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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

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++

      Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Development Environment, Engineering Software, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Debugging, Program Development

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California San Diego

      Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science

      Skills you'll gain: Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Program Development

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Copenhagen

      The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future

      Skills you'll gain: Environment, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Policy, Research, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Systems Thinking, Public Policies, Economic Development, Economics, Stakeholder Engagement, Performance Measurement

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Alberta

      Introduction to Software Product Management

      Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Software Development, Product Requirements, Requirements Management, Product Management, Software Engineering, Project Planning, Process Development, Project Management

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.7K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Y

      Yale University

      Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong

      Skills you'll gain: Probability & Statistics, Research Design, Medical Science and Research, Statistics, Data Literacy, Statistical Analysis, Scientific Methods, Clinical Research

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Feeding the World

      Skills you'll gain: Food and Beverage, Environmental Science, Food Safety and Sanitation, Nutrition and Diet, Manufacturing and Production, Production Process, Environment, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Trend Analysis, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Economics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      252 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health

      Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Food and Beverage, Public Health, Community Health, Social Justice, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Environment and Resource Management, Health Policy, Public Policies, Economics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      163 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      PostgreSQL for Everybody

      Skills you'll gain: Stored Procedure, Database Design, SQL, Relational Databases, NoSQL, PostgreSQL, Database Architecture and Administration, Database Theory, Database Management Systems, Data Modeling, JSON, Scalability, Database Management, Query Languages, Cloud Applications, Data Manipulation, Text Mining, Databases, Data Integrity, Data Import/Export

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google Cloud

      Developing APIs with Google Cloud's Apigee API Platform

      Skills you'll gain: OAuth, API Design, Restful API, API Gateway, Application Programming Interface (API), Cloud API, Continuous Deployment, CI/CD, Application Deployment, Google Cloud Platform, Application Lifecycle Management, Security Controls, Proxy Servers, Continuous Integration, Application Security, Software Design Documents, Middleware, Software Documentation, Network Security, Application Performance Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.9K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Generative AI Engineering with LLMs

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Natural Language Processing, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Generative AI Agents, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Applied Machine Learning, Text Mining, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Feature Engineering, Document Management, Machine Learning Methods, Data Processing, Performance Tuning, Reinforcement Learning, Unstructured Data

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      438 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Computer Communications

      Skills you'll gain: TCP/IP, Local Area Networks, Routing Protocols, Network Routing, Digital Communications, OSI Models, Network Protocols, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Security, Network Planning And Design, Network Architecture, Network Performance Management, Computer Networking, Network Model, Network Infrastructure, Wireless Networks, Telecommunications, Software-Defined Networking, Algorithms, System Programming

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      MedCerts

      Mental Health Care Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Conflict Management, Medical Privacy, Child Development, Cultural Responsiveness, Human Development, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Patient Education And Counseling, Cultural Diversity, Cultural Sensitivity, Mental Health Therapies, Professionalism, Professional Development, Pediatrics, Time Management, Mental Health, Emotional Intelligence, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Teamwork, Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      782 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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

    • Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science: University of California San Diego
    • The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future: University of Copenhagen
    • Introduction to Software Product Management: University of Alberta
    • Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong: Yale University
    • Feeding the World: University of Pennsylvania
    • An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health: Johns Hopkins University
    • PostgreSQL for Everybody: University of Michigan
    • Developing APIs with Google Cloud's Apigee API Platform: Google Cloud
    • Generative AI Engineering with LLMs: IBM

    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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