Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Gut Health and The Microbiome
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Rowan Kearns
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: In this module students will discover the key aspects of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and the microbiome highlighting important features in humans. The module will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the normal GI system covering digestion and absorption as well as the gut microbiome and immunology. It will also cover disorders associated gut diseases including those associated with dysbiosis and investigate the mechanisms of disease and appropriate food/nutrition treatment/functional foods.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Outline the functions of the various gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters. Gut Dysfunction and Inflammation
MLO2 Discuss the role of the microbiome in the modulation of host (patho)physiology, the bi-directional Relationship between Microbiota and Neuro-immunoendocrine System and the Gut Brain Axis current research and theories
MLO3 Analyse the relationship of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Other Types of Disorders: Immunological, Metabolic, Neurological and Gastric
MLO4 Examine the mechanism of action of probiotic bacteria; Fermented foods, Fibre, Prebiotics, Probiotics and gut health
MLO5 Perform, analyse and review gut microbiome testing
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
The Features of a Healthy Gut; Digestion and Absorption
Digestive System Structure, areas of the gut and the different cell types involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Relationship of Intestinal Eubiosis and Gastrointestinal dysfunction
The Gut Microbiome, The Gut Brain Axis
Reflect on the role of the microbiome in the modulation of host (patho)physiology. Apply knowledge of microbiome-host interactions to address scientific questions. Evaluate the complexity of microbiome-host physiology interactions. Bi-directional Relationship between Microbiota and Neuroimmunoendocrine System. The Gut Brain Axis current research and theories
Infectious Diseases and Immunity
Intestinal Barrier. Physiology. Function. Intestinal Permeability and Hyperpermeability. Relationship between Intestinal Dysbiosis and Intestinal Hyperpermeability. Relationship of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Other Types of Disorders: Immunological, Metabolic, Neurological and Gastric (Helicobacter Pylori). Consequences of the Alteration of the Intestinal Ecosystem and its Relationship to Functional Digestive Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn’s Disease. Ulcerative Colitis. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Diverticulitis. Intestinal Motility Disorders. Diarrhoea caused by Clostridium Difficile. Constipation. Digestive Disorders and Nutrient Malabsorption Problems: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats. Viral and Bacterial Intestinal Infections
Nutraceuticals and Functional Food
Disease targets for functional foods; Probiotics and health; the commensal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract; evidence for health promoting activity of probiotic bacteria; mechanism of action of probiotic bacteria; Fermented foods, Fibre, Prebiotics, Probiotics and gut health
Gut Microbiome Testing
Learn how a stool sample can be analysed using rRNA sequencing and how results can give us the following information: 1. species richness and diversity index: What is the diversity of bacteria that colonise your intestine? 2. Dysbiosis index: Is there an imbalance between "good" and "bad" bacteria in your gut? 3. Enterotype (intestinal type): Do you have the flora of a meat-eater or vegetarian? 4. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio: Does your intestinal flora possibly contribute to a possible rapid weight gain? 5. Composition of bacterial strains (phyla): How are the four strains Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria & Actinobacteria distributed in your gut? Overview of all bacteria: Which functional bacteria and which species and genera occur within the bacterial strains?
Scientific Advances
Exploration of scientific advances and innovations in specialist areas such as Gastroenterology. Use of technology in the clinical settings.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work60.00%
Final Examination40.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be provided a case study and must work as a group to describe the GI involvement and measures taken to mitigate outcome
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Group presentation describing their case study
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Open Book

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.73 3.73
Practical Contact Gut Health Testing instead of lecture time 1 week Once per semester 0.20 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 6.93
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.93
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Scott C. Anderson,John F. Cryan,Ted Dinan,Timothy G. Dinan. (2019), The Psychobiotic Revolution, National Geographic, p.0, [ISBN: 9781426219641].
  • Debasis Bagchi,Bernard W. Downs. (2022), Microbiome, Immunity, Digestive Health and Nutrition, Elsevier, p.536, [ISBN: 9780128222386].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources