The gut microbiome-brain axis and mental health

Code

LIFE3138

School

Life Sciences

Level

3

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module will cover a range of contemporary research material relevant to the gut microbiome-brain axis and mental health.  This includes the types of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and how they are quantified, as well as the routes of gut microbiome-brain communication.  Students will develop a critical understanding of scientific literature (from both animal and human studies) showing that the gut microbiome influences behaviour and/or mental health.  They will also consider the impact of mental health on the gut, and potential of the microbiome as a target for treating mental illness.  The module will involve a dedicated workshop on media coverage of relevant research, and enable students to understand the science behind the headlines.

This module complements the Psychopharmacology and Mental Health autumn semester optional module. 

Target Students

This module is targeted at 3rd (BSc) and 4th (MSci) Year Neuroscience Undergraduate students.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

• 100% Exam (2-hour): The exam will have 2 questions and students choose 1 to answer.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate and in-depth understanding of the mechanisms via which the gut microbiome can impact on mental health.

Critically appraise recent scientific findings in the gut microbiome-brain axis literature.

Apply scientific knowledge to lay articles, e.g. contemporary news headlines, on the gut microbiome-brain axis.

Conveners

• Dr Madeleine King