How can data be used to improve the food system? Food Facts Introduction This free, short, online course is for anyone in Scotland and the rest of the world who is interested in the food system and its most interesting controversies and questions, including about human nutrition, animal welfare, dietary sustainability, and agriculture. This course contains video lectures, data resources, and online reading materials, delivered by researchers and industry experts. Are you exposed to a lot of information about foods, from how they are grown and processed to how they nutrients are absorbed in our bodies? Are you unsure about where to find accurate information about agriculture, food, and nutrition? Many people are increasingly interested in eating in a way that supports their health and the planet over time. This course provides a foundation from which to continue explorations into personal dietary choices, public health, and data about various important food system issues. Image There are no prerequisites for this course. It is open to all, regardless of education or experience. You do not need to apply, sign-up, or register. The course will take approximately four hours to complete, however, you can engage with the content as much or as little as you want.You can also request a digital badge on completion by completing a short survey. Go to the feedback page and apply for your digital badge.How to use this courseEach module contains videos, resources which can be downloaded and kept (PDFs), and weblinks. The videos have subtitles which can be turned on or off (click the small CC icon on the bottom right of the video) and the video can be expanded to full screen (click the double arrow icon on the bottom right of the video).Learning OutcomesAfter completing this course, you will be able to:Describe various food system and nutrition myths and misconceptionsAnalyse various claims about food, nutrition, and agriculture that are made in the news media, social media, and public discourseUnderstand where to find and how to use reliable data and information about food, nutrition, and agricultureLicenseCreative Commons License - CC-BY-NC HTML Module 1: Human Nutrition Needs What does “nutrition” mean? Learn about the nutrients that people need, the food sources of nutrients, and the social challenges of how we eat and talk about eating. Module 2: Livestock and Animal Sourced Foods What is the role of animal sourced foods in the food system? Learn about protein sources in human diets, animal welfare, livestock policies, and data on livestock around the world. Module 3: Finding Reliable Food and Nutrition Information Where can we find reliable information about food? Learn where to find safe and reliable information from experts, and how to look out for red flags. Module 4: Food Waste and Food Safety How can food safety be improved, and food waste be reduced? There are many aspects of foods that matter to our health besides just the nutrient content. Module 5: Dietary Sustainability How can diets become more sustainable for the planet? Food production causes 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Course Contributors Learn more about the work of contributors to this course. This article was published on 2024-09-02
