Food, Mood and Mind
UndergraduateLTU-DTN2042027
Course information for 2027 intake
Nutrition and brain function are closely connected. Examine nutrition, the gut microbiome and sensory cues. Connect them with cognition, mood, memory, attention and eating behaviour.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 21 Feb 2027
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Start dates
- 1 Mar 2027,
- 1 Nov 2027
- Price from
- $1,235
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Food, Mood and Mind
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain how nutrition influences brain function via the gut–brain axis, including the effects of dietary patterns, nutrients, and bioactive food compounds on cognition, mood, mental health, and performance.
- Analyse the bidirectional links between nutrition, sensory perception (taste, smell, and multisensory integration), and brain reward pathways that shape eating behaviour and motivation.
- Evaluate “brain food” claims, supplement marketing, and traditional uses of psychoactive food compounds, distinguishing between supported evidence and unsubstantiated assertions.
- Apply evidence-based nutritional strategies to optimise mental wellbeing and cognitive performance in real-world and diverse contexts such as study, work, and sport, while communicating clear recommendations.
- Nutrition, Cognition and Mood Relationships
- The Gut-Brain Axis
- Sensory Perception and Flavour
- Food Affective Response, Reward Pathways and Emotional Eating Behaviour
- Psychoactive Cultural Foods & Beverages
- Bioactive Compounds & Supplements
In this subject, you will study the relationship between nutrition and brain function, examining how food influences perception, cognition, mood, mental health, and performance. You will explore the role of the gut microbiome, focusing on the bidirectional links between dietary patterns, nutrients, the gut–brain axis, and brain processes such as memory, attention, decision-making, and productivity. You will also be introduced to the relationship between food perception and brain function, with a specific focus on how sensory inputs — particularly taste, smell, and multisensory integration — shape flavour perception and activate the brain’s reward pathways that direct eating behaviour. You will learn about psychoactive and bioactive food compounds used traditionally across the globe that affect cognition, behaviour, emotion, and mood.
- 10-minute presentation (Podcast) equivalent to 550 words. (15%)
- 1200- word practice report. (30%)
- 2000- word report. (55%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- LAT-HUN-DEG-2027 - Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Others
Prerequisites: Students must be admitted in the following course: HBFN
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
UndergraduateLAT-HUN-DEG