The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes. This complex and abundant ecosystem requires a delicate balance to function optimally, impacting nutrition, immunity, mental health, mood and behaviour.
Certificate of Gut Microbiome is an online professional development program exploring the function and management of the human gut microbiome.
In this gut microbiome course, you will develop practical strategies and approaches to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. You’ll also learn to recognise the signs of dysbiosis, the functions of the microbiome and how to implement a plan for optimising health through improving the gut microbiome.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong foundation of knowledge on how to improve the gut microbiome.
Course Structure
Unit - Gut Microbiome Management
Unit 1 – Scope and Nature of the Human Gut Microbiome
- What is a microbiome
- The gastrointestinal tract
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- How the gut microbiome is established
- Birthing
- Breastfeeding
- Maintaining the microbiome as adults
- Diet and nutrition for improving the microbiome
- Lifestyle and other factors
- The gut microbiome effect
- Contribution to metabolic function
- Protect against pathogens
- Educating the immune system
- Gut microbe disruption & dysbiosis
- Dysbiosis
Unit 2 – Genetics, Metagenomics and Metabolomics
- Bioinformatics
- Microbiome heritability
- Health hereditary
- Metabolomics
- Technologies
- Bacteria metabolism
- Short chain fatty acids
- Organic acids
- Vitamins
- DNA sequencing technologies
- Next generation sequencing
- Applications of PCR and DNA sequencing
- Metagenomics
- Samples and sampling techniques
- Biopsy
- Luminal brushing
- Laser capture microdissection
- Sampling considerations
- The human microbiome project
- Bacterial genomic contribution to human survival
Unit 3 – Diversity and Characteristics of Biota
- Beneficial and detrimental biota – a fine balance
- Prebiotics
- Probiotics
- Natural probiotics
- Probiotic supplements
- Development of dietary supplements
- What to look for on labelling.
- Synbiotics
- Understanding microbe classification
- Types of bacteria
- Major bacterial phylums present in the gut
- Actinobacteria
- Bacteroidetes
- Firmicutes
- Proteobacteria
- Bad biota
- Nurturing a healthy gut
- Diet
- Antiobiotics – what happens to microbes
Unit 4 – Maintaining the Gut Environment
- Anatomy overview
- Stomach
- Small intestine environment
- Large intestine environment
- Managing the large intestine
- Diarrhea and digestion
- Microbiome & hormones
- Microbiome and allergies
- Microbe imbalances
- Gut dysbiosis
- Stomach conditions
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Inflammation – function and process
- Biosensors
- Gut health treatment
- Probiotics and other supplements
- Nutrition-based interventions
- Lifestyle practices including stress reducing techniques
- Faecal microbiota transplant
Unit 5 – Diseases and Immunity
- The immune system
- Types of resistance
- Phagocytes
- Natural killer cells
- The inflammatory response
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swallowing problems
- Digestive disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis (regional enteritis)
- Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Polyps
- Future research
- Fungi and bacteriophages – treatment in disease
- Beyond traditional probiotics
- Potential obesity treatments
- Psychobiotics
Unit 6 – Managing Diet and Nutrition
- Homeostatis and gut microbiota
- How nutrition can affect homeostasis of gut microbiota
- Functional foods & gut health
- Practical ways to improve gut microbiome health
- Easting a diverse range of foods
- Eat lots of legumes, beans, fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains
- Eating more nuts and seeds
- Eating fermented foods
- Prebiotic foods
- Probiotics
- Eat more plant based foods
- Eat polyphenols
- Fibre
- Dairy products and the microbiome
- The importance of water
- Water absorption
- Practical ways to improve the gut microbiome
- Exercise and supplements
- Gut transit time
- Coeliac disease
- Intermittent fasting and the effects on microbial activity
Unit 7 – The Gut-Brain Axis
- What are psychobiotics?
- Probiotics
- The interaction between the mind and the body
- The gut-brain axis
- The vagus nerve
- Animal research on psychobiotics
- Neurotransmitters
- Tryptophan and serotonin
- Gaba (gamma aminobutyric acid
- Stress hormones
- Human research on psychobiotics
- Findings on depression and anxiety
- Psychobiotics and other mental health conditions
- Issues with psychobiotic research
- How can psychobiotics impact mental health?
- The future of psychobiotics
- Psychobiotics in the diet
Unit 8 – Applications of Gut Microbiome Management
- Cultivate and grow the gut microbiome
- When the conditions are right, microbes can thrive
- Pre-schoolers, young children and the microbiome
- Instance: behaviour and temperament
- Instance: improving cognition and learning
- Teenagers, young adults and the microbiome
- Instance: mucosal immunity
- Adults and the microbiome
- Instance: stress
- Instance: arthritis and pain management
- Instance: grief and emotional disturbances
- Increase psychobiotics in the diet
- More than eating to enhance microbiota
- More strategies to address SIBO
- Respond to subsequent small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) or eradication of H.Pylori.
- Focus on biofilm disruption
- Prevent sporulation – feed the bacteria well
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
My experience was good, adequate learning material to enhance my education.
Nicole | Wantirna South, VIC | Certificate of Gut Microbiome
I loved that I could this course on my own timeline. Being a mum of a 1 year old with a partner in defence who is away alot, and a full time business owner, I was able to chip away at the course in the small chunks of time I had available.
Tammie | Burdell, QLD | Certificate of Gut Microbiome
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Nutritionist
- Health food blogger
- Wellness coach
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