Building Blocks of Food Science

Become an expert in the 4 components who make up 97% of food's composition. Through this course, you'll understand how each of these elements interact with each other, and how to optimize the integrity of the product and shelf stability. 

Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Introduction to the Building Blocks of Food

    • Building Blocks of Food

    • Major Building Blocks

    • Why Understanding Food Science Matters

    • Mac and Cheese Co.'s Problem

    • Mac and Cheese Co.'s Solution

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check
  2. 2

    • Introduction to Water Chemistry

    • Chemistry of Water for Food Manufacturing

    • Water's Role in Food Manufacturing

    • Water Activity

    • Water Activity and Spoilage

    • Typical Water Activity in Common Foods

    • The Role of Water in Food Preservation

    • Water Activity and Shelf-Life

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check
  3. 3

    • Introduction to Carbohydrates

    • Monosaccharides

    • Disaccharides

    • Oligosaccharides

    • Polysaccharides

    • Gums

    • Seaweed Polysaccharides

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check

  4. 4

    • Introduction to Sugars

    • Sweetness, Solutions, and Syrups

    • Body and Mouthfeel

    • Fermentation

    • Preservation

    • Starches

    • Pectins

    • Browning

    • Caramelization

    • Sugar Alcohols

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check

  5. 5

    • Introduction to Lipids

    • Function of Fats and Oils in Foods

    • Tenderness and Flakiness

    • Factors that affect Tenderness and Flakiness

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check
  6. 6

    • Introduction to Proteins

    • Functions of Proteins

    • Fat Replacements

    • Best Uses of Fat Replacements

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check
  7. 7

    • Introduction to Emulsions and Foams

    • Emulsions & Foams in Product Formulation

    • What are Emulsions?

    • How are Emulsions Formed?

    • Characteristics of Emulsifiers

    • Factors that Affect Emulsion Stability

    • What are Foams?

    • How are Foams Formed?

    • Factors that Affect Foam Stability

    • Factors that Promote Foam Stability

    • Key Takeaways

    • Knowledge Check

  8. 8

    • Major Blocks

    • Water Activity

    • Carbohydrates

    • Sugar

    • Lipids

    • Proteins

    • Emulsions and Foams

    • Building Blocks of Food Knowledge Check