Sensory Science: The Senses from Coursera

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Syllabus

Taste: Gustation

In this module, we will begin our discussion on the senses starting with taste. We will also discuss primary tastes, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of taste. We will then touch on transducer and neural effects including receptor types, stimulus-receptor transducer mechanisms, neural channels, neural codes, and cortical cell types and mechanisms. We will do an activity on taste adaptation and finish the module with an optional podcast conversation with Joel Sidel. Let's get started.

Olfaction and Tactile, Part 1

In this module, we will continue discussing the senses focusing on olfaction and the tactile sensations. We will discuss the chemical nature of odorous stimuli, the anatomy of the olfactory system, and smell transduction. Let's begin.

Olfaction and Tactile, Part 2

In this module, we will discuss retronasal olfaction versus orthonasal olfaction, dysfunctions in olfaction, and the basic system to describe the tactile senses. We will also do an activity on temperature adaptation. This module will end with an optional podcast conversation with Dr. Ann Noble. Let's begin.

Visual and Audition

In this final module, we will continue discussing the senses focusing on vision and audition. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the parts of the eye and parts of the retina. We will explain how receptor functions work, describe how to explain optical illusions, and go through aspects of depth perception. Finally, we will go into concepts surrounding hearing anatomy, transduction and adaptation. We will finish off this module with an optional podcast conversation with Dr. Armand Cardello.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners gain a foundational understanding of five key sensory systems

Instructors are recognized for their expertise in their field

Features optional podcast conversations with experts in sensory research

Builds a foundation of sensory biology for beginning students

Requires no prerequisite courses

Provides hands-on activities to enhance learning

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 Sensory Science: The Senses with these activities:

Read "Sensation and Perception" by E. Bruce Goldstein

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Enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles of sensory perception by reading a comprehensive textbook that covers various sensory modalities.

View Sensation and Perception on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read each chapter thoroughly and take notes.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your comprehension.

Explore online tutorials on sensory perception

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Supplement your course learning by exploring online tutorials that provide interactive demonstrations and explanations of sensory perception concepts.

Browse courses on Sensory Perception

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Search for online tutorials on sensory perception.
Choose tutorials that cover topics you find challenging or interesting.
Follow the instructions and engage with the interactive content.

Complete taste and smell identification exercises

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Engage in exercises that test your ability to identify different tastes and smells, enhancing your sensory discrimination skills.

Browse courses on Sensory Perception

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Gather a variety of food and non-food items with distinct tastes and smells.
Blindfold yourself and try to identify each item based solely on taste or smell.
Record your results and identify areas where you need improvement.

Four other activities

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Participate in a study group to discuss sensory perception

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Engage in collaborative discussions with peers to exchange knowledge, clarify concepts, and gain diverse perspectives on sensory perception.

Browse courses on Sensory Perception

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Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Choose a specific topic related to sensory perception to discuss.
Prepare by reading relevant course materials and doing research.

Volunteer at a sensory research lab or organization

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Gain hands-on experience in sensory research by volunteering in a lab or organization, providing you with practical insights into sensory evaluation techniques.

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Identify sensory research labs or organizations in your area.
Contact the lab or organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in sensory testing and data collection activities.

Develop a multimedia presentation on a specific sense

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Create a visually appealing and informative presentation that deepens your understanding of the structure, function, and physiology of a particular sense.

Browse courses on Sensory Systems

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Choose a specific sense (e.g., vision, hearing, taste) to focus on.
Research the anatomy, physiology, and function of the chosen sense.
Design and create a multimedia presentation using images, videos, and diagrams.

Develop a sensory evaluation plan for a specific product

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Apply your knowledge of sensory perception to design a plan for evaluating the sensory qualities of a product, enhancing your understanding of practical applications.

Browse courses on Sensory Evaluation

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Identify the product to be evaluated.
Determine the specific sensory attributes to be tested.
Develop a testing protocol that outlines the procedures for conducting the evaluation.

Career center

Learners who complete Sensory Science: The Senses will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Flavorist

Flavorists create and develop new flavors for products such as food, beverages, and cosmetics. They use their knowledge of the senses to identify and combine different flavors to create new and exciting taste experiences. This course would be helpful for Flavorists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of taste. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to create and evaluate new flavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flavorist

Sensory Analyst

Sensory Analysts are responsible for evaluating the sensory qualities of products, such as food, beverages, and cosmetics. They use their knowledge of the senses to identify and describe the different sensory attributes of a product, and to assess its overall quality. This course would be helpful for Sensory Analysts because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to evaluate the sensory qualities of products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sensory Analyst

Perfumist

Perfumists create and develop new fragrances for products such as perfumes, colognes, and candles. They use their knowledge of the senses to identify and combine different scents to create new and exciting fragrances. This course would be helpful for Perfumists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of olfaction. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to create and evaluate new fragrances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Perfumist

Beverage Developer

Beverage Developers create and develop new beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic drinks. They use their knowledge of the senses to identify and combine different flavors to create new and exciting beverages. This course would be helpful for Beverage Developers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of taste. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to create and evaluate new beverages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Beverage Developer

Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop and improve food products. They use their knowledge of food science to create new and innovative products, and to ensure that food is safe and nutritious. This course would be helpful for Food Scientists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of taste. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to evaluate the sensory qualities of food.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Cosmetic Scientist

Cosmetic Scientists develop and improve cosmetic products, such as makeup, skincare, and hair care products. They use their knowledge of the senses to evaluate the sensory qualities of cosmetic products, and to ensure that they are safe and effective. This course would be helpful for Cosmetic Scientists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to evaluate the sensory qualities of cosmetic products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cosmetic Scientist

Sensory Marketer

Sensory Marketers use their knowledge of the senses to create and implement marketing campaigns that are designed to appeal to the senses. They use techniques such as sensory branding and sensory packaging to create marketing campaigns that are memorable and effective. This course would be helpful for Sensory Marketers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It would also help them to develop the skills needed to create and evaluate sensory marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sensory Marketer

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers create and improve the user experience of products and services. They use their knowledge of the senses to design products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable to experience. This course may be helpful for UX Designers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to design products and services that are appealing to the senses.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Interior designer

Interior Designers create and design the interiors of buildings and other spaces. They use their knowledge of the senses to design spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be helpful for Interior Designers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to design spaces that are appealing to the senses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Architect

Architects design and create buildings and other structures. They use their knowledge of the senses to design buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be helpful for Architects because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to design buildings that are appealing to the senses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers create and develop new products, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. They use their knowledge of the senses to design products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be helpful for Industrial Designers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to design products that are appealing to the senses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create and design visual communications, such as logos, posters, and websites. They use their knowledge of the senses to design communications that are both visually appealing and effective. This course may be helpful for Graphic Designers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to design communications that are appealing to the senses.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for the development and execution of marketing campaigns. They use their knowledge of the senses to create campaigns that are effective and engaging. This course may be helpful for Marketing Managers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to create campaigns that are appealing to the senses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They use their knowledge of the senses to design products that meet the needs of consumers. This course may be helpful for Product Managers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to design products that are appealing to the senses.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. They use their knowledge of the senses to create sales presentations that are persuasive and effective. This course may be helpful for Sales Managers because it would provide them with a foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the senses. It may also help them to develop the skills needed to create sales presentations that are appealing to the senses.

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Sensory Science

The Senses

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