The Human Microbiome and Health (359-0-1)
Instructors
Katherine Ryan Amato
847/467-5890
1810 Hinman Avenue, Room A62
Katie Amato is a biological anthropologist studying the gut microbiota in the broad context of host ecology and evolution. She is particularly interested in understanding how changes in the gut microbiota impact human nutrition and health in populations around the world, especially those with limited access to nutritional resources.
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Did you know that all the microbes on and in your body weigh as much as your brain? And they can influence your body almost as much as your brain? They can determine how much weight you gain on a certain diet or whether you develop the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, and they can even affect your mood and behavior. Although we have long known the importance of microbes in the context of disease, recent advances in technology have opened up an entirely new field of research that is transforming perspectives on human health. In this course, we will explore the human microbiome beginning with an overview of different types of microbes and the methods we use to study them. Following that, the majority of the course will be dedicated to exploring new research on the microbes of the skin, mouth, gut, and uro-genital tract and their impacts on human health. We will also consider the influence of geography, politics, social structures, and culture on global patterns in the human microbiome and health.
Learning Objectives
1. Build knowledge of the current state of microbiome research.
2. Gain basic insight into microbiome research methods.
3. Practice critical reading skills with primary scientific literature.
4. Improve ability to search the scientific literature and synthesize the state of the field in writing.
5. Develop effective experimental design skills."
Evaluation Method
Participation, quiz, final paper
Class Materials (Required)
Journal papers and book chapters that will be provided
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Distro Area