Food for Thought by McGill — edX Review & Syllabus

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Eating well and understanding the nuances of food has become a complicated and often confusing experience. Virtually every day brings news about some “miracle food” that we should be consuming or some "poison" we should be avoiding. One day it's tomatoes to prevent cancer, then flaxseed against heart disease or soybeans for reducing menopause symptoms. At the same time, we are warned about trans fats, genetically modified foods, aspartame or MSG. Dietary supplements may be touted as the key to health or a factor in morbidity. According to some, dairy products are indispensable while others urge us to avoid them. The same goes for meat, wheat and soy; the list goes on.This course will shed light on the molecules that constitute our macro and micronutrients and will attempt to clarify a number of the food issues using tthe best evidence available.

What you'll learn

The main nutritional components of a healthy diet
Some of the issues around food production and health
How to assess claims about food related research presented in the media

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Learning objectives

The main nutritional components of a healthy diet
Some of the issues around food production and health

How to assess claims about food related research presented in the media

The main nutritional components of a healthy diet
Some of the issues around food production and health
How to assess claims about food related research presented in the media

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Examines the main nutritional elements of a healthy diet, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Teaches the relationship between food and overall health

Provides a perspective on the complex and often confusing realm of food and nutrition

Develops skills in critical thinking and evaluating claims about food and nutrition made in the media

Career center

Learners who complete Food for Thought will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Food Scientist

Food Scientists are the ones most responsible for learning what makes food safe and nourishing. They research, develop, inspect, and test food to make sure it is safe to eat, and to improve its flavor and nutritional value. This course helps build a foundation in food safety, nutrition, and the science of processing, developing, and storing food, and may be helpful in developing your career as a food scientist.

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Nutritionist

As a Nutritionist, you will be charged with providing diet, nutrition, and exercise advice to individuals or groups. Some Nutritionists also work in food development, research, or other related fields. This course can provide a helpful introduction to nutrition and health, with a specific focus on the role of certain foods in health.

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Dietitian

Dietitians plan and supervise diets for people in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or other healthcare settings. They may also work with healthy individuals to design nutrition plans that will help them achieve their health goals. This course may be useful for Dietitians, as it helps build a foundation in nutrition and health, with a specific focus on the role of certain foods in health.

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Food Inspector

Food Inspectors examine food products, restaurants, and food processing plants to ensure that they meet safety and quality standards. They may also investigate foodborne illness outbreaks and work to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases. This course may be useful for Food Inspectors, as it helps build a foundation in food safety and nutrition.

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Health Educator

Health Educators develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They may work in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, community centers, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Health Educators, as it can provide a helpful introduction to nutrition and health, with a specific focus on the role of certain foods in health.

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Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Managers plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of restaurants and food services. They may be responsible for supervising staff, developing menus, ordering supplies, and ensuring the quality of food and service. This course may be useful for Restaurant Managers, as it can help teach the science behind the food on the menu.

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Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Managers plan and implement quality control systems and procedures to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Managers as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for managing the quality of food products.

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Food Writer

Food Writers write about food-related topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications. They may also develop and host cooking shows or teach cooking classes. This course may be helpful for Food Writers, as it can provide a strong foundation in food science and nutrition. This can be helpful for producing accurate and informative content about food.

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Food Production Manager

Food Production Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the production of food and beverages. They may be responsible for overseeing the production process, ensuring that products meet quality standards, and managing staff. This course may be useful for Food Production Managers as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for overseeing the production of food products.

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Food Processor

Food Processors transform raw food ingredients into finished products. They may work in a variety of settings, such as food manufacturing plants, canneries, and bakeries. This course may be useful for Food Processors as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for processing food products safely and efficiently.

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Farm Manager

Farm Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of farms. They may be responsible for overseeing the production of crops and livestock, managing staff, and marketing products. This course may be useful for Farm Managers, as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for producing food products sustainably and efficiently.

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Food Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on food policy issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful for Food Policy Analysts, as it can provide a strong foundation in food science and nutrition. This can be helpful for developing and implementing effective food policies.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, retail, and healthcare. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for developing and implementing effective marketing campaigns for food products.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives sell products and services to businesses and consumers. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, retail, and healthcare. This course may be useful for Sales Representatives as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for selling food products effectively.

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Food Service Manager

Food Service Managers plan and direct the activities of food service establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and catering companies. They may be responsible for overseeing food preparation, customer service, and staff management. This course may be useful for Food Service Managers, as it can help them learn about the science behind food and nutrition. This can be helpful for managing food service operations safely and efficiently.

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Food for Thought

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