Number of Classes
6 weekly sessions (Instructor not available Tu/Th)
Session Duration
45 minutes per session, with optional enrichment activities in lab at Emmanuel College-Boston
School Subjects Alignment
Course Description
Did you know that about half the cells in your body aren’t human? It’s true, your body is home to trillions of tiny organisms that work together to keep you alive and well! In this course, you’ll explore the amazing world of the human microbiome, the hidden community of microbes that help digest your food, fight off illness, and even affect how you feel. Through fun, hands-on activities and engaging discussions, you’ll discover how these microscopic partners connect to nutrition, medicine, mental health, and disease prevention. Get ready to see yourself in a whole new way, right down to the smallest cell!
Curriculum Outline
- Week 1: You Are More Microbe Than Human
- Week 2: Microbes & Nutrition
- Week 3: Gut-Brain Connection
- Week 4: Microbes & Medicine
- Week 5: Microbiome & Disease Prevention
- Week 6: Personalized Microbiomes
Mass. State Standards
- HS-LS1-1. Construct a model of transcription and translation to explain the roles of DNA and RNA that code for proteins that regulate and carry out essential functions of life.
- HS-LS1-4. Construct an explanation using evidence for why the cell cycle is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of multicellular organisms. Model the major events of the cell cycle, including (a) cell growth and DNA replication, (b) separation of chromosomes (mitosis), and (c) separation of cell contents.
About Emmanuel College School of Science and Health
The School of Science and Health at Emmanuel College offers rigorous, hands-on programs in biology, chemistry, psychology, neuroscience, mathematics, and the health sciences, all grounded in strong faculty mentorship and real-world learning. Located in Boston’s Longwood Medical and Academic Area, the school gives students exceptional access to hospitals, research institutions, and biotech partners for internships, research, and career pathways. With small classes, modern labs, and a commitment to preparing students for graduate study and health-related professions, the School of Science and Health provides a supportive, high-quality environment for emerging scientists and health leaders.
About the Instructor:
Dr. Pádraig Deighan
Originally from rural Ireland and a first-generation college student, Dr. Pádraig Deighan earned both his B.A. and Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin. After working in scientific consultancy, he completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Deighan currently serves as Dean of the School of Science and Health at Emmanuel College-Boston, where he collaborates with a dedicated team to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in undergraduate science education. A microbiologist by training, he has developed and taught multiple research-based courses centered on microbes and their impact on human health, which immerse students in authentic scientific inquiry and hands-on learning.
Deeply committed to student success, Dr. Deighan is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and creating engaging learning environments that empower all students to explore, discover, and thrive.