Whether you’re a health, wellness, or education professional or simply passionate about gut health, this course is ideal professional development for you. Discover the science of the human gut microbiome and its crucial role in overall health and well-being.
The Certificate of Gut Microbiome is a professional development course that explores the structure and function of the digestive system, the diversity of gut microbes, and the powerful connections between the gut, brain, and body.
In this gut health course, you will learn about gut microbial balance, gut anatomy, and host–microbe interactions. You will also discover factors that influence microbial diversity, including lifestyle, environment, and internal physiology, and how they impact digestion and long-term health.
You will learn how diet shapes the microbiome, including the role of macronutrients, fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, fermented foods, and dietary patterns. You will also explore the link between the microbiome, immunity, mental health, metabolic function, inflammation and emerging therapeutic approaches.
On completion of this course, you will have strategies to support microbiome health and apply gut health principles in real-world settings.
Course Structure
Unit - Gut Microbiome Management
Unit 1: Introduction to the Gut Microbiome
- What is the human microbiome?
- Microbial diversity and distribution
- Factors influencing the microbiome
- Microbial populations and their roles
- Development of microbiome research
- Gut-body connection
- The gut-brain axis
- The digestive system
Unit 2: Microbial Ecology and Gut Environment
- Gut anatomy
- Anatomical layers
- Specialised features
- Microbes in the gut
- Gut transit time
- Colonisation and microbial diversity
- Factors influencing microbial balance
- Host-microbe interactions and symbiosis
Unit 3: Diet, Nutrition, and the Microbiome
- Macronutrients and fibre
- Protein, fats, carbohydrates, dietary fibre
- Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics
- Fermented foods and dietary patterns
- Contemporary dietary approaches
- Diet and lifestyle factors that influence the microbiome
- Dietary conditions that influence the gut microbiome
- How to cultivate a healthy gut microbiome with food
Unit 4: Microbiome and Immunity
- The gut-immune axis
- Immune tolerance and inflammation
- Chronic and acute inflammation
- Microbiota changes in autoimmune and allergic conditions
- Emerging therapeutic approaches
- Faecal microbial transplant
- Phage therapy
Unit 5: Brain–Gut Connection and Mental Health
- Brain-gut axis
- Microbiota, neurotransmitters and mood
- Interpreting research and stress-gut feedback loops
- Anxiety, depression and stress
- Lifestyle and behaviour
Unit 6: Microbiome Across the Lifespan
- Microbial development from birth to old age
- Microbial development in early life
- Microbial stability through adulthood
- Microbial changes in older age
- Microbial changes across life stages
- Maternal infant microbiota
- Antibiotics, illness and ageing
- Supporting a healthy microbiome across the lifespan
Unit 7: Microbiome and Metabolic Health
- Metabolism and metabolic health
- Obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Insulin resistance, inflammation and the gut barrier
- Research on gut microbial biomarkers
- Medication-microbiome interactions in metabolic health
- Integrative strategies for metabolism balance
Unit 8: Supporting Microbiome Health
- Dietary strategies
- Lifestyle and behavioural strategies
- Personalised support
- Ethical considerations
- Evaluating interventions and scientific claims
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.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
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
The materials are up to date with good content. The order of some parts may not logical but overall, very informative. The assignments are excellent in encouraging me to explore outside and apply the materials in real life. Thank you!
Hoanh | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Certificate of Gut Microbiome
I felt my learning experience to be a positive one. I was always getting emails from my tutor to make sure I was on track and offering assistance at any time. When I did have a question, the tutorial team were very efficient in their responses. thank you!
Robyn | Bairnsdale, VIC | Certificate of Gut Microbiome
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (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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