This departmental seminar is designed to reveal how the abundant community of human-associated microorganisms influence human development, physiology, immunity and nutrition. Using a survey of current literature, this discussion-based course will emphasize an understanding of the complexity and dynamics of human/microbiome interactions and the influence of environment, genetics and individual life histories on the microbiome and human health. Grades will be based on participation, written assignments, exams, an oral presentation and a final paper. This class is offered as a SAGES Departmental Seminar and fulfills an Organismal breadth requirement of the BA and BS in Biology. Counts as a SAGES Departmental Seminar course. Prereq: (Undergraduate Student and BIOL 214 and BIOL 216) or Requisites Not Met Permission.