Introduction to Nutritional Psychology

BSSC217 - Introduction to Nutritional Psychology

Credits: 3

This interdisciplinary course introduces the emerging field of nutritional psychology, which illuminates the science of how nutrients affect mood, behavior, and emotions. The course introduces the language, principles, and philosophy of nutritional psychology and emphasizes the scientific principles that govern the connection between diet and mental health. Students explore metabolic processes and the micro-/macronutrients involved in the production of the “classic” neurotransmitters, the gut-brain axis, and the relationships between neurotransmitter imbalances and specific mental health disorders. Emphasis is on critically evaluating popular claims against empirical findings.  Course can be counted as a general education natural/physical science elective.