Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems
Offered By
Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems
Utrecht University
About this Course
4.1
11 ratings
Our society depends on the availability of food and accessibility to it. According to the United Nations nearly 800 million people are hungry and on the other hand, over 650 million people are obese. While many people in developing countries experience food shortage, in industrialized countries people are throwing food away.
These facts show how paradoxical and complex the world’s food problem is.
ln this course, more than 10 food researchers from Utrecht University will address the main issues of food consumption. They will handle two interrelated themes; Food shortage and Healthy choices. You will learn to identify the key ingredients of the world’s food challenges and to think about the solutions for enabling changes in the current food system.
We will also look at the possible sustainable solutions for several accut issues: the demands of the growing human population, the role of nutrition, and the need to understand food choices in order to have healthier diet and consider the possibilities of alternative foods.
We invite you to join us on an interdisciplinary journey through the world food problems. You will gain new knowledge and insights that will help you form your own opinion on these subjects and make better choices in your food consumption.
We hope you will enjoy the course!
The Future Food Team
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1
Section
Introduction Future Food & Food Shortage Part I
4 videos (Total 18 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Introducing the theme - Food Shortage3m
Production limiting factors6m
Vulnerability to famines5m
2 readings
Welcome to the course!10m
Food shortage or distribution problem?10m
1 practice exercise
Shortage and production in context15m
2
Section
Food Shortage Part II: Sustainable solutions
4 videos (Total 26 min), 2 readings, 3 quizzes
4 videos
Control of disease and spoilage in plants7m
Disease control in animals: Animal health5m
Learning from nature7m
2 readings
Accepting alternative foods10m
Closure theme - Food shortage10m
2 practice exercises
Plant production in context8m
Animal welfare12m
3
Section
Healthy Choices Part I: Food & Health
6 videos (Total 40 min), 4 readings, 3 quizzes
6 videos
Functionality of foods and dietary patterns8m
Early life nutrition5m
Interface gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and microbiotica6m
Food allergy9m
Obesity7m
4 readings
Mother milk vs infant formula10m
Gastrointestinal development and function10m
Food allergy10m
Interesting topic?5m
3 practice exercises
What is nutrition?32m
Microbiomes in plants12m
GIT development and function8m
4
Section
Healthy Choices Part II: Food-related behavior and interventions
7 videos (Total 28 min), 2 readings, 4 quizzes
7 videos
Psychological determinants of (un)healthy eating6m
Economic/environmental determinants of (un)healthy eating5m
Interventions aimed at individuals (Voedingscentrum)2m
Interventions aimed at individuals3m
Interventions aimed at the environment5m
Political/economical interventions3m
2 readings
Interventions aimed at the environment20m
Closure theme - Healthy choices10m
1 practice exercise
Recap theme - Healthy choices18m
Instructors
Prof. dr. Denise de Ridder
Professor of Health PsychologyPsychology - Social, Health & Organizational Psychology
Prof. dr. Marca Wauben
Professor of Intercellular communicationBiochemistry & Cell Biology
Prof. dr. Rens Voesenek
Professor of Plant EcophysiologyBiology
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a research university comprising seven faculties which collectively span the entire academic spectrum in teaching and research. Founded in 1636, the University is now a modern, leading institute enjoying a growing international reputation. In the Shanghai Ranking, Utrecht University ranks 1st in the Netherlands, 17th in Europe and 56th worldwide. The research focuses on four main strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. Our motto is: Bright minds, better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education,
partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2018 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
