FDSC 5206

Fermentation of Food

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Fermentation of food changed the course of human history. This course will help interested students learn about fermentations, generally, and concentrate on examples within major categories of fermented foods: fruit, vegetable, dairy, soybean, and grain. We will describe the cultures that developed and consume different fermented foods, and how microbes interact with their environments and with each other during food fermentations. Students in the course will develop an overview of the scientific principles and practices behind fermentation, and gain practical experience in sensory evaluation while increasing their enjoyment of foods.

Prerequisites background equivalent to: BIOG 1140 or BIOG 1440 or BIOG 1500 or BIOMG 1350 or BIOEE 1610 or BIOEE 1780 or BIOAP 1100 or PLSCI 1115; CHEM 2070 or CHEM 1560.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the importance of fermentations to human history, health, & cultures.
• Explain basic chemical and biological changes that occur during fermentation of different raw materials.
• Match particular foods with the specific microbes involved in that foods' production.
• Describe the basic microbial ecology of different food fermentations.
• Explain general procedures for production of specific foods.
• Describe the flavor attributes of fermented foods.

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