Culinary Skills

Courses

CULS-100: Culinary Fundamentals

An introduction to the application and development of fundamental cooking theories and techniques. Topics of study include tasting, kitchen equipment, knife skills, classical vegetable cuts, stock production, thickening agents, soup preparation, grand sauces, timing and multi-tasking, station organization, palate development, culinary terms, and food costing. The course also introduces the student to fundamental concepts and techniques of basic protein, starch, and vegetable cookery. Emphasis is placed upon the study of ingredients and an introduction to the concepts of ratios and formulas will be given.

CULS-105: Ingredients and Techniques of Fabrication

An introduction to the identification, use, and storage of animal proteins, vegetables, fruits, herbs, dairy, and other foundation ingredients of the professional kitchen. Additional topics include receiving, identifying, fabricating, and storing beef, pork, poultry, flat and round fish, and shellfish. Hands-on exercises emphasize techniques specific to each variety.

CULS-115: Meat Identification, Fabrication, and Utilization

This course will introduce the student to the subject of meats and their application in foodservice operations, building a strong foundation that supports the principles to be learned in the cooking courses to follow. Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and reviews, students will learn about the muscle and bone structure of beef, veal, pork, lamb, game, and poultry; fabrication methods for sub-primal and foodservice cuts; and proper tying and trussing methods. Lectures will introduce meat inspection, quality and yield grading, costing and yield testing, purchasing specifications, and basic information concerning the farm-to-table trail. Discussions will include preferred cooking methods for all meats, proper knife selection, and butchery equipment. Sanitation and safety standards will be stressed throughout.

CULS-116: Seafood Identification and Fabrication

An overview of the principles of receiving, identifying, fabricating, and storing seafood. Identification will involve round fish, flat fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. Topics include knife skills, yield results, quality checks, product tasting, storage of various types of fish, techniques for fabricating cuts for professional kitchens, special storage equipment, commonly used and underutilized species of fish, fishing and aquaculture techniques, and how to choose sustainable species.

CULS-120: Culinary Immersion Tech & Theory

An introduction to, and application of, fundamental cooking theories and techniques. Topics include: tasting, kitchen equipment, knife skills, classical vegetable cuts, stock production, thickening agents, soup preparation, grand sauces, timing, station organization, palate development, culinary French terms, and food costing. (Available to Cornell University students only.)

CULS-125: Contemporary Topics in Culinary Arts

An exploration of contemporary issues to complement a professional chef's skill set. Students will complete hands-on cooking exercises to better understand the dynamics of seasoning, flavor balance, salts and sugars, fats and oils, and umami. Special emphasis is placed on building flavor in a healthy kitchen through appropriate cooking techniques and ingredients such as grains and legumes. Northern California gastronomy is discovered through field trips and a select research topic.

CULS-151: Culinary Practical Examination I (Cooking Practical)

This culinary examination, offered in Signapore only, tests knowledge and proficiency in the principles of cooking and certain fundamental cooking methods--roasting, sautéing, frying, stewing, poaching, and braising. Students will be given an assignment (which includes a soup, protein, vegetable, and starch) to prepare, present, taste, and explain. (High Pass/Pass/Fail grading)

CULS-152: Culinary Practical Examination I (Written Exam)

This culinary examination, offered in Signapore only, tests knowledge and proficiency in the principles of cooking and certain fundamental cooking methods--roasting, sautéing, frying, stewing, poaching, and braising. Students will be given an assignment (which includes a soup, protein, vegetable, and starch) to prepare, present, taste, and explain. (High Pass/Pass/Fail grading)

CULS-189.1: Culinary Immersion Techniques and Theory For the Hospitality Industry

This course provides an introduction to, and application of, fundamental cooking theories and techniques. Topics to be covered include introduction to the culinary arts and the classical brigade, culinary math, kitchen weights and measures, tasting, kitchen equipment, knife skills, classical vegetable cuts, stock production, thickening agents, soup preparation, grand sauces, timing, station organization, palate development, French culinary terms, global perspectives and applications of the techniques learned, and food costing. This course is intended for University of Houston students in partnership with the CIA.

CULS-251: Culinary Practical Examination II

This culinary examination, offered in Singapore only, tests students' understanding of fundamental and more advanced proficiency in the principles of cooking. Students will prepare a menu for two that will include a fish starter and a main course. They are also tested on station setup, preparation skills, product presentation and flavor, and ability to answer a range of questions posed by the faculty member. (High Pass/Pass/Fail grading)