University College Dublin (UCD) is set to offer a micro-credential Level 8 course titled Alternative Proteins for Sustainable Food Systems, providing an in-depth exploration of alternative proteins and the rationale behind animal-free products.
The module will focus on the technologies and materials used to produce foods from plants, algae, fungi, precision fermentation, and cellular agriculture. It covers conventional and novel food technologies, along with the environmental impact of agrifood production, principles of sustainable food production, and the circular bioeconomy. Health and ethical considerations will also be discussed.
Teaching methods will include lectures, group activities, expert guest presentations, and continuous assessments. Non-food uses for alternative proteins will also be briefly considered.
The course is led by Dr. Camila Perussello and will be delivered online by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals. It aims to address critical industry and societal needs by bridging gaps in sustainability knowledge and practical engineering skills.
Preventing climate collapse
In recent years, there has been an uptick in university courses related to alternative proteins. In 2022, Johns Hopkins University in the US introduced a course called Food of the Future, focused on plant-based and cultivated alternative proteins. And last year, Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA) launched what was claimed to be the first undergraduate degree in cellular agriculture.
“Overwhelming evidence shows that a plant-centred food system is necessary to prevent a climate collapse and put us on track for a decent future,” Dr. Camila Perussello told vegconomist last year. “A plant-based food system can reduce carbon emissions and diet-related diseases, save water and land, restore forests, boost biodiversity, and feed our growing population nutritious food. And most importantly, an animal-free food system would cease to reduce trillions of living beings to inanimate objects every year.”
The ten-week UCD course course costs €650 and provides 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. Places are limited, and those interested in participating should apply by May 3 2025 to begin studying on May 15.
