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    • Food Science

    Food Science Courses Online

    Study food science for understanding food properties and safety. Learn about food chemistry, microbiology, and processing techniques.

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    Explore the Food Science Course Catalog

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Science of Exercise

      Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Nutrition and Diet, Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Preventative Care, Respiration, Anatomy, Chronic Diseases, Vital Signs, Biochemistry, Biology, Cardiology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.7K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • O

      Olay

      Introduction to Cosmetic and Skincare Science

      Skills you'll gain: Product Testing, Laboratory Testing, Personal Care, Safety Assurance, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Product Development, Regulatory Compliance, Innovation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      237 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      Y

      Yale University

      The Science of Well-Being

      Skills you'll gain: Personal Development, Positive Behavior Support, Goal Setting, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Behavioral Economics, Adaptability, Mental Health, Productivity, Psychology, Social Skills, Mindfulness

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      39K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Data Science Methodology

      Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Peer Review, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Cleansing, Business Analysis, Data Mining, Predictive Modeling, Data Quality, Data Storytelling, Analytical Skills, User Feedback, Decision Tree Learning, Stakeholder Engagement

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      21K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      P

      Princeton University

      Food Ethics

      Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Social Justice, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Nutrition and Diet, International Relations, Environmental Issue, Policy Analysis, Cultural Diversity, Systems Thinking

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      38 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      The State University of New York

      Food and Wine Pairing

      Skills you'll gain: Bartending, Cooking, Hospitality, Planning, Verbal Communication Skills, Strategic Planning

      5
      Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      食品安全與毒理 (Food Safety & Toxicology)

      Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Food Safety and Sanitation, Laboratory Testing, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Environmental Issue, Chemistry, Microbiology, Health And Safety Standards, Pollution Prevention, Radiation Protection, Risk Analysis, Scientific Methods

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      332 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      食品安全與風險分析(Food Safety&Risk Analysis)

      Skills you'll gain: Emergency Response, Risk Analysis, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Crisis Management, Food Safety and Sanitation, Risk Management, Safety Culture, Stakeholder Communications, Health And Safety Standards, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Decision Making

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      276 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Instructor Network

      Navigating Compliance in the Food and Beverage Industry

      Skills you'll gain: Compliance Training, Food Safety and Sanitation, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Food Services, Food and Beverage, Legal Risk, Cleanliness, Hospitality and Food Services, Restaurant Management, Restaurant Operation, Training Programs, Compliance Management, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Regulatory Compliance, Employee Training, Safety Assurance, Occupational Safety And Health, Health And Safety Standards, Sanitation

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      15 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Edinburgh

      Understanding Obesity

      Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Student-Centred Learning, Health Disparities, Research, Nutrition and Diet, Behavioral Health, Peer Review, Social Sciences, Psychology, Stress Management, Economics, Biology, Neurology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      841 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      Y

      Yale University

      Introduction to Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Child Development, Mental Health, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Neurology, Biology, Scientific Methods

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      31K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of California, Davis

      Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know

      Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Electronics Engineering, Physical Science, Electronics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.5K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular food science courses

    • Science of Exercise: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Introduction to Cosmetic and Skincare Science: Olay
    • The Science of Well-Being: Yale University
    • Data Science Methodology: IBM
    • Food Ethics: Princeton University
    • Food and Wine Pairing: The State University of New York
    • 食品安全與毒理 (Food Safety & Toxicology): National Taiwan University
    • 食品安全與風險分析(Food Safety&Risk Analysis): National Taiwan University
    • Navigating Compliance in the Food and Beverage Industry: Coursera Instructor Network
    • Understanding Obesity: The University of Edinburgh

    Frequently Asked Questions about Food Science

    An education in food science covers scientific principles relating to the preparation, consumption, enjoyment, sustainability, and health components of human sustenance. Courses reveal how our physiological makeup applies to cooked food, geographical and cultural influences on food, and rationales behind food preparation. Food Science also covers public health crises, such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and their link to unhealthful eating.

    Food Science is becoming increasingly important to learn as the consumption of heavily processed foods proliferates, and as culture shifts away from the preparation of food at home. It’s crucial that learners interested in the field gain expertise in the prevention of diet-related diseases, the ability to create meals based on scientific principles, and methodologies related to sustainable food production. ‎

    Learners who study Food Science can enjoy career opportunities in gastronomy and health-related fields, such as Chef or Nutritional Therapist, as well as other roles that incorporate food-based skills. The myriad of jobs available include Food Scientist, Quality Assurance Manager, Food Toxicologist, Product Development Scientist, Scientific Laboratory Technician, Biochemist, Flavor Chemist, Food Ingredient Sales, Food Inspector, Sensory Scientist, and many other roles related to the study or handling of food.‎

    Online courses are a great way to earn credits, or boost professional development, in Food Science. Courses offered through Coursera include practical discussions about food and the environment in which we consume it, helping learners have the tools they need to distinguish between foods that will support or harm their health. Sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics are covered, and how recent changes in food have greatly altered the way our bodies process it. Wider issues in sustainable manufacturing and bioethics are also covered, as well as how these technologies translate into real-world applications that benefit society and our daily lives.

    Assignments in Food Science courses show learners how to appreciate the scientific basis of various recipes, develop their own recipes, recognize the influence of the material world on our five senses, and understand the art of integrating science into cooking and dining. Successful learners will be able to present their rationales for healthy eating, create a long-term weight management plan, practice science-backed cooking methodologies, and examine ways to ensure a growing human population is fed.‎

    Because food science combines so many topics, a background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, agriculture, chemical engineering, nutrition, microbiology, physics, and physics can all be helpful if you're planning to study the topic. And, of course, any background you have working in the food industry can be helpful. Even if you simply worked an entry-level job in the food industry—such as a stocker in a grocery store or as a server in a restaurant—you will have some knowledge to help you better understand food science. Many food scientists work in labs, research institutions, and universities, so a background working in these settings may be helpful too.‎

    People suited for roles in food science should have a mind for and an interest in science. But you'll also need an interest in people and their health. After all, much of food science is determining how to get food from its origin to the public without problems. You'll also need to be a stickler for details, especially when it comes to safety and hygiene. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a team, which means you'll need good communication skills. Food scientists and those who work in the food science industry will also need some background in computer science, business, and math.‎

    A professional or personal interest in science or the food industry is a good indicator that learning food science is right for you. You may be considering a career in the industry, or you may already work in a related field and want to advance your career. Perhaps you're a farmer, nutritionist, food manufacturer, or food marketer and want to know more about the science behind the food we eat so you can apply it to your job. Even as a consumer, learning about food science can help you shop smarter and eat healthier. You may learn about topics like nutrition, growing food, the evolution of food, manufacturing, and packaging.‎

    Online Food Science courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Food Science skills. Choose from a wide range of Food Science courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Food Science, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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