We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Matan Shelomi
This English language course covers the science and sociology of insects as food and feed. Increasing media, investment, and public policy attention has been given over the years to the role insects may play in the future of food. Can eating insects really save the world from famine and environmental destruction? Are there health costs or benefits to adding insects to the diet? Will all people accept insects as food? Can we feed them to livestock? Should we be promoting edible insects at all, and if so, how best do we do it? What species will we eat and how shall we raise them? This class examines all aspects of the edible insects question, with students taught a broad but thorough overview of the field and asked to consider questions in class about what role they think insects will play in their own food futures, and why they think this way.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/b5by58/edible
What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome to Edible Insects!
Hello, everyone! Welcome to Edible Insects! This English language course covers the science and sociology of insects as food and feed. Increasing media, investment, and public policy attention has been given over the years to the role insects may play in the future of food. Can eating insects really save the world from famine and environmental destruction? Are there health costs or benefits to adding insects to the diet? Will all people accept insects as food? Can we feed them to livestock? Should we be promoting edible insects at all, and if so, how best do we do it? What species will we eat and how shall we raise them? This class examines all aspects of edible insects, with students taught a broad but thorough overview of the field and asked to consider questions in class about what role they think insects will play in their own food futures, and why they think this way.
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome to Edible Insects!
Hello, everyone! Welcome to Edible Insects! This English language course covers the science and sociology of insects as food and feed. Increasing media, investment, and public policy attention has been given over the years to the role insects may play in the future of food. Can eating insects really save the world from famine and environmental destruction? Are there health costs or benefits to adding insects to the diet? Will all people accept insects as food? Can we feed them to livestock? Should we be promoting edible insects at all, and if so, how best do we do it? What species will we eat and how shall we raise them? This class examines all aspects of edible insects, with students taught a broad but thorough overview of the field and asked to consider questions in class about what role they think insects will play in their own food futures, and why they think this way.
Read more
Why do we eat what we eat?
This lecture has students think deeply about what influences our ideas of “food,” challenging their previously held assumptions. Why do we eat some animals and not others? Why some parts of animals and not others? We will then introduce the concept of eating insects specifically, and a basic overview of Diffusion of Innovations theory, which will be applied throughout the course when discussing why insect eating has or has not been adopted in different parts of the world.
Edible Insects Around the World
This lecture provides a broad overview of traditional and modern edible insects from around the world, and how these are changing with time.
The Benefits (and Costs) of Edible Insects
In this lecture, students will learn and analyze the environmentalist argument in favor of eating insect protein, and debate the ethical issues of insect consumption. Students will also learn about the nutrition and safety of edible insects. By the end, students should be able to make a fact-based decision on whether eating insects is acceptable for them, and justify their choice.
Insect Farming
This lecture broadly covers techniques for rearing some of the most commonly farmed edible insects, both for human food and as animal feed, and the socioeconomic reasons why farming technology is so important.
Cooking, Processing, Packaging, and Marketing
This lecture looks at post-production aspects of edible insects. How are insects prepared, cooked, processed, and packaged? Who are the target market for edible insects, and what are the best marketing strategies to reach them? Finally, the lecture looks at the legal aspects of edible insects.
Other Insect Products
This lecture covers insect products outside of directly eating insects as food. This includes both edible and inedible insect products, insect services, and insects as medicine. By the end, students will appreciate the diverse roles insects play in human industry.
Final Project
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of edible insects
Examines the science and sociology of insects as food and feed
Taught by Matan Shelomi, an expert in the field of edible insects
Provides a broad but thorough overview of the field
Helps students develop a nuanced understanding of the role of insects in the future of food
Encourages students to consider the ethical implications of insect consumption
Save this course
Save Edible Insects to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Edible Insects with these
activities:
Review Your Biology Background
Show steps
Review core biology concepts you learned in high school or prior college courses to refresh your memory and strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Biology
Show steps
-
Go through high school biology notes or textbooks.
-
Take practice quizzes or review questions online.
-
Attend a biology refresher course or workshop.
Review basic concepts in nutrition and entomology
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of basic concepts in nutrition and entomology to strengthen your understanding of edible insects as a food source
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks on the basics of nutrition
-
Review your notes or textbooks on the basics of entomology
-
Complete practice questions or exercises to test your understanding
Organize your notes and assignments
Show steps
Consolidate your course materials to enhance your learning and retention
Show steps
-
Review your notes from each lecture and summarize the key points
-
Organize your assignments into folders or a notebook
-
Create a study schedule and stick to it
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'The Insect Cookbook' by Arnold Van Huis
Show steps
Review a book that summarizes the latest research on edible insects to reinforce your understanding of course materials
View
The Insect Cookbook: Food for a Sustainable...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Acquire the book either physically or digitally and skim through the chapters
-
Read Chapter 2, 'Insects and Food Security'
-
Consider the global challenges to food security and the potential role of insects in addressing these challenges
-
Summarize the key points of Chapter 2 in your own words and write a short reflection on what you have learned
Identify 10 edible insects from different regions of the world
Show steps
Practice identifying edible insects to reinforce your understanding of the diversity of edible insects
Show steps
-
Research edible insects from different regions of the world
-
Create a list of 10 edible insects, including their scientific names, common names, and regions where they are consumed
-
Review your list and ensure that you have a good representation of insects from different regions
Follow a tutorial on how to cook an edible insect dish
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in preparing edible insects to reinforce your understanding of edible insect cuisine
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on how to cook an edible insect dish
-
Gather the necessary ingredients and equipment
-
Follow the tutorial step-by-step and cook the dish
-
Taste the dish and reflect on the experience
Develop a business plan for an edible insect farm
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of edible insect farming to develop a business plan, reinforcing your understanding of commercial edible insect production
Show steps
-
Research the market for edible insects and identify potential customer segments
-
Develop a business model and revenue strategy
-
Design an edible insect farm and outline your production processes
-
Create a marketing and sales plan
-
Write an executive summary and pitch your business plan to potential investors
Write an article about the environmental impact of edible insects
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding of the environmental impact of edible insects and communicate it effectively to a broader audience
Show steps
-
Research the environmental benefits and drawbacks of edible insect consumption
-
Organize your research into a logical outline
-
Write a draft of your article
-
Edit and revise your article for clarity and accuracy
-
Publish your article on a relevant platform or blog
Design a poster presentation on the benefits of edible insects
Show steps
Visually communicate the benefits of edible insects to a target audience, reinforcing your understanding of edible insect promotion
Show steps
-
Identify your target audience and research their interests and knowledge level
-
Gather data and evidence to support your claims about the benefits of edible insects
-
Design a visually appealing poster that effectively communicates your message
-
Prepare a short presentation to accompany your poster
Review Your Biology Background
Show steps
Review core biology concepts you learned in high school or prior college courses to refresh your memory and strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go through high school biology notes or textbooks.
- Take practice quizzes or review questions online.
- Attend a biology refresher course or workshop.
Review basic concepts in nutrition and entomology
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of basic concepts in nutrition and entomology to strengthen your understanding of edible insects as a food source
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks on the basics of nutrition
- Review your notes or textbooks on the basics of entomology
- Complete practice questions or exercises to test your understanding
Organize your notes and assignments
Show steps
Consolidate your course materials to enhance your learning and retention
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from each lecture and summarize the key points
- Organize your assignments into folders or a notebook
- Create a study schedule and stick to it
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'The Insect Cookbook' by Arnold Van Huis
Show steps
Review a book that summarizes the latest research on edible insects to reinforce your understanding of course materials
View
The Insect Cookbook: Food for a Sustainable...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Acquire the book either physically or digitally and skim through the chapters
- Read Chapter 2, 'Insects and Food Security'
- Consider the global challenges to food security and the potential role of insects in addressing these challenges
- Summarize the key points of Chapter 2 in your own words and write a short reflection on what you have learned
Identify 10 edible insects from different regions of the world
Show steps
Practice identifying edible insects to reinforce your understanding of the diversity of edible insects
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research edible insects from different regions of the world
- Create a list of 10 edible insects, including their scientific names, common names, and regions where they are consumed
- Review your list and ensure that you have a good representation of insects from different regions
Follow a tutorial on how to cook an edible insect dish
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in preparing edible insects to reinforce your understanding of edible insect cuisine
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on how to cook an edible insect dish
- Gather the necessary ingredients and equipment
- Follow the tutorial step-by-step and cook the dish
- Taste the dish and reflect on the experience
Develop a business plan for an edible insect farm
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of edible insect farming to develop a business plan, reinforcing your understanding of commercial edible insect production
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the market for edible insects and identify potential customer segments
- Develop a business model and revenue strategy
- Design an edible insect farm and outline your production processes
- Create a marketing and sales plan
- Write an executive summary and pitch your business plan to potential investors
Write an article about the environmental impact of edible insects
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding of the environmental impact of edible insects and communicate it effectively to a broader audience
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the environmental benefits and drawbacks of edible insect consumption
- Organize your research into a logical outline
- Write a draft of your article
- Edit and revise your article for clarity and accuracy
- Publish your article on a relevant platform or blog
Design a poster presentation on the benefits of edible insects
Show steps
Visually communicate the benefits of edible insects to a target audience, reinforcing your understanding of edible insect promotion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your target audience and research their interests and knowledge level
- Gather data and evidence to support your claims about the benefits of edible insects
- Design a visually appealing poster that effectively communicates your message
- Prepare a short presentation to accompany your poster
Career center
Learners who complete Edible Insects will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Food Scientist
Food Scientist
Food Scientists will develop the next generation of food products. Edible Insects will introduce you to the science behind edible insects and help you to understand how to develop safe and nutritious food products from insects.
Food Writer
Food Writer
Food Writers communicate the latest food trends, research, and products to the public. Edible Insects can help you to stay up-to-date on the latest research on edible insects and to write engaging and informative articles about this topic.
Food Photographer
Food Photographer
Food Photographers take pictures of food to make it look appealing. Edible Insects can help you to learn how to take beautiful photos of insects and to showcase their unique beauty.
Food Stylist
Food Stylist
Food Stylists arrange food to make it look appealing for photographs or videos. Edible Insects can help you to learn how to style insects in a visually appealing way.
Chef
Chef
Chefs prepare and cook food for customers. Edible Insects can help you to learn how to cook insects in a variety of ways and to create delicious and nutritious dishes.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and guidance to individuals and groups. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the nutritional value of insects and to provide evidence-based advice to your clients.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and injury. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the potential health risks and benefits of eating insects.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its impact on human health. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the environmental impact of insect farming and to develop sustainable practices.
Entomologist
Entomologist
Entomologists study insects and their behavior. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the biology and ecology of edible insects and to develop sustainable practices for their farming.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for products and services. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the marketing challenges and opportunities associated with edible insects and to develop effective marketing campaigns.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead sales teams and develop sales strategies. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the sales challenges and opportunities associated with edible insects and to develop effective sales strategies.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers identify and develop new business opportunities. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the business opportunities associated with edible insects and to develop new business strategies.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers develop and manage products. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the product development process for edible insects and to develop successful products.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the operational challenges and opportunities associated with edible insects and to develop efficient and effective operations.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers ensure that products and services meet quality standards. Edible Insects can help you to learn about the quality assurance challenges and opportunities associated with edible insects and to develop effective quality assurance programs.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/b5by58/edible
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Edible Insects.
Save
Provides a historical overview of the consumption of insects around the world. It includes photographs of insects being eaten in different cultures.
Save
Discusses the decline of insect populations around the world and the implications for the environment. It includes a chapter on the potential of insects as a food source.
Discusses the sixth mass extinction and the implications for the future of life on Earth. It includes a chapter on the decline of insect populations.
Discusses the dangers of pesticides and the impact on the environment. It includes a chapter on the decline of insect populations.
Save
Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of nine characters who are connected by their love of trees. It includes a chapter on the importance of insects to the health of forests.
Save
Blend of science, memoir, and Indigenous wisdom that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. It includes a chapter on the importance of insects to the ecosystem.
Save
Explores the relationship between humans and plants. It includes a chapter on the importance of insects to the pollination of plants.
Explores the hidden life of trees. It includes a chapter on the importance of insects to the health of trees.
Explores the hidden world of fungi. It includes a chapter on the relationship between fungi and insects.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/b5by58/edible
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Edible Insects.
Understanding Agribusiness, Value Chains, and Consumers in Global Food Systems
OpenCourser.com/course/53ox3s/understanding
Understanding Agribusiness, Value Chains, and Consumers...
Most relevant
Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions
OpenCourser.com/course/itjg5f/bugs
Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions
Most relevant
Sustainable Global Food Systems
OpenCourser.com/course/pilvp6/sustainable
Sustainable Global Food Systems
Drainage in Agriculture: controlling water and salt levels in the soil
OpenCourser.com/course/d15law/drainage
Drainage in Agriculture: controlling water and salt...
Food Fermentation: The Science of Cooking with Microbes
OpenCourser.com/course/rwac5z/food
Food Fermentation: The Science of Cooking with Microbes
Introduction to Algae
OpenCourser.com/course/q5v6dr/introduction
Introduction to Algae
Transformation of the Global Food System
OpenCourser.com/course/48wbhs/transformation
Transformation of the Global Food System
A Crash Course in Data Science
OpenCourser.com/course/jvjl9h/a
A Crash Course in Data Science
Sports and Society
OpenCourser.com/course/0e6vuk/sports
Sports and Society
Effort
8 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
National Taiwan University
Instructor
Matan Shelomi
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
Good to know
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of edible insects
Examines the science and sociology of insects as food and feed
Taught by Matan Shelomi, an expert in the field of edible insects
Provides a broad but thorough overview of the field
Helps students develop a nuanced understanding of the role of insects in the future of food
Encourages students to consider the ethical implications of insect consumption
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser