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The gut microbiome: balancing the body
This free course introduces the composition and functions of the human gut microbiome and explores how the gut microbiome interacts with different parts of the body. It explores how the gut microbiome can be altered by factors related to the human host (such as genetics, age, and the menopause) and through lifestyle factors (such as diet, exercise and medications). You will learn how altered composition of the gut microbiome, called dysbiosis, is associated with various health conditions, and consider strategies for improving the health of the gut microbiome to restore balance.
This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course SK190 Human biology: a body in balance.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- demonstrate and understand what the gut microbiome is and outline how it functions within the human body
- describe some of the ways the gut microbiome can be altered by factors including genetics and age, as well as lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise
- explain the importance of the gut microbiome for human health
- recognise the impact of dysbiosis on the development of various health conditions
- outline strategies to improve the health of the gut microbiome.
First Published: 16/10/2025
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