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Michael Brenner, David Weitz, and Pia Sörensen

During each module of this course, chefs reveal the secrets behind some of their most famous culinary creations — often right in their own restaurants. Inspired by such cooking mastery, the Harvard team will then explain the science behind the recipe.

Topics will include:

  • How molecules influence flavor
  • The role of heat in cooking
  • Diffusion, revealed by the phenomenon of spherification, the culinary technique pioneered by Ferran Adrià.
Read more

During each module of this course, chefs reveal the secrets behind some of their most famous culinary creations — often right in their own restaurants. Inspired by such cooking mastery, the Harvard team will then explain the science behind the recipe.

Topics will include:

  • How molecules influence flavor
  • The role of heat in cooking
  • Diffusion, revealed by the phenomenon of spherification, the culinary technique pioneered by Ferran Adrià.

You will also have the opportunity to become an experimental scientist in your very own laboratory — your kitchen. By following along with the engaging recipe of the week, taking precise measurements, and making skillful observations, you will learn to think like both a cook and a scientist. The lab is certainly one of the most unique components of this course — after all, in what other science course can you eat your experiments?

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The scientific concepts that underlie everyday cooking and haute cuisine techniques;
  • How to apply principles of physics, engineering, and chemistry to cooking;
  • How to become an experimental scientist in your own kitchen;
  • How to think like a chef and a scientist.

Syllabus

Module 1: Molecules, moles, flavor, and pHIncludes a discussion by Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park in NYC on flavor, pH, and the secret tohis famous duck sauce, and scientific discussions on the major molecules of food, flavor, moles, and pH. Module 2: Energy, temperature, and heatIncludes a welcome drink by Dave Arnold of Booker and Dax in NYC to toast the course, and a scientific discussion of how to cook a perfect egg. This module will focus on one of the most commons ways to cook - adding energy in the form of heat to increase the temperature of a food andthus change its internal structure. Module 3: Phase transitionsJoan and Jordi Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, recently voted thebest restaurant in the world, will explain how they manipulate phase transitions when cookingthrough techniqueslike sous vide and rotovapping. The scientific discussion will focus on what causes phase transitions in foods from a macroscopic and microscopic perspective. Module 4: Diffusion and SpherificationJosé Andrés, chef and owner of minibar, Jaleo, and The Bazaar, will introduce us to the remarkable dishes he creates with gelling agents. Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn in San Fransisco will make carrot jerky, and America's Test Kitchen will show us their secret to making excellent scrambled eggs and coleslaw. Scientific discussions in this module will include gelation, modernist thickeners, and diffusion, which make some remarkable dishes possible. Module 5: Heat TransferCarme Ruscalleda, chef and owner of restaurant Sant Pau, will cook steak and other culinary specialties that illustrate the special attention chefs pay to heat diffusion when cooking food. Nathan Myhrvold will share his method for cooking the perfect burger, and America’s Test Kitchen will show us their secret to cooking perfect French fries. The scientific discussion in this module is about heat transfer, and explaining why it is so hard to cook a perfect steak from both a microscopic and macroscopic perspective. We will also explore heat-dependent chemical reactions, and how they impact food taste and texture. Module 6: CandyIn the final module we will discuss solubility and the science of candy and chocolate. Joanne Chang, from Flour bakery, will talk about the stages of sugar, and Enric Rovira from Xocolaters de Barcelona in Spain will show us some marvelous chocolate creations and we will discuss the underlying science of chocolate tempering and the different phases of chocolate.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the scientific principles underlying cooking techniques used by professional chefs
Taught by culinary experts from renowned restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, El Celler de Can Roca, and minibar
Involves hands-on cooking experiments, allowing learners to apply scientific concepts in a practical setting
Provides a strong foundation in the science of cooking, including topics such as molecular gastronomy and heat transfer
Develops critical thinking skills by encouraging learners to analyze and understand cooking processes from a scientific perspective
May require some prior knowledge of cooking or basic science concepts

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Reviews summary

Highly praised science and cooking course

According to students, Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science is an unparalleled learning opportunity. Students rave about the potential for developing culinary expertise and gaining advanced knowledge in the field. Backed by the prestigious reputation of the host university, this course appears to be a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the culinary arts.

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 Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (chemistry) with these activities:
Connect with Experienced Chefs
Reach out to experienced chefs to gain insights from professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Attend culinary events and workshops
  • Contact chefs directly through email or social media
  • Request informational interviews
On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen
Review the classic text on the science of cooking to gain a deeper understanding of the principles behind the techniques used in the course.
View Keys to Good Cooking on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book
  • Take notes on key concepts
  • Discuss the book with other students
Cooking and Science Study Group
Join a study group to share knowledge, discuss course materials, and collaborate on projects.
Show steps
  • Find or form a study group with other students
  • Set regular meeting times
  • Discuss course content and assignments
  • Collaborate on projects and experiments
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Home Cooking Challenge
Apply the principles learned in the course to create your own recipes and cook delicious meals at home.
Browse courses on Cooking Skills
Show steps
  • Select recipes that interest you
  • Gather the necessary ingredients and equipment
  • Follow the recipes and prepare the dishes
  • Taste and evaluate your creations
How to Cook Like a Chef: Online Tutorials
Follow online tutorials to practice cooking techniques and refine culinary skills.
Browse courses on Cooking Techniques
Show steps
  • Find reputable online cooking tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step
  • Practice the techniques regularly
Flavor Pairings Exercise
Practice identifying and pairing flavors to enhance culinary creations.
Show steps
  • Gather a variety of ingredients
  • Experiment with different flavor combinations
  • Record your observations and impressions
Culinary Experimentation Log
Document culinary experiments to record observations, analyze results, and deepen understanding of the science behind cooking.
Show steps
  • Plan and design culinary experiments
  • Conduct the experiments and record data
  • Analyze the results and draw conclusions
  • Write up the findings in a log
Culinary Innovation Proposal
Develop and present a proposal for an innovative culinary creation that applies scientific principles.
Show steps
  • Research and identify a culinary challenge
  • Develop a hypothesis and design an experiment
  • Conduct the experiment and collect data
  • Analyze the results and draw conclusions
  • Write and present a proposal
Contribute to Open Food Science Projects
Participate in open-source projects related to food science to contribute to the advancement of culinary knowledge.
Browse courses on Food Science
Show steps
  • Identify open-source food science projects
  • Review the project documentation
  • Contribute to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (chemistry) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Molecular Gastronomist
Molecular Gastronomists study the physical and chemical transformations that occur during cooking. This course may be useful for Molecular Gastronomists because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Molecular Gastronomists to develop new and innovative dishes.
Chef
Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments. This course may be useful for Chefs because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Chefs to develop new recipes, improve their cooking skills, and understand the science behind the food they cook.
Science Writer
Science Writers write about science for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course may be useful for Science Writers because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Science Writers to write more informed and engaging articles about food science.
Food Writer
Food Writers write about food for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course may be useful for Food Writers because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Food Writers to write more informed and engaging articles about food.
Food Photographer
Food Photographers take pictures of food for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course may be useful for Food Photographers because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Food Photographers to understand how to best capture the beauty andおいしさof food in their photographs.
Food Stylist
Food Stylists prepare food for photography and film. This course may be useful for Food Stylists because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Food Stylists to create visually appealing food that looks delicious on camera.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. This course may be useful for Entrepreneurs because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Entrepreneurs to develop and launch new food-related businesses.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of new products. This course may be useful for Product Managers because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Product Managers to develop and market new food products that meet the needs of consumers.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields, including food science and nutrition. This course may be useful for Research Scientists because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Research Scientists to design and conduct more effective studies.
Dietitian
Dietitians provide nutrition advice to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for Dietitians because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Dietitians to provide more informed and effective nutrition advice.
Culinary Scientist
Culinary Scientists combine their understanding of food science, nutrition, and culinary arts to develop and improve food products. They work in research and development, quality control, and product safety. This course may be useful for Culinary Scientists because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for Consultants because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Consultants to provide more informed and valuable advice to their clients.
Food Scientist
Food Scientists apply scientific principles to the study of food. They work in research and development, quality control, and product safety. This course may be useful for Food Scientists because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may be useful for Professors because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Professors to develop and teach more engaging and informative courses.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists study the relationship between food and health. This course may be useful for Nutritionists because it provides a foundation in the scientific principles that underlie cooking and haute cuisine techniques. This knowledge can help Nutritionists to better understand the role of food in health and disease.

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (chemistry).
Harold McGee's classic work comprehensive guide to the science of cooking, covering everything from the chemistry of ingredients to the physics of cooking techniques. It is an essential reference for anyone who wants to understand the science behind the art of cooking.
Practical guide to cooking that uses science to explain why recipes work. It is full of tips and tricks for making your food taste better, and great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of cooking.
Teaches you how to cook by ratios, rather than by following recipes. This approach gives you more flexibility in the kitchen, and allows you to create your own dishes. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the fundamentals of cooking.
Provides a guide to pairing ingredients to create delicious dishes. It is based on the science of flavor, and provides a systematic approach to creating new and innovative recipes.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry of food. It covers everything from the structure of food molecules to the chemical reactions that occur during cooking. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of food.
This textbook provides an overview of the engineering principles that are used in the food industry. It covers everything from the design of food processing equipment to the storage and transportation of food. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the engineering aspects of food production.
Collection of essays that explore the science of food and cooking. It covers a wide range of topics, from the chemistry of flavor to the physics of cooking techniques. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind the art of cooking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of cooking. It covers everything from the chemistry of ingredients to the physics of cooking techniques. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind the art of cooking.
Explores the science of flavor. It covers everything from the physiology of taste to the psychology of flavor perception. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind the art of cooking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of chocolate. It covers everything from the history of chocolate to the chemistry of chocolate flavor. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind the art of chocolate making.
Provides a tour of the world of molecular gastronomy. It covers everything from the history of molecular gastronomy to the latest techniques in molecular cooking. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind the art of cooking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry of food. It covers everything from the structure of food molecules to the chemical reactions that occur during cooking. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind the art of cooking.

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