Availabilities:
| Location | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Online |
Unit description
Learners explore the human microbiome (specifically the community of microorganisms inhabiting the gut, skin and vagina), the characterisation of both normal and altered microbial diversity and composition, and the relationship between the microbiome and human health. The role of the environment, diet, pharmaceutical and herbal medicines, nutrients and lifestyle habits on the development and treatment of dysbiosis are also examined. Learners critically evaluate different microbial assessment methods and integrative strategies for maintaining a healthy microbiome.
Unit content
Topic 1: The human microbiome
Topic 2: Influences on the human microbiome
Topic 3: Assessment of the gut microbiome
Topic 4: Gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health
Topic 5: Gut microbiome and general health
Topic 6: Integrative approaches to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome
Learning outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.
| On completion of this unit, students should be able to: | |
|---|---|
| 1 | describe current understanding of the human microbiome |
| 2 | demonstrate a critical understanding of the factors that impact the human microbiome |
| 3 | describe the benefits and limitations of current approaches to measuring the gut microbiome |
| 4 | critically relate normal and altered microbial diversity and composition to gastrointestinal health |
| 5 | analyse the relationship between the gut microbiome and human health |
| 6 | critically evaluate integrative approaches to managing dysbiosis and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome |
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- describe current understanding of the human microbiome
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the factors that impact the human microbiome
- describe the benefits and limitations of current approaches to measuring the gut microbiome
- critically relate normal and altered microbial diversity and composition to gastrointestinal health
- analyse the relationship between the gut microbiome and human health
- critically evaluate integrative approaches to managing dysbiosis and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome
Prescribed texts
- No prescribed texts.
- No prescribed texts.
- Prescribed text information is not currently available.
Teaching and assessment
| Teaching method |
| Structured online learning self paced |
| Assessment | |
| Online discussion | 15% |
| Commentary – journal manuscript | 25% |
| Literature review | 60% |
Fee information
Domestic
Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees
International
Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.