Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Course Descriptions

PH 523—Nutrition, Brain, and Behavior

This course will overview selected topics in nutrition that have implications for Health Psychology, Geropsychology, Psychiatry, Neurology and Neuropsychology. Topics will include a brief overview of the history and science of nutrition; a historical review of the origins of modern western diet; taste, smell, food preferences and regulation of food intake; issues in weight control; selected dietary belief systems; long term role of nutrition in theories of aging with particular attention to brain aging; acute impact of nutrition and nutritional supplementation on brain function; and a critical look at nutritional interventions in the management of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The primary objective of the course is to provide background sufficient to enable students to critically evaluate new developments in this evolving field. The class will be divided between lecture and discussion of assigned articles from the nutrition and medical lecture.

Updated 10/1/07