Recipes: The Chemistry and Math of Food

Food is a crucial part of everyday life. We prepare it. We ingest it. Through our food, we apply chemistry principles on a regular basis, without even recognizing it. In this program we will explore topics in chemistry and mathematics connected to food. We will investigate answers to the questions: Why does popcorn pop? Why are so many low fat foods low in flavor? Why are some vitamins fat soluble while others water soluble, and why does that matter? What does gluten do? Why does spicy food burn?

This exploratory program is preparatory for entry-level programs in the sciences. Introductory concepts in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry will be introduced and explored. We will study protein denaturation and make mozzarella. We will explore nixtamalization and make tortillas. In the laboratory setting, students will get exposure to and practice with measurements, spectrophotometers, lab safety, and work on general lab techniques. Quantitative thinking for science will be integrated throughout our studies by analyzing lab data, quantifying nutritional profiles, critically comparing diets, etc. Math topics will include proportional reasoning and unit conversions, and various families of functions (polynomial, exponential, logarithmic), with special emphasis placed on relating math to food. Societal issues connected to food will also be incorporated, and you will explore the foods of your cultures. Students will combine applied quantitative, writing, and oral communication skills in a quarter-long project related to food.

We will explore these topics through assignments, seminars, exams and quizzes, laboratory experiments, a potential field trip, and a project.

This program prepares you for entry-level science programs and courses such as Integrated Natural Science, Introduction to Environmental Studies, and Precalculus I.

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen. Students expected to take Greener Foundations should use CRN 10170 to register for a 2-credit Greener Foundations course in addition to this 14-credit program. 

First-year students who are not expected to take Greener Foundations or have been granted an exemption should use CRN 10169 to register for this program. Find more details about who isn't expected to take Greener Foundations on the Greener Foundations website.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

6 - Introductory Food Chemistry with Lab

6 - Algebraic Thinking for Scientists

2 - Food and Social Justice