Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems from Coursera

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

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction Future Food & Food Shortage Part I

Food Shortage Part II: Sustainable solutions

Healthy Choices Part I: Food & Health

Healthy Choices Part II: Food-related behavior and interventions

An interdisciplinary approach to food

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by recognized instructors such as Prof. Dr. Denise de Ridder, Prof. Dr. Marca Wauben, and Prof. Dr. Rens Voesenek

Examines the complex and paradoxical nature of the world's food problem, addressing both food shortage and healthy choices, issues highly relevant to our society

Develops an understanding of the key ingredients of the world's food challenges and possible solutions for enabling changes in the current food system

Takes an interdisciplinary approach to food, bringing together experts from various fields to provide a comprehensive perspective on the topic

Suitable for individuals interested in understanding the challenges and solutions related to world hunger and global food security

Useful for professionals working in the field of nutrition, public health, food policy, and sustainable development

Reviews summary

Food innovation: course with strong content

Learners say this course on food innovation is engaging and provides up-to-date information and assignments. Many highly recommend it, mentioning that it broadens their knowledge on food insecurity, production, and consumption and offers insights into potential solutions.

Assignments help apply knowledge.

"Interesting assignments."

Provides interdisciplinary perspective.

"Excellent content. The course really inspires you to look at the broader picture of our actual food insecurity problems and provides information for an interdisciplinary analisis of the problem."

Encourages critical thinking and analysis.

"The course helps develop critical thinking and write the information learned in an organized way"

Up-to-date, well-structured content.

"Good course, up-to-date information"

"Excellent content. The course really inspires you to look at the broader picture"

"It gives a new direction in the knowledge and working era for the researchers of food."

Broadens understanding of global food issues

"I could broaden my knowledge!"

"The assignments and the study material were amazing."

May not provide new information for some.

"Non ho acquisito nuove conoscenze rispetto a quelle che già avevo."

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 Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems with these activities:

Review prior knowledge

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Reactivate your knowledge about global food challenges and prepare for the course content.

Browse courses on Food Security

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Skim articles on the global food problem
Review notes or materials from previous courses on related topics

Volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen

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Gain firsthand experience with food insecurity and contribute to your community.

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Find a food pantry or soup kitchen in your area
Contact them to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Volunteer at the organization and assist with their operations

Participate in a study group

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Enhance your understanding of course material by discussing it with peers.

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Find a study group or form your own with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course content
Collaborate on assignments and projects

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Summarize a research article

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Deepen your understanding of a specific aspect of the world's food challenges by summarizing a research paper.

Browse courses on Food Production

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Select a research article on a topic of interest
Read and understand the article thoroughly
Extract the key findings and arguments
Summarize the article in your own words

Attend a food-related conference or workshop

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Connect with others interested in food systems and learn about cutting-edge research and initiatives.

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Find a food-related conference or workshop in your area
Register and attend the event
Network with other attendees and learn about their work

Follow a tutorial on sustainable food practices

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Learn about practical ways to promote food sustainability in your own life.

Browse courses on Sustainable Agriculture

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Find a tutorial on sustainable food practices
Watch or read the tutorial
Apply what you have learned to your own lifestyle

Design a food system intervention

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Apply your knowledge to develop a solution for a specific food challenge.

Browse courses on Food Policy

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Identify a specific food challenge you want to address
Research and analyze the root causes of the challenge
Brainstorm and develop potential solutions
Evaluate the feasibility and impact of your proposed solution
Create a detailed plan for implementing your intervention

Participate in a food-related hackathon or challenge

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Challenge yourself and develop innovative solutions to food-related problems.

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Find a food-related hackathon or challenge
Form a team or work individually
Develop a solution to the challenge
Submit your solution and present it to a panel of judges

Career center

Learners who complete Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Food Scientist

Food Scientists apply the principles of food science to improve the safety, nutritional value, taste, and texture of food. They also develop new food products and processes. This course can help a Food Scientist to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in food science and to gain a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding the world's food supply. The course may also be helpful for Food Scientists who work in product development or research and development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Nutritionist

Nutritionists are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating nutrition programs and services. They also provide nutrition counseling to individuals and families. This course would be beneficial for Nutritionists who want to learn more about the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Nutritionists to develop a better understanding of the role of nutrition in health and disease, and to gain the skills needed to make effective recommendations to clients about healthy eating.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint. They also develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course can help Sustainability Consultants to gain a better understanding of the environmental and social impacts of the food system, and to develop strategies to promote sustainable food production and consumption.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists are responsible for improving the health and well-being of populations by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. They also develop and implement nutrition policies and programs. This course would be beneficial for Public Health Nutritionists who want to learn more about the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Public Health Nutritionists to develop a better understanding of the role of nutrition in health and disease, and to gain the skills needed to make effective recommendations to policymakers and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. They also work with businesses and governments to implement environmental policies and regulations. This course can help Environmental Scientists to gain a better understanding of the environmental impacts of the food system, and to develop strategies to promote sustainable food production and consumption.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Agronomist

Agronomists are responsible for the management and improvement of soil and crops. They also develop and implement agricultural practices that promote sustainability. This course can help Agronomists to gain a better understanding of the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Agronomists to develop the skills needed to develop and implement sustainable agricultural practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agronomist

Food Safety Inspector

Food Safety Inspectors ensure that food is safe and fit for consumption. They also investigate foodborne illness outbreaks. This course can help Food Safety Inspectors to gain a better understanding of the science behind food safety, and to develop the skills needed to effectively inspect food establishments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Safety Inspector

Food Processing Engineer

Food Processing Engineers design and operate food processing equipment and facilities. They also develop and improve food processing methods. This course can help Food Processing Engineers to gain a better understanding of the science behind food processing, and to develop the skills needed to design and operate food processing equipment and facilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Processing Engineer

Food Technologist

Food Technologists develop and improve food products and processes. They also work with food manufacturers to ensure that food is safe and meets quality standards. This course can help Food Technologists to gain a better understanding of the science behind food production, and to develop the skills needed to develop and improve food products and processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Technologist

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and families. They also develop and implement nutrition programs in schools, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. This course can help Registered Dietitians to gain a better understanding of the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Registered Dietitians to develop the skills needed to provide effective nutrition counseling and education, and to develop and implement nutrition programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Food Entrepreneur

Food Entrepreneurs start and operate businesses that produce, distribute, or sell food. This course can help Food Entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Food Entrepreneurs to develop the skills needed to start and operate a successful food business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Entrepreneur

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases and injuries. They also develop and implement strategies to prevent and control diseases. This course can help Epidemiologists to gain a better understanding of the role of nutrition in health and disease, and the impact of the food system on health outcomes. The course may also be helpful for Epidemiologists who work in foodborne illness or nutrition-related research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Consumer Scientist

Consumer Scientists study the behavior and preferences of consumers. They also develop and implement marketing campaigns. This course can help Consumer Scientists to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence consumer food choices, and to develop strategies to promote healthy eating. The course may also be helpful for Consumer Scientists who work in the food industry.

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Food Writer

Food Writers write about food for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They also develop and publish cookbooks. This course can help Food Writers to gain a better understanding of the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Food Writers to develop the skills needed to write engaging and informative articles about food.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Writer

Food Photographer

Food Photographers take pictures of food for magazines, cookbooks, and websites. This course can help Food Photographers to gain a better understanding of the global food system and the challenges facing it. The course can help Food Photographers to develop the skills needed to take beautiful and appetizing photographs of food.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Photographer