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Introduction to Sensory Science

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Introduction to Sensory Science

This course is part of Essentials of Sensory Science Specialization

Instructor: Rebecca Bleibaum

4,561 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

48 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

48 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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This course is part of the Essentials of Sensory Science Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

Did you know there's a science behind the flavors, textures, and aromas of the foods we eat, and why our favorite products look, feel, and smell the way that they do? In this course, we will provide a broad overview of the field of sensory science - its history, definition, and applications in academic research and in the consumer-packaged goods industry. We’ll also discuss how sensory science impacts other industries, including the medical sciences and information processing. We will also explore the roles of sensory evaluation in relation to the human instrument, marketing, product development, and quality assurance. Whether you are interested in better understanding your favorite foods or looking to expand your knowledge of the sensory sciences, this course is an excellent place to start.

Module details

In this module, we will explore the history of sensory science, provide a definition of sensory science, and describe the array of senses involved in our studies. We will also discuss the disciplines involved in the study of sensory science and describe three testing methods. Let's get started.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 56 minutes

Course Introduction6 minutes
Module Introduction6 minutes
What are the Sensory Sciences: A Historical Presentation17 minutes
What are the Sensory Sciences: Sensory Evaluation Definition4 minutes
What are the Sensory Sciences: The Senses8 minutes
What are the Sensory Sciences: Academic Disciplines Involved in Sensory Science7 minutes
What are the Sensory Sciences: Classification of Test Methods8 minutes

3 readingsTotal 106 minutes

Course Navigation and Safety Statement1 minute
Evolution of the Sensory Sciences75 minutes
A Personal History of Sensory Science30 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 20 minutes

Introduce Yourself20 minutes

Where does sensory science fit into the world from a broader perspective? In this module, we will discuss the various applications of basic sensory research and how it impacts our work. We will also discuss how sensory science impacts the medical sciences, communication and information processing industries. We will end this module with a discussion on transduction and how nutrition plays a role in sensory research. Let's begin.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

The more we understand about how the human works, the more we understand about our data collection instrument — people. In this module, we will discuss the roles of sensory evaluation in relation to the human instrument, grading, and quality assurance. Let's begin.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

In this final module, we will continue our discussion on the roles of sensory evaluation in relation to chemical/physical properties, product development in both food and non-food products. This module will end with an optional podcast conversation with Dr. Herbert Stone. Let's wrap things up.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

5 videosTotal 32 minutes

Module Introduction6 minutes
Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Correlation of Sensory and Chemical/Physical Properties6 minutes
Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Product Development and Marketing8 minutes
Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Non-food Products7 minutes
Course Summary4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 135 minutes

(Optional) Podcast: A Conversation with Dr. Herbert Stone55 minutes
Example Food: What are its Sensory Properties and Why it that Important?20 minutes
Evolution of the Sensory Science Disciplines60 minutes