Diploma in Microbiota Applied to Clinical Nutrition

In recent years, the study of the human microbiome has evolved from an emerging field to a central focus in understanding the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Current evidence demonstrates that the gut microbiota actively participates in metabolic, immunological, neurological, and digestive processes, establishing itself as a true functional organ with systemic impact.

In this context, clinical nutrition takes on a leading role, given that diet is one of the main modulators of the gut ecosystem. However, the growing body of scientific research does not always translate into concrete tools for professional practice, creating a gap between theoretical knowledge and its clinical application.

This diploma program proposes to address this problem from an integrative perspective, oriented towards decision-making in the consulting room, articulating updated scientific evidence with applicable nutritional strategies.

Address

• Lic. Esp. María Laura Oliva,
• Ms. Constanza Echevarría,
• Dr. Andrea F. González.

Teachers Council

• Lic. Esp. María Laura Oliva,
• Ms. Constanza Echevarría,
• Dr. Andrea F. González,
• Dr. Fiorella Belforte.

Guest teachers
Professionals specializing in areas related to metabolism, immunology, digestive diseases, the gut-brain axis, and applied clinical nutrition.

Nutrition graduates, doctors of all specialties, researchers, biochemists, pharmacists, final-year students.

Exponential growth of evidence
The volume of publications on the microbiome has increased significantly in the last decade. However, much of this information is heterogeneous, with varying levels of evidence and limited clinical translation.

Growing demand in professional practice
Patients are increasingly asking about:

• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Nutrition and microbiota
• Microbiome studies
• Intestinal modulation strategies

This requires professionals trained to respond with scientific and clinical judgment.

Risk of interventions not based on evidence
The overinterpretation of the concept of dysbiosis, the indiscriminate use of supplements, and the prescription of restrictive diets without adequate support represent current challenges in practice.

Need for interdisciplinary integration
The microbiome permeates multiple systems (metabolic, immune, neurological), requiring an approach that transcends the fragmented view by specialty.

The diploma program is structured under a clinical-applied approach, with the following axes:

• Integration between pathophysiology and nutritional practice
• Critical analysis of scientific evidence
• Development of criteria for decision-making
• Application in real clinical settings
• Training in evidence-based modulation strategies

A student-centered pedagogical model is proposed that combines theoretical classes with instances of practical application, case discussions, and problem solving.

Upon completion of the diploma program, the professional will be able to:

• Critically interpret the scientific evidence on microbiota
• Understanding the role of the microbiome in different pathologies
• To evaluate the relevance of microbiota studies in clinical practice
• Design individualized modulation nutritional strategies
• Properly prescribe prebiotics, probiotics, and other modulators
• Integrating the microbiome approach into nutritional treatment plans
• Avoid unnecessary or scientifically unsupported interventions
• Solving complex clinical cases from an integrative perspective

Total length: 4 months (September – December 2026)

3 theoretical-practical modules
1 final integrative module

Each module is organized into:
2 weeks of asynchronous coursework
1 week of study/reading and assessment

1 MODULE
Fundamentals of the microbiome and its clinical interpretation

Weeks 1 and 2

• Microbiota and microbiome: current concepts
• Microbial ecology and metabolic functions
• Microbiome development throughout the life cycle
• Dysbiosis: scope and limitations of the concept
• Microbiome study methods
• Clinical interpretation of studies

Week 3

• Midterm exam (multiple choice)
• Critical analysis of a scientific article

2 MODULE
Microbiota-organ axes

Weeks 1 and 2

• Gut-metabolism axis (obesity, insulin resistance, MASLD)
• Gut-immune axis (inflammation, autoimmunity, oncology)
• Gut-brain axis (eating behavior, neuroendocrine axis, IBS)
• Gut-liver axis (bacterial translocation, liver diseases, liver disease due to parenteral nutrition)
• Gut-muscle axis (sarcopenia, energy metabolism, physical performance)
• gut-gut axis (IBD, celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth)

Week 3

• Partial examination
• Guided clinical case resolution

3 MODULE
Microbiome modulation

Weeks 1 and 2

• Nutrition as a microbiome modulator
• Requirements for intake of live microorganisms
• Dietary fiber: types, functions and requirements
• Dietary patterns and microbiota
• Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics
• Fermented foods: role and limitations

Week 3

• Partial examination
• Design of intervention strategy

4 MODULE
Integration and clinical application

Content

• Comprehensive clinical case resolution
• Construction of decision algorithms
• Discussion of complex scenarios
• Antinomies in microbiota
• Integration of concepts

Applied workshops

• Metabolic patient
• Digestive patient
• Inflammatory patient

Final evaluation

• Evaluation of all content provided in the diploma course

The diploma program will be delivered virtually, through the Nutrinfo platform, in conjunction with academic endorsement and certification from the Universidad Austral.

The course will combine:

• Asynchronous classes
• Synchronous integration meetings
• Guided discussion forums
• Clinical case resolution

This diploma contributes to:

• Positioning the microbiome as a clinical tool within nutritional treatment
• Strengthening clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making
• Provide clear criteria for indicating interventions
• Integrate the patient approach from a systemic perspective
• To establish a hierarchy for professional practice in an expanding field

Dear Postgraduate Participant, we would like to inform you of the latest updates regarding the tuition policies for our undergraduate and postgraduate programs:

Due to the complex economic situation in Argentina, the tuition fees for our programs and degrees are adjusted periodically. This is to preserve the academic quality that underpins our value proposition and to meet the University's commitments and obligations. These increases will be based on indicators reported by the Central Bank of Argentina.

Once again, we appreciate the trust you have placed in our University and renew our commitment to providing you with the highest level of training and professional development.

• Payment Policies: The participant must pay or confirm their payment method and/or fee at least 72 hours prior to the start of the activity through the means mentioned in the FEES section.
  • Duty: Accepted payment methods: VISA, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards, Decidir and Mercado Pago.
  • Due to current regulations, the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences cannot receive cash. For this reason, only electronic payment methods will be accepted during activity accreditation.
• Cancellation policy prior to the start of the course: Cancellations must be made at least 96 hours in advance through a formal channel by sending an email to posgradofcb@austral.edu.ar placing in the subject WITHDRAWAL REQUEST – “Name of Course/Activity” (In the body of the message, you must include your personal information: name and surname, ID number).
• Cancellation policy during the course (not applicable to short courses): The participant must send an email to posgradofcb@austral.edu.ar with the subject line "Withdrawal Request" – "Course/Activity Name" (include your personal information in the body of the message: first and last name, ID). The withdrawal must be sent between the 1st and 10th of the current month. The corresponding fee will be billed and debited starting on the 11th.
• Refund Policy: If you do not participate in the program and/or activity, and do not process the corresponding withdrawal request in a timely manner, no refund requests will be accepted.
• Tuition refund policy: The registration fee serves as a deposit to reserve a place and is non-refundable once paid. If you request to withdraw, your enrollment status for that activity during the current academic period will be considered.
• Partial refund policy: In the event that the student/participant has made the full payment for the course in advance or has made advance payments through open plans:

1. If the activity has not started: You will be able to recover 100% of the advance payments at the current value at the time of payment, less 5% for administrative expenses.
2. If the activity started and progressed to 30% of the total course time: 50% of the advance payments will be refunded at the current value at the time of payment, less 5% for administrative expenses.
3. If the activity progressed more than 30% of the total course time: Advance payments will not be refunded.

• Replacement policy: If the registered person is unable to participate in the program and with prior notice of at least 96 hours before the date of the event, they may transfer their participation to a third party.
• Activities that grant a certificate of participation: The minimum required attendance of 70% of the academic program, its activities, and administrative debt must be met to request the corresponding certification.
• The discounts/promotions offered cannot be combined.
• The opening of the program or course is subject to the number of students enrolled at the time of its start.
• Procurement policies do not apply to non-tariff activities.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS:

How do I know if my degree or program has been accredited by CONEAU? Those programs or courses that have ministerial accreditation will display the resolution or file number and corresponding accreditation year at the top of the page. Programs that do not have accreditation will extend "certificate" to the participant and not the title.