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Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems

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HomeLife SciencesNutrition

Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems

Utrecht University

About this course: 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

Who is this class for: Everybody


Created by:  Utrecht University
Utrecht University

  • Prof. dr. Denise de Ridder

    Taught by:  Prof. dr. Denise de Ridder, Professor of Health Psychology

    Psychology - Social, Health & Organizational Psychology

  • Prof. dr. Marca Wauben

    Taught by:  Prof. dr. Marca Wauben, Professor of Intercellular communication

    Biochemistry & Cell Biology

  • Prof. dr. Rens Voesenek

    Taught by:  Prof. dr. Rens Voesenek, Professor of Plant Ecophysiology

    Biology
LevelBeginner
Commitment5 weeks of study, 3-4 hours/week
Language
English
How To PassPass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings
4.1 stars
Average User Rating 4.1See what learners said
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction Future Food & Food Shortage Part I
4 videos, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz
  1. Reading: Welcome to the course!
  2. Video: Welcome to this course!
  3. Video: Introducing the theme - Food Shortage
  4. Video: Production limiting factors
  5. Practice Quiz: Shortage and production in context
  6. Video: Vulnerability to famines
  7. Reading: Food shortage or distribution problem?
Graded: Food shortage and distribution: a problem?
WEEK 2
Food Shortage Part II: Sustainable solutions
4 videos, 2 readings, 2 practice quizzes
  1. Video: The role of genetics in dealing with the environment
  2. Video: Control of disease and spoilage in plants
  3. Practice Quiz: Plant production in context
  4. Video: Disease control in animals: Animal health
  5. Practice Quiz: Animal welfare
  6. Video: Learning from nature
  7. Reading: Accepting alternative foods
  8. Peer Review: Recap theme - Food shortage
  9. Reading: Closure theme - Food shortage
  10. Discussion Prompt: What would be the most important solution when thinking about food production?
WEEK 3
Healthy Choices Part I: Food & Health
6 videos, 4 readings, 3 practice quizzes
  1. Video: Introducing the theme - Healthy choices
  2. Video: Functionality of foods and dietary patterns
  3. Practice Quiz: What is nutrition?
  4. Video: Early life nutrition
  5. Reading: Mother milk vs infant formula
  6. Video: Interface gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and microbiotica
  7. Practice Quiz: Microbiomes in plants
  8. Reading: Gastrointestinal development and function
  9. Practice Quiz: GIT development and function
  10. Video: Food allergy
  11. Reading: Food allergy
  12. Video: Obesity
  13. Reading: Interesting topic?
WEEK 4
Healthy Choices Part II: Food-related behavior and interventions
7 videos, 2 readings
  1. Video: Introducing food related behavior
  2. Video: Psychological determinants of (un)healthy eating
  3. Video: Economic/environmental determinants of (un)healthy eating
  4. Video: Interventions aimed at individuals (Voedingscentrum)
  5. Video: Interventions aimed at individuals
  6. Video: Interventions aimed at the environment
  7. Peer Review: Interventions aimed at the environment: Spot a nudge!
  8. Reading: Interventions aimed at the environment
  9. Video: Political/economical interventions
  10. Peer Review: Political/economical interventions (Sugar tax)
  11. Reading: Closure theme - Healthy choices
  12. Discussion Prompt: Is anyone from a country where they eat insects?
Graded: Economic/environmental determinants of (un)healthy eating
Graded: Recap theme - Healthy choices
WEEK 5
An interdisciplinary approach to food
1 video, 1 reading
  1. Video: Closure
  2. Reading: Final survey
Graded: Apply your knowledge

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Creators
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.
Ratings and Reviews
Rated 4.1 out of 5 of 11 ratings

FW

Very interesting, it doesn’t take up too much time yet I was able to grasp a good understanding on the topic. Enjoyed the peer assessments review part where I can read other learners point of views on the same learning topic

JC

Great course to learn more about food problems ! Very clear, complete and the assignments are interesting and diverse. Thanks a lot !



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