ROUGH CUT:
More than 30 programs are already using NNCI modules to teach neuroscience. Some are using the sessions that have been peer-reviewed and published online. Many are also creating their own sessions with new content.
The Rough Cuts section was created to enhance collaborative engagement with the NNCI. Each Neuroscience in the Media “rough cut” includes references (both a media and scientific article) and potential worksheet answers using the standard module templates.
Because the peer review process is labor intensive, we have decided to post particularly promising submissions here, without editorial review, with the hope that they may provide inspiration to other programs looking for ideas for a future session. Please use and provide feedback — if you have come up with different or additional teaching resources on this topic or have different worksheet answers, we hope you’ll take the time to let us know!
Contributing Authors: Amanda De Laurentiis & Dalynah Maldonado
Overview: Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage about the potential connection between microbes or bacteria in the gut and brain chemistry. Consistent with the “Neuroscience in the Media” overview and teacher’s guide, the class begins by reviewing a recent article in the popular media. Participants use a structured format to critique the media coverage and appraise relevant scientific literature. Trainees then role play what they might say to a patient inquiring about the article. For this session, we have identified an article in The Atlantic, “When Yogurt Affects the Brain,” which discusses the potential impact of altering gut bacteria (through probiotics) on mental illnesses ranging from depression and anxiety to autism.
Author Affiliations: Amanda DeLaurentiis and Dalynah Maldonado are both graduate students in the Teachers College of Columbia University’s Master’s program in Neuroscience and Education. Ashley Walker, MD is the Contributing Editor of this publication. The National Neuroscience Curriculum Initiative is a collaborative effort with AADPRT and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Council on Medical Education and Lifelong Learning and receives support from the NIH (R25 MH10107602S1) ©National Neuroscience Curriculum Initiative.
