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Food, Microbiota and Immunity: Debating the Evidence
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:44
Abstract
In this course, students will learn the basic skills required to find, analyze and evaluate the scientific evidence behind common health claims linking food, the intestinal microbiota and immune system function (e.g. Increased hygiene and allergic diseases).
Objective
The overall objective if this course is that students will be able to create a persuasive evidence-based critique of health-claims linking food, the microbiota and immunity. This is broken down into the following learning objectives: [LO1] Find, critically interpret, evaluate and discuss primary literature [LO2] Recognize situations where scientific integrity is compromised, both in scientific practice and scientific communication, and develop a framework for responding. [LO3] Effectively communicate scientific evidence to a lay audience. [LO4] Develop a nuanced and critical understanding of the interaction between diet, the microbiota and the immune system.
Content
Semester week 1-4 Lectures and active learning sequences. Students learn the skills required to actively and responsibly participate in scientific debates week 5-14 Two-week programme of topic preparation (week A) and student-led debates (week B). One-on-one tutorials for the presenting students are offered in the week preceding their presentation.
Resources
Literature
To be provided for each debating topic, 2 weeks prior to the debate
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 20
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Food, Microbiota and Immunity: Debating the Evidence |
|
2 h weekly |