Why gastronomy

Have you ever wondered why some restaurant operators become celebrities, are featured on TV shows, become media experts, achieve financial success and respect, and people have to book their restaurants way in advance?

The title of Master in Gastronomy or Master In Culinary Arts is a gate that opens the door to an interesting, diverse, and prospective international career all around the world.  The faculty was launched by Harvard and Boston Universities, as well as universities in France, England and Switzerland. The best chefs in the world have a diploma in gastronomy, as well as leading hotel and restaurant owners and thousands of other people who have learned on their way to perfection that seemingly simple things are not so simple at all. In developed countries, university education in this field is the norm.

Gastronomy as an academic major is a relatively new, but rapidly developing phenomenon in the world of science. Why should gastronomy be considered science? After all, a diploma is not needed to make bread. Just like it is not needed to pull out teeth, either. After all, it was done by blacksmiths in the past, right? There is a growing need for a professional approach to nutrition, as an important element of life, as well as a growing interest in specialized education in this field. Gastronomy  has become elevated into a culinary art, shaped by a variety of professionals taking care of our life satisfaction.

Why is culinary art an art? What makes it different from ordinary cooking? Knowledge? Instinct? Experience? Passion? Awareness? Something else?

Gastronomy  is medicine, dietetics, technology, economics and the secrets of business management, logistics, marketing, law and many other complementary fields. We teach all of these and more at the specialist undergraduate studies of Gastronomy at the Silesian Academy of Medical Sciences.

Gastronomy is not only cooking, but also the composition of dishes, the right selection of ingredients, their sources, processing, food technology, presentation methods, nutritional values, customer satisfaction, health, and thus the well-being and loyalty of our guests. It is working with people, psychology, managing or being a member of a team, learning modern technologies, equipment, devices, techniques, sales strategies, sustainable development, local market, as well as holistic body care, including alimentation, absorption of nutrients, healing properties of dishes, etc. Gastronomy is also food journalism, culinary press and television programs, tourism, social events such as weddings, catering, supplies, interior furnishings and decorations market, design and, of course, business.

Eurostat research shows that we spend the majority of our revenues on food, and the trend is still growing with noticeably rapid growth in recent years of the luxury products market around the world, which is made up of not just products and material goods but also services – “products for the soul”. Statistics show that the spending ratio for luxury intangible products is higher for wealthy people with well-established fortunes, not only in terms of numbers on the account, but also in terms of history and tradition. In Poland, the potential for growth of this kind of market is particularly high. Naturally, you can drive a Mercedes and eat at McDrive, but this is not likely to go hand-in-hand. High-end consumers will not be content with any food. They care about health, satisfaction and image. This trend, especially in Poland, is growing at an amazing pace. Food is art, passion, a way of life. The faculty of Gastronomy at the Silesian Academy of Medical Sciences is an answer to this trend.

Program

Original study program

The study program combines knowledge in the field of biochemistry, dietetics and gastronomy with practical professional skills required in contemporary market conditions.

Our curriculum covers all recommended areas included in the education standards for this faculty. In addition, the curriculum has been supplemented with courses that prepare for work in the chosen specialization. The content of these courses includes, among others, culinary art, carving, or meeting the nutritional needs of various population and cultural groups.
An integral part of the study program are vocational trainings meant to allow the students to acquire the skills necessary for them to work in the catering industry.

Sample courses

The studies are practical in nature - a major part of workshops is conducted in specialist laboratories and classrooms, including a professionally equipped kitchen.

Key advantages of the Academy

Well-equipped facilities

Silesian College of Medicine in Katowice is one of the best equipped universities in Silesia. We have prepared for our students spacious and modern nutrition, biology, chemistry and other laboratories.
The studies are practical in nature – a major part of the workshops is conducted in professionally prepared laboratories, including a specially equipped kitchen.

 Lecturers-practitioners

Our lecturers boast extensive academic experience, years of teaching practice as well as specialist knowledge acquired while working in catering companies. Many of our lecturers are employees of the food or tourist industry. The students of the Academy have the opportunity to work with their future employers.

Excellent location

Silesian College of Medicine in Katowice is located in a modern building in the very center of Katowice at 29 Mickiewicza Street, close to the main transport hubs and on the edge of a paid parking zone. The building has such facilities as a canteen, a restaurant, rest areas with a patio, a post office, a kiosk and a medical clinic.

Students on Silesian College of Medicine in Katowice

Our students' opinions are the best proof that it is worth to study at the Silesian Academy of Medical Sciences.
Here are some reviews of the College that they shared on our Facebook profile.