Gut Microbiology

FSE Campus Venlo

Gut Microbiology

Full course description

This course is a sequel to Microbiology, and focuses on the microorganisms of the intestinal tract, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. It deals both with the microbiome of the healthy gut and on the role of microorganisms in a range of diseases. Furthermore, ways to influence the gut microbiome with food components, amongst which pre- and probiotics, are discussed.

Course objectives

  • To acquaint students with microbiology of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • To give insight in the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease;
  • To provide students with tools to use the acquired knowledge to develop functional foods that positively modulate the gut microbiota.

Prerequisites

  • VSC2105 Microbiology

This course is not suited for freshmen.

Recommended reading

  • Gut microbiome as a clinical tool in gastrointestinal disease management: are we there yet? Quigley EM. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Mar 30. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.29.;
  • special focus issue of Gut Microbes on the impact of diet on gut microbiota composition and function;
  • The Human Intestinal Microbiome in Health and Disease. Lynch SV, Pedersen O.N Engl J Med. 2016 Dec 15; 375(24):2369-2379.;
  • Impact of maternal nutrition in pregnancy and lactation on offspring gut microbial composition and function. Chu DM, Meyer KM, Prince AL, Aagaard KM. Gut Microbes. 2016 Nov; 7(6):459-470.;
  • Towards microbial fermentation metabolites as markers for health benefits of prebiotics. Verbeke KA, Boobis AR, Chiodini A, Edwards CA, Franck A, Kleerebezem M, Nauta A, Raes J, van Tol EA, Tuohy KM. Nutr Res Rev. 2015 Jun;28(1):42-66. doi: 10.1017/S0954422415000037.

  • Prescott’s Microbiology/ 12th Edition by Joanne Willey and Kathleen Sandman and Dorothy Wood (ISBN 9781264088393)

VSC3101
Period 1
2 Sep 2024
25 Oct 2024
Print course description
ECTS credits: 
5.0
Coordinator:
  • N. van Best
Teaching methods: 
Lecture(s), PBL
Assessment methods: 
Attendance, Assignment, Written exam