Dates: 30 January - 20 March 2025

Time: 7pm-9pm

Venue: Western Gateway Building, room G13, UCC

Fee: €250

Closing date for registrations: 20 January 2025

Course Overview: 

The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, that inhabit a specific environment. In humans, this term often describes the microorganisms residing in our gut. These microbial communities are dynamic, changing in response to various environmental factors such as exercise, diet, medication, and other exposures. 

We depend on these tiny passengers more than we might realise! They stimulate the immune system, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, break down potentially toxic food compounds, synthesise certain vitamins and amino acids, and more. 

Microbiology is one of the most rapidly evolving and exciting fields in biology, relevant to human health, medicine, food ingredients, agriculture, and veterinary science, and is increasingly important to the economic welfare of society. This innovative course explores crucial aspects of gut health, from understanding the microbiome's role in digestion and immunity to examining the fascinating gut-brain connection. The course will also investigate the latest advancements in microbiome research as the microbiome becomes a target for the prevention and treatment of disease, a source of functional food ingredients, and new drugs and disease biomarkers.  

The course will be delivered by APC Microbiome Ireland, a world leading Research Ireland centre at University College Cork, a leader in gut microbiome research and home to top scientists in the field. Classes are lecture-based, with accompanying presentation slides. Open discussion and student participation is encouraged to enhance the learning experience. 

Course Schedule: 

Week 1. The Microbiome 101  

• Definition and Importance of the Microbiome  
  • What is the microbiome?  
  • Why is it crucial for overall health?  
  • Overview of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.  
  • Their roles in the human body.  

Week 2. Diet and Gut Health  

• Focus on the Gut Microbiome  
  • Composition and function of the gut microbiome.  
  • Role in digestion and nutrient absorption.  
  • How different diets affect the gut microbiome.  

Week 3. The Gut-Brain Axis  

• Connection Between Gut and Brain  
  • How the gut and brain communicate.  
  • Impact of gut health on mental health and other brain related disorders.  

Week 4. Minding the Microbiome  

• Factors Affecting the Microbiome  
  • Diet, antibiotics, environment, genetics, and more. 
  • Mining the Microbiome for Solutions  
  • Potential therapies like phages and bacteriocins.  

Week 5. Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics  

• Deciphering the Jargon  
  • Differences between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.  
  • Explore health claims, benefits, and sources of each.  
  • Practical tips and dietary recommendations.  

Week 6. Technology and the Microbiome  

• Current Research and Future Possibilities  
  • Personalised medicine, digital twins, and AI in microbiome research.  

Week 7. Sustainability and the Microbiome  

• Sustainable Practices  
  • How sustainable practices impact the microbiome.  
  • The role of the microbiome in environmental health.  

Week 8. Wrap-up Lesson  

• Review and Q&A  
  • Recap of key points from each section.  
  • Open floor for questions and discussion.  

Course Lecturer : 

This course will be delivered by a variety of APC Microbiome Ireland researchers. Please note staff may be liable to change.  

Requirements: 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement. 

Contact Details for Further Information: 

Email: shortcourses@ucc.ie  

Please note our refund policy as follows: 

100% refund if student cancels 1 week prior to course commencement, less €50 processing fee.

100% refund if student's course is cancelled due to insufficient numbers.