3-79707946686f7534717b346a71)
Lecturers
Dennis Sandris Nielsen, Søren Johannes Sørensen, Anders Priemé, and guests from hospitals and research institutions.