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The Science of Gastronomy — HKUST

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Offered by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on the course platform, this course introduces the scientific principles behind cooking, food preparation, and the enjoyment of food. With a strong basis in biology, chemistry, and physics, the course explores topics such as the physiology of taste, geographic and cultural influences on food, and the science of flavor enhancement.

Duration

18 hours

Level

Beginner

Deadline

No Deadline

🌐 Available Languages: English, 中文, Español, Français, العربية, Русский

📅 Last Updated: 2026-03-24

Enroll Now → Get Step-by-Step Guide — $9.99

📋 Prerequisites

No prior knowledge of food science or chemistry is required. The course is designed for anyone with curiosity about the science behind the food we eat.

👥 Who Should Take This Course

• Food enthusiasts curious about the science of cooking
• Students exploring food science and nutrition careers
• Home cooks wanting to understand the chemistry behind their recipes
• Anyone interested in the intersection of science and gastronomy

📚 What You Will Learn

The Evolution of Cooking and Cooked Food Consumption

Physiology of the Senses: Taste, Smell, and Texture

Geographic, Cultural, and Historical Influences on Food

The Chemistry of Flavor: Enhancing Taste Through Science

Food Preparation Techniques and the Science Behind Them

Coloration, Presentation, and the Visual Appeal of Food

🏛️ About the Institution — The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world-class research-intensive university focused on science, technology, business, humanities, and social science. HKUST was among the first universities in Greater China to partner with Coursera in 2012.

Founded

1991

Location

Hong Kong, China

Recognition

#47 Global University — QS World University Rankings

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What languages is this course available in? ▼

The course is available with subtitles in numerous languages including English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, and many more, making it accessible to a global audience.

Does the course include hands-on cooking assignments? ▼

Yes, some assignments involve preparing food and observing the scientific principles in action. You can substitute ingredients or adjust activities based on dietary needs or preferences.

How popular is this course? ▼

The course has drawn over 100,000 enrollments worldwide, making it one of HKUST's most popular MOOCs. It is taught by professors from the Division of Life Science and Department of Chemistry.

🏷️ Topics

#food-science #gastronomy #HKUST #cooking-science #chemistry #biology #culinary

📖 Get Step-by-Step Guide

Complete walkthrough with screenshots, tips, and troubleshooting

✓ Step-by-step registration walkthrough
✓ Screenshot tutorials for each step
✓ Common mistakes to avoid
✓ Tips to complete faster
✓ Troubleshooting FAQ

$9.99 — Get Step-by-Step Guide

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