209520 Supplementary Module: Animal ecology in a microbial world (S+Pr) (WiSe 2026/2027)

Every surface and every cavity in and on an animal’s body is inhabited by millions of microbes. Today, it is impossible to fully understand animals without considering the microbial world they live in, as the microbiome profoundly influences nearly every aspect of animal biology, from metabolism, immunity, and development to behaviour, communication, and ecological interactions.
In this course, we will discover the fascinating and rapidly expanding field of animal–microbiome interactions. We will explore how microbiomes shape host physiology, behaviour, health, adaptation, and evolution, and how host traits and environmental factors, including urbanization and climate change, influence animal microbiome interactions
The course will cover foundational theory alongside state-of-the-art molecular techniques and data analysis approaches used in modern microbiome research. Through real-world examples, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of microbial symbiosis and its central role in animal ecology. Whether you are interested in ecology, evolution, behaviour, physiology, conservation, or molecular biology, this course will provide essential knowledge for understanding how animals function in a changing world, as complex ecosystems shaped by their microbial partners. The course will be held in English.

Evaluation: The students will be evaluated based on participation, in-class exercises, and final presentation.