“Modern Science is not only in complete harmony with modern food technology but modern science drives current food technology and it affects the quality of life for individuals and families.” Maxine Rowley, Utah Board of Education, FACS division

This curriculum will provide a union of science with food processing and preparation. The curriculum format is organized around a theme of scientific principles which form part of the foundation of food technology. Students will practice the application of science principles to prepare food that is nutritious and pleasing. Our goal will be to make the students understanding of science concrete, utilizing application experiences in the nutrition and foods lab.

Food Science Course Objectives:

  1. Evaluate impact of science and technology on food supply
  2. Apply basic math and technical writing skills to real world food problems
  3. Build an awareness of helpful and harmful effects of micro-organisms on the food supply
  4. Connect science basics to individual daily encounters with food and food choices
  5. Identify how scientific principles are involved with food preparation
  6. Promote wiser food choices and develop an awareness of the health impact of these choices
  7. Evaluate future technology advances as they apply to food
  8. Explore how the scientific process is used to develop new products
  9. Explore careers in the field of food science and technology

Food Science Outline

I.What is food science?

a.Overview of the industry

b.Brief history

c. Trends – Food as medicine, portion sizes, etc.

1. Cost, technology

2. Culture – health

d.Why study? Personal, social and environmental justification

Ex. Power Point presentation as to how today’s “generations” view food

preparation

II. Scientific Evaluation

a.Scientific method

b.Understanding metric units

c.Using basic lab equipment and procedures

d. Mathematical accuracy in measuring

e. Review of Chemistry

The instructors will utilize textbook and lab manual information to

reinforce what has previously been learned in science labs regarding lab

procedures, recording methods and basic chemistry.

III.Sensory Evaluation

a.Sensory appeal

b.Odor recognition

c.Taste panels

The instructors will be conducting a number of labs and panels to

reinforce the sensory aspects of food choice

The instructors will utilize the text, labs and online programs to instruct students regarding science in relationship to nutrients, foods and the marketing of foods in the following units:

IV.Nutrition

a.Digestion process, tract, and metabolism

b.Sugar: The simplest carbohydrate

c.Complex carbohydrates: starches, cellulose, gums and pectins

d.Lipids: Nature’s flavor enhancers

e.Proteins: Amino acids and peptides

f.Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals

g.Water: The universal solvent

h.USDA Food Pyramid

i.Food Labeling

j. Food Processing with Genetically Modified Organisms

V.Food chemistry

a.Basic review of chemistry concepts – elements, compounds and mixtures

b.Chemical versus physical changes

c. Reaction – enzymes, water, acids, bases

d.Matter in motion

e.Enzymes in Food Systems

f.Additives

g. Energy

VI.Food Microbiology

a.Aseptic technique – safety

b. Hand washing

c. Food safety in the home

d.Bacteria – fermentation

e.Yeast – chemical leavening agents

f.Molds

g.Viruses

VII. Food Preservation & Technology

a.Thermal preservation: hot and cold

b.Dehydration

c.Irradiation

d.Pasteurization

VII.Developing new products

a.Farm to table continuum

b.Analyzing the market

c.Brainstorming ideas

d.Market testing

e.Creating a package

f.Developing a label

g.Marketing the product

  1. Careers in Food Science – will be interspersed throughout the units

Speakers: Food Safety and Food Scientists – Malt O’ Meal - Northfield

Field Trips: Famous Dave’s Test Kitchen, Eden Prairie, MN

General Mills Sensory Lab, Golden Valley, MN

Bushel Boy Greenhouses, Owatonna, MN

Lab Manual (overview) – Science and our Food Supply – FDA and NSTA - Investigating Food Safety from Farm to Table

Bacteria everywhere

Food chain

Danger zone

UHT vs. pasteurization of milk

Heat and storage effects

Juice

bacteria count

pasteurized juice

Hamburger lab – food born illness

Internal temperature of meat

Food safety – ground beef – refrigeration

Cross contamination – fast foods

Science and food supply

Chemistry and food

Food comparisons – starch vs. sugar tests, lipids

Food color

Enzymes

Labeling and packaging

Product development

Acids and bases

Digestion

Produce poison – Top 10 Dirty Foods

Text Book: Food Science – The Biochemistry of Food and Nutrition by Mehas and Rodgers, 5th edition, copyright 2006.

Units:

  1. The world of food science
  2. The food science lab
  3. Chemistry and fundamentals
  4. The science of nutrition
  5. The chemistry of food
  6. The microbiology of food processing