Description

This course introduces students to host-associated microbiomes; the genomic collection of bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses present in a host ecosystem. In each lecture, we will focus on an anatomical location, and discuss the host and environmental pressures which select for the resident microbial community.  The material is primarily in animals (mammals, birds, fish, amphibians) but includes some human-specific comparisons. This course will introduce ecological theories (e.g. environmental selection, neutral theory) in the context of microbial communities, the history of host-associated microbiology, and how technology has contributed to or limited our understanding of organisms and their critical role in our health and development. The skill-set objectives include group discussions, reading scientific literature, and scientific writing in a variety of styles and both technical and non-technical formats. 

Course Goals

• Introduce concepts, techniques, historical background, terminology, and technology of microbial ecology.
• Familiarize students with online resources, including sequence and other databases, as well as analysis tools.
• Discuss factors which shape host-associated microbiomes and how the microbiome can affect the host.
• Review current literature on host-associated microbial ecology.
• Communicate science in a variety of formats.
• Discuss topics related to science, such as recognition for achievements and the role of scientists in communicating results to the general public.

In meeting the Population and Environment requirements specifically, students will be able to:

• Describe how host-associated microbial ecosystems are affected by environmental (external to the body) conditions.
• Describe how climate change affects range and diet selection, and how this can impact gut microbial communities and animal survival.
• Describe vertical and horizontal transmission, as well as environmental exposure of microorganisms.
• Describe the effect of pollution and air quality on health and the microbiome.

Taught every fall.

Syllabus

** The syllabus is subject to change.

Playlists

To describe some common host-microbe interactions, the AVS254 students collaborated on some playlists! Check them out on Spotify:

• Pathobiont
• Symbiont
• Exogenous