Introduction to Sensory Science
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Introduction to Sensory Science
This course is part of Essentials of Sensory Science Specialization
Instructor: Rebecca Bleibaum
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4 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
Did you know there's a science behind the flavors, textures, and aromas of the foods we eat, and why our favorite products look, feel, and smell the way that they do? In this course, we will provide a broad overview of the field of sensory science - its history, definition, and applications in academic research and in the consumer-packaged goods industry. Weβll also discuss how sensory science impacts other industries, including the medical sciences and information processing. We will also explore the roles of sensory evaluation in relation to the human instrument, marketing, product development, and quality assurance. Whether you are interested in better understanding your favorite foods or looking to expand your knowledge of the sensory sciences, this course is an excellent place to start.
In this module, we will explore the history of sensory science, provide a definition of sensory science, and describe the array of senses involved in our studies. We will also discuss the disciplines involved in the study of sensory science and describe three testing methods. Let's get started.
What's included
7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
7 videosβ’Total 56 minutes
- Course Introductionβ’6 minutes
- Module Introductionβ’6 minutes
- What are the Sensory Sciences: A Historical Presentationβ’17 minutes
- What are the Sensory Sciences: Sensory Evaluation Definitionβ’4 minutes
- What are the Sensory Sciences: The Sensesβ’8 minutes
- What are the Sensory Sciences: Academic Disciplines Involved in Sensory Scienceβ’7 minutes
- What are the Sensory Sciences: Classification of Test Methodsβ’8 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 106 minutes
- Course Navigation and Safety Statementβ’1 minute
- Evolution of the Sensory Sciencesβ’75 minutes
- A Personal History of Sensory Scienceβ’30 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 30 minutes
- Module 1 Quizβ’30 minutes
1 discussion promptβ’Total 20 minutes
- Introduce Yourselfβ’20 minutes
Where does sensory science fit into the world from a broader perspective? In this module, we will discuss the various applications of basic sensory research and how it impacts our work. We will also discuss how sensory science impacts the medical sciences, communication and information processing industries. We will end this module with a discussion on transduction and how nutrition plays a role in sensory research. Let's begin.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videosβ’Total 22 minutes
- Module Introductionβ’6 minutes
- Basic Sensory Research: Medical Sciencesβ’5 minutes
- Basic Sensory Research: Communication and Information Processing Industriesβ’4 minutes
- Basic Sensory Research: Transductionβ’2 minutes
- Basic Sensory Research: Nutritionβ’5 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Module 2 Quizβ’15 minutes
The more we understand about how the human works, the more we understand about our data collection instrument β people. In this module, we will discuss the roles of sensory evaluation in relation to the human instrument, grading, and quality assurance. Let's begin.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videosβ’Total 32 minutes
- Module Introductionβ’5 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Introductionβ’4 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: The Human Instrumentβ’8 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Gradingβ’3 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Quality Assuranceβ’11 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Module 3 Quizβ’15 minutes
In this final module, we will continue our discussion on the roles of sensory evaluation in relation to chemical/physical properties, product development in both food and non-food products. This module will end with an optional podcast conversation with Dr. Herbert Stone. Let's wrap things up.
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
5 videosβ’Total 32 minutes
- Module Introductionβ’6 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Correlation of Sensory and Chemical/Physical Propertiesβ’6 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Product Development and Marketingβ’8 minutes
- Roles of Sensory Evaluation: Non-food Productsβ’7 minutes
- Course Summaryβ’4 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 135 minutes
- (Optional) Podcast: A Conversation with Dr. Herbert Stoneβ’55 minutes
- Example Food: What are its Sensory Properties and Why it that Important?β’20 minutes
- Evolution of the Sensory Science Disciplinesβ’60 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Module 4 Quizβ’15 minutes
2 discussion promptsβ’Total 40 minutes
- (Optional Forum) Podcast: Dr. Herbert Stoneβ’10 minutes
- Self-Reflectionβ’30 minutes
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Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023
Inspiring and very motivating to deep dive into sensory science. A
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