Course title
7M9904001
Science of cooking

paolo mele
Course content
The scientific principles of chemistry, materials science and physics will be introduced as fundamentals of the science of nutrition and cooking: molecular gastronomy and physical gastronomy.
The course is based on "western-style" foods and cooking methods, especially Italian. From time to time Asian cooking ingredients and styles are introduced. At the end, an overview on Japanese cuisine and its methods will be given.
It is worth noting that metabolism, physiology, and biochemical processes of digestion overcome the scope of this course.
Purpose of class
From the point of view of science of cooking, the students will learn and use methods of scientific discovery/inquiry, and they will consolidate the disciplinary methods of chemistry, materials science and physics.
The students will also understand the molecular basis of food and nutrition and the importance of science in cooking
Goals and objectives
  1. Students will understand the concepts of molecular gastronomy, taste, smell, and cooking processes
  2. Students will learn about browning reactions; they will learn about chemistry, physics and nutrition facts of meat, fish, dough and milk derivatives
  3. Students will learn about chemistry, physics and nutrition facts of eggs, seasonings, spices, fruits, and vegetables
  4. Students will learn about chemistry, physics and nutrition facts of alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate and will learn the scientific principles of Japanese cuisine
  5. Students will be able to prepare a report on a topic of their choice and discuss it in a short presentation in classroom at the middle of the course
  6. Students will be able to prepare a report on a topic of their choice and discuss it in a short presentation in classroom at the end of the course
Language
English
Class schedule

Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Introduction to the course.
Science of food and cooking: molecular gastronomy
Read handouts part 1 170minutes
2. Science of taste and smell Read handouts part 2 170minutes
3. Heating, cooking methods and utensils: physical gastronomy Read handouts part 3 170minutes
4. Browning (Maillard reaction), meat and fish Read handouts part 4 170minutes
Reply to questionnaire 1 60minutes
5. Cereal dough and batters: bread, pizza, pasta, cakes and pastry Read handouts part 5 170minutes
6. Milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt and sour cream Read handouts part 6 170minutes
7. Eggs, custards, foams and sauces Read handouts part 7 170minutes
Reply to questionnaire 2 60minutes
8. Mid-term examination in class: discussion of reports and presentation in front of colleagues Preparation of report 1 85minutes
Preparation of presentation 1 100minutes
9. Seasonings, spices, grains, legumes and nuts Read handouts part 9 170minutes
10. Fruits, plants and vegetables Read handouts part 10 170minutes
11. Wine, beer, and spirits Read handouts part 11 170minutes
Reply to questionnaire 3 60minutes
12. Chocolate, candies and coffee Read handouts part 12 170minutes
13. Japanese traditional cuisine and beverages Read handouts part 13 170minutes
reply to questionnaire 4 60minutes
14. End-term examination in class: discussion of reports and presentation in front of colleagues Preparation of report 2 85minutes
Preparation of presentation 2 100minutes
Total. - - 2650minutes
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

Questionnaires report 1 report 2 presentation 1 presentation 2 Total.
1. 10% 10%
2. 10% 10%
3. 10% 10%
4. 10% 10%
5. 15% 15% 30%
6. 15% 15% 30%
Total. 40% 15% 15% 15% 15% -
Evaluation method and criteria
The 4 questionnaires are compulsory and will contribute 40% of your grade (10% from each questionnaire)
Mid-term exam is based on a report (15%) and a presentation (15%) and will contribute 30% of your grade.
End-term exam is based on a report (15%) and a presentation (15%) and will contribute 30% of your grade.
There is not final examination
Textbooks and reference materials
Handouts provided by the teacher.
Textbooks for reference: J. J. Provost et al, "The science of cooking", Wiley 2016; P. Barham, "The science of cooking", Springer 2001
Prerequisites
Undergraduate level background in chemistry and physics
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Contact via e-mail,
    the e-mail addresses to Dr. Paolo Mele: pmele[at]shibaura-it.ac.jp
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
N/A
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
    Last modified : Wed Apr 07 04:04:56 JST 2021