CAS The Science and Art of Chocolate

The CAS is designed for:

• Food and chocolate professionals aiming to advance expertise in production, sustainability, and marketing.
• Entrepreneurs—established or new—seeking a strong foundation in both science and craftsmanship.
• Chocolate lovers eager to explore the art and science of fine chocolate.
• Innovators committed to building sustainable value chains in the sector.

Graduates will gain:

• A solid understanding of cocoa and chocolate science.
• Skills in sourcing and evaluating sustainable ingredients.
• Expertise in cocoa varieties, farming, and flavor impact.
• Knowledge of fermentation and aroma development.
• Ability to analyze chocolate’s composition for taste, function, and health.
• Tools to optimize recipes and processes.
• Artisanal skills for crafting premium products.
• Sensory expertise for quality and innovation.
• Practical experience through real-world projects.
• The vision to turn science into sustainable market solutions.

• Cocoa origins, diversity, and quality.
• Sustainable sourcing and trade.
• Economic, social, and environmental aspects.
• Cocoa varieties for different uses.
• Chocolate as culture and art.
• From bean to bar: origin, process, and design.

• Cocoa components—aroma, butter, polyphenols.
• Fermentation, roasting, and conching for quality.
• Re-Nut approach: using the whole fruit for innovation.
• Terroir and artisanal methods for origin-driven chocolate.
• Creative product design grounded in science.

• Professional sensory methods and testing.
• Certification: Chocolate Sensory Licence.
• Effects of processing on aroma, texture, and melt.
• Development of sensory vocabulary and flavor profile.
• Applying sensory insights to quality, R&D, and communication.

• Apply CAS knowledge to real industry challenges.
• Develop sustainable, science-based solutions.
• Analyze issues from multiple perspectives.
• Implement creative, practice-oriented concepts.
• Present results professionally to industry partners.

The CAS is based on a practice-oriented approach that combines lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on projects. Participants work on micro-projects that bridge theory and practice. These projects are guided by experts and reflected upon in learning groups.

The program includes:

• 18 days (8 days on-site, 10 days online)

• In addition to the classroom sessions, participants deepen their knowledge through self-directed study (approx. 18 days)

  
  2025

• November 12 to 15  (Wed to Sat) on-site

• followed by 10 online sessions (Wednesdays, in the afternoon and evening (CET))

  - November 26
  - December 3, 10, and 17

  2026

  - January 14 and 21
  - February 4, 18, and 25
  - March 4

• March 18 to 21 (Wed to Sat) on-site

Participation requires a university degree or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, professionals with relevant work experience may be admitted if their suitability is confirmed by the program director.
Please refer to the attached study regulations for the CAS.

The "General terms and conditions for continuing education courses" and the "Framework Study Regulations for Diploma and Certificate Programs" at ZHAW apply.

Would you like to make a difference in the world? Do you meet the requirements for our continuing education programmes and want to pursue further training at the ZHAW? Then register now and get ready to experience one of our multi-faceted and challenging continuing education programmes. We look forward to welcoming you soon as one of our students.

Registration is a three-step process.

1. Create your switch edu-ID
   A switch edu-ID is your digital identity for accessing web resources in the academic world. You need to provide your first name, last name and your personal e-mail address.
   Create switch edu-ID
2. Provide necessary information and supporting documents
   Students enrolling in continuing education programmes need to provide the following:
   
   Personal information:
   Swiss social security number
   (13-digit number in the format: 000.0000.0000.00)
   If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find this on your AHV ID card or on your Swiss health insurance card.
   
   Swiss matriculation number
   (8-digit number in the format: xx-xxx-xxx)
   If you have already been enrolled at a Swiss university or university of applied sciences, you will find your matriculation number on:
   - your matriculation or exmatriculation document from a Swiss university
   - the student eligibility document used for your first matriculation at a Swiss university
     (this is a yellow adhesive label on your high school certificate or diploma)
   
   Documents:
   - Current CV
   - A copy of your highest education certificate
   - A photo of yourself for your ZHAW Student ID (CampusCard)
      (file format: JPG or JPEG /file size pixels: 300x400)
3. Submit application
   Answer the questions in our online application form to complete your registration.

Note:
If you expect to receive emails from us during the admission process and do not receive any, please check your spam folder.
If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact your admissions contact person.

If the start status is “on request” or “ongoing,” please add your name to the non-binding list of interested parties. We will inform you immediately when the next course is scheduled to start.