Microbiome Research Design

A growing body of evidence has shown that the human gut microbiome plays a vital role in a wide range of diseases and their treatments. An understanding of the role of the gut microbiome can unlock new possibilities in pharmaceuticals and medical research.

This four-week online course, designed by experts from the University of Cambridge, provides world-leading insights into this rapidly evolving field, enabling you to make informed decisions about its application in academic, clinical and industry settings.

You’ll explore key topics such as microbiome profiling, experimental design and data interpretation – developing the toolkit you need to integrate microbiome science confidently into your research, and to identify and advocate for new research opportunities.

With a strong focus on real-world applications, you’ll engage with case studies and practical examples and gain the confidence to integrate microbiome research into existing or future projects.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance your career, improve patient outcomes or expand your research capabilities, this transformative course will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to stay at the forefront of this exciting scientific field.

This course introduces the core concepts of the gut microbiome, including its role in human health, and disease – and practical applications for its incorporation into clinical research. Over four weeks, you’ll learn how to identify microbiome-related health indicators, explore key study design principles and evaluate sequencing methods to achieve meaningful results. Drawing on real-world case studies and practical examples, you’ll develop a funding proposal for an end-to-end microbiome study in your chosen area – from developing testable hypotheses to critically appraising sequencing options and analysis.

• Module 1: Foundations of the gut microbiome

• Module 2: Gut microbiome study design

• Module 3: Methods for characterising the microbiome

• Module 4: Microbiome data analysis for key insights

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe health and disease states that are modified by the microbiome.

• Design a study to test for microbiome differences and effects in a chosen context.

• Explain the differences between the different methods for characterising the microbiome.

• Evaluate different microbiome sequencing analysis options for achieving the desired outcomes of a study.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge and a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile. These Cambridge credentials not only showcase your knowledge and expertise, but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development – helping to future-proof your career.

This course is designed for professionals and researchers across a range of disciplines who are eager to harness the power of microbiome science to advance their work. Whether you’re looking to incorporate microbiome studies into your projects or lead groundbreaking research, this course provides the essential tools and insights to help you succeed.

• Academic, clinical and pharmaceutical researchers: Learn how microbiome research can translate to your field and how to incorporate microbiome studies into your work.

• Post-graduate students and postdoctoral researchers: Gain the knowledge to add microbiome-based studies to your projects or prepare compelling funding proposals.

• Principal investigators and clinical research directors: Deepen your understanding so you can spearhead studies that incorporate microbiome components.

• Industry managers and stakeholders in healthcare and research funding bodies: Be better equipped to commission, manage or support microbiome research initiatives.

• Professionals from adjacent sectors: From food and nutrition research, veterinary science, agricultural science and broader health sciences, this course will provide the foundational knowledge to explore the microbiome’s impact within your domain.

Our flexible, online courses – delivered via a world-leading learning platform – reflect the University of Cambridge experience and values, with low learner-to-tutor ratios and academically rigorous standards.

Our online learning model is designed to help you advance your skills and specialise in emerging areas that address real-world challenges. We will help you build your network through an engaging and impactful learning journey that encourages collaboration with academics and fellow learners.

Courses are delivered in weekly modules, allowing you to plan your time effectively around existing commitments. The assessment criteria will be presented to you at the start of the course, so you can approach your studies with confidence and motivation, knowing exactly what’s expected of you and how to meet those expectations.

Throughout your online learning experience with Cambridge Advance Online, you’ll have digital access to a dedicated course tutor, an expert in the field, who will help steer your learning and provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.