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The exposome: cracking the science about what makes us sick
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 15 hours
  • Course by Utrecht University
  • Offered by

About

What are the causes of disease? We know that most diseases result from a combination of genes and environment (nature and nurture). Our genes alone do not determine our fate. For most complex diseases, externalities - environmental factors in the broad sense - are more important. This includes our living and working environments, diet, social support and stress, pollution, and exposure to infectious agents. Exposome research is about discovering the non-genetic drivers of health and disease. Derived from the term exposure, the Exposome represents the totality of exposures we face throughout our lifetime. It also represents the biological responses that arise from external exposures. In this course, 7 researchers from Utrecht University and/or the NWO Gravitation programme Exposome-NL will offer their expertise. We will introduce you to the Exposome concept; why it’s important; how we measure the exposome; and the data sciences steps needed to establish associations with health outcomes. This course will conclude with reflections on what is needed to advance this nascent and transformative field of research. Exposome research requires transdisciplinary approaches. Therefore, this MOOC will be of interest to current and prospective students and researchers in the fields of public health, environmental health, life sciences, clinical medicine, geosciences, humanities, and social and behavioural sciences.

Modules

Course introduction

    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Introduce yourself

3 Readings

  • Welcome to the course
  • About the course
  • Short survey

Theoretical background

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • What is the Exposome and how has it evolved to its current conception?

1 Readings

  • The exposome: a wild idea

Apply your knowledge

    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Peer discussion

Theoretical background

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Harnessing big data to prevent CVD

2 Readings

  • Introduction week 2
  • The transformative power of Exposome approaches

Apply your knowledge

    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Peer discussion

Theoretical background

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

2 Videos

  • What's in the air: how to measure the invisible
  • Geospatical access to food: how it influences our dietary choices and the risk of developing chronic diseases

2 Readings

  • Introduction week 3
  • Measuring the external exposome

Apply your knowledge

    • 2 Discussion
Show info about module content

2 Discussions

  • Peer discussion
  • Adding air quality to city planning

Theoretical background

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • The world of chemicals within us

2 Readings

  • Introduction week 4
  • A comprehensive model for the analysis of drug interactions

Apply your knowledge

    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Peer discussion

Theoretical background

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Making big data manageable data

2 Readings

  • Introduction week 5
  • Data science and the exposome

Apply your knowledge

    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Peer discussion

Theoretical background

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • The exposome: a new paradigm

2 Readings

  • Introduction week 6
  • Moving forward: new contributions from exposome research

Apply your knowledge

    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
Show info about module content

1 Peer Review

  • Final assignment

1 Discussions

  • Peer discussion

Course closure

    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Farewells

2 Readings

  • Final survey
  • Credits

Auto Summary

Discover the non-genetic drivers of health and disease with "The Exposome: Cracking the Science About What Makes Us Sick." This insightful course, led by 7 expert researchers from Utrecht University, delves into environmental factors affecting our health. Ideal for students and researchers in public health, life sciences, and related fields, it covers measuring the exposome and data science techniques. Available on Coursera, choose from Starter or Professional subscription options. Join now to advance your understanding in this transformative field.

Roel Vermeulen
Instructors

Roel Vermeulen

Diederick E. Grobbee
Instructors

Diederick E. Grobbee