This research-led course provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of microbiome science: a fast moving research area relevant to students with an interest in microbiology. The course provides a framework for understanding and interpreting microbiomes, and a series of workshops presenting and evaluating cutting-edge questions in active microbiome research. Students will investigate core principles of microbial diversity, community assembly and interactions, and microbiome function, with a strong focus on understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern microbiome dynamics. Key topics include (i) key environmental and host-associated microbiomes; (ii) principles of characterizing and comparing microbial communities and their outputs, and (iii) evaluating how microbial communities are affected by extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and how such changes might affect microbiome function. In so doing, they will develop the ability to apply this knowledge to interpret and understand real-world biological problems.
The course is taught by experts in the field using active learning methods that include lectures, research seminars, and ‘journal club’ workshops. Key reading and other learning resources will be provided in a VLE, supporting developing digital fluency and independent and group learning. Assessment is based on two coursework assignments, designed to evaluate students’ understanding of microbiome science and their ability to apply this knowledge to solve real-world challenges in diverse biological and ecological contexts.