Course Description

Microorganisms are very small organisms that often can only be seen under microscope, but that form communities in many parts of our body and play important roles in maintenance of our health. While some microorganisms are capable of causing diseases, the vast majority of them can co-exist with us in harmony and some even have positive effects on our bodies. Most interestingly, the microorganism composition within each person is unique, similar to a fingerprint. In this interdisciplinary course, we will cover: 1) the types of microorganisms that can be normally found within our body; 2) the importance in the maintenance of a balanced microbial community within our body for a healthy life; 3) how modern medicine and lifestyles can affect our microbial community and hence our health; 4) current opinions in using microorganisms and microorganism-derived compounds as therapeutic agents from both Western and traditional Chinese medicine point of views; 5) introduce some basic tools to study and identify disease-causing microorganisms; and 6) explore some controversial issues in the prevention and management of infectious diseases. Throughout the course, we will move back and forth between areas of scientific knowledge and the student’s own experience of an intimate “community” beyond “normal” perception.

[There will be a 3-hour field trip and a 1-hour lap tour (tentatively) scheduled for Saturday afternoon during Reading Week which are compulsory.]

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the interaction between microbes and humans.
2. Understand the beneficial effects of microorganisms in our daily life.
3. Balance the risk and benefits of vaccination and antibiotic administration.
4. Understand the importance of maintaining a balanced microbe community within our body.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)