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Stanford (SCHE): Gut Health and the Microbiome

Discover how the gut microbiome helps shape overall health.

Discover how the gut microbiome helps shape overall health.

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This course is offered by , an edX partner
2 weeks
4–6 hours per week
Starts Feb 24, 2025
Enroll by Mar 2, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

Get more information

Want to know more? Enter your information to learn more about this course from GetSmarter (an edX partner).

Get more information

Want to know more? Enter your information to learn more about this course from GetSmarter (an edX partner).

2 weeks
4–6 hours per week
Starts Feb 24, 2025
Enroll by Mar 2, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

About this Course

Thriving research into the link between the gut and health gives new meaning to the adage ‘you are what you eat’. Beginning at birth, a community of 10-100 trillion microbes populates the human intestinal tract. Just as the body undergoes physiological changes, this invisible ecosystem — the gut microbiome — transforms and is shaped by what you eat and where you live. Now, studies show that microbes aren’t just good for the gut: they can impact the immune system too.1 Understanding the human microbiome in all its complexity has become a scientific and medical priority that could lead to industry-changing interventions and new potential for promoting overall wellness.

Discover the science behind human microbiota in the Gut Health and the Microbiome online micro course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), part of Stanford Medicine. Over two short weeks, you’ll learn exactly what the microbiome is, how it’s integrated into human physiology, and the ways it can improve health and treat disease beyond just the gut. Guided by Stanford Medicine experts, you’ll explore how the microbiome is targeted to treat a variety of disease states, and how it continues to guide precision health therapies of the future.

1Cell (Jul, 2021).

This course is suited to individuals who are interested in the characteristics of a healthy microbiome and the role it plays in nutrition and wellness. It’s applicable to allied health professionals who want to enhance their patients' well-being and quality of life. This includes fitness and wellness specialists, dietitians and nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and personal trainers. The micro course will also benefit non-healthcare professionals and individuals who are interested in understanding how the gut functions, and optimizing their overall health through diet and lifestyle modifications.

Course curriculum

Skip Course curriculum

Discover the microbiome’s role in nutrition and overall health as you work through the weekly modules of this online micro course.

Module 1: Gut microbiome configurations and functions

Module 2: Modulating the microbiome for health

Some facts about the subject

The gut microbiome connects to everything

Research has linked gut microbiome dysfunction to allergies and digestive and autoimmune diseases. Along with this, poor gut health contributes to mental health issues.

Mongabay (Apr, 2022).

Nutrition is key

Fermented foods could change gut microbiota and reduce inflammatory markers. As a result, diet has the potential to increase gut microbial diversity and regulate immune responses.

Science Direct (Aug, 2021).

Why choose GetSmarter?

GetSmarter, an edX partner, delivers career-relevant, fully supported, and expert-led online courses from the world's leading universities and institutions. As an online learning expert with over 15 years' experience, GetSmarter leverages long-standing expertise in market research, data analysis, and business insights to ensure that you gain the skills critical to career growth.