The Science of Beer from edX

Have you ever taken a sip of beer and wondered why it tastes a certain way or what effect the alcohol has on your body?

In this course, you will learn all about beer, including how it's made, the raw materials used, it's supply chain, how it's marketed and the effect of beer consumption on your body.

After this course, tasting a beer will be an entirely new sensation: you will enjoy it even more since you will better understand what's inside your drink. Not to mention, to be a responsible drinker it is important to know what effects beer has on your health. You will gain a natural view on this, allowing you to form your own well-grounded opinion.

The MOOC The Science of Beer is developed by students of Wageningen University & Research in honour of the 100 year anniversary of the university. The students have received guidance from professors and experts in the field of food production, health risks, marketing, logistics and sustainable supply chains to ensure a high-quality learning experience for everyone. In this MOOC your teachers will truly be your peers!

So, are you interested in the science behind your beer? Register for this course now!

What you'll learn

Identify the steps involved in the supply chain of beer
Explain the effect of each step in beer production
Design a production process for different beer styles
Describe the characteristics and cultivation of the main raw materials
Name the main historical events related to beer
Explain how marketers try to influence consumer behaviour.
Describe the pathway of beer through the human body
Look at the health effects related to beer consumption

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the steps involved in the supply chain of beer
Explain the effect of each step in beer production
Design a production process for different beer styles
Describe the characteristics and cultivation of the main raw materials

Name the main historical events related to beer
Explain how marketers try to influence consumer behaviour.
Describe the pathway of beer through the human body
Look at the health effects related to beer consumption

Identify the steps involved in the supply chain of beer
Explain the effect of each step in beer production
Design a production process for different beer styles
Describe the characteristics and cultivation of the main raw materials
Name the main historical events related to beer
Explain how marketers try to influence consumer behaviour.
Describe the pathway of beer through the human body
Look at the health effects related to beer consumption

Syllabus

Module 1: Production of Beer In this two-week module you will learn everything about the production process of beer. You will explore different beer styles, be confronted with quality issues and make choices on beer logistics. **

Module 2: Raw materials of beer and cultivation practices You will deepen your understanding on the raw materials of beer. You will find out how their cultivation and the environment influence each other.

Module 3: Marketing of beer and cultural effects You will explore how beers are marketed. After thismodule you will see through the marketing tricks that marketers use, and have knowledge of its impact on the image and culture of beer. Module 4: Consumption of beer and health effects ** In this week you will follow the pathway that beer takes after it is consumed. You will form your own opinion on responsible drinking, by comparing both positive and negative effects on the human health.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches about beer production, marketing, health, raw materials, and historical events

Instructors are students of Wageningen University & Research, providing a unique perspective

Explores beer supply chain, cultivation practices, and marketing strategies

Looks at beer consumption and its effects on human health, fostering informed decision-making

Requires knowledge of biology, chemistry, and food science for full comprehension

May not provide sufficient depth for those seeking advanced knowledge in brewing or health sciences

Reviews summary

Beer studies examined

According to students, the Science of Beer is a well-received course with engaging assignments and knowledgeable instructors. They say the course is highly recommended, especially for those interested in the brewing process.

Students love the course content and instructors.

"I like this course a lot!"

"It is so much fun to learn more about beer..."

"Highly recommended!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Science of Beer with these activities:

Join a Study Group

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Participating in collective learning activities, like group study, has been shown to promote retention. This is a low-stakes environment for learners to engage with the material and get support from peers.

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Find a study group to join.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate in discussions.
Help other students with their learning.

Summarize Course Materials

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Summarizing key course materials will aid in retention and comprehensive understanding. It will also give learners the opportunity to assess their progress and identify areas that need further reinforcement.

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Review your course materials.
Identify the key points of each section.
Write a summary of each section.
Review your summaries regularly.

Review General Chemistry

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General Chemistry is a prerequisite for this course. Before the course starts, do a quick review to refresh your knowledge of basic chemistry concepts.

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Review your old general chemistry notes.
Take a practice quiz.
Watch some online videos about general chemistry.

Ten other activities

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Review Basic Chemistry Concepts

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Refreshing your chemistry knowledge will provide a stronger foundation for understanding the chemical processes involved in beer production.

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Review concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions.
Focus on concepts relevant to beer production, such as the chemistry of fermentation and the role of enzymes.
Use online resources, textbooks, or videos to supplement your review.

Analyze Beer Styles

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Practice identifying and describing different beer styles to solidify your understanding of beer characteristics.

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Gather a variety of beers representing different styles.
Taste and analyze each beer, noting its color, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Classify each beer into its appropriate style using the knowledge gained from the course.
Compare and contrast the different styles you encounter, identifying their similarities and differences.
Use your findings to create a beer style guide or presentation to share with others.

Develop a Beer Tasting Guide

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Creating a beer tasting guide will sharpen your sensory analysis skills and deepen your appreciation for the complexities of different beers.

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Gather a variety of beers for your tasting.
Develop a tasting guide that includes sections for appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Taste each beer and record your observations in the guide.
Compare and contrast the different beers you taste.
Share your beer tasting guide with others to educate them about the nuances of beer.

Create a Beer Marketing Plan

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This course covers marketing strategies, but does not go into detail about how these strategies apply to unique products like alcoholic beverages. This exercise will encourage learners to think critically about marketing tactics in the context of beer.

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Research the beer market.
Identify your target audience.
Develop a marketing strategy.
Create a marketing budget.
Implement your marketing plan.

Assist at a Local Brewery

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Gain hands-on experience in a real-world brewery, observing the different stages of beer production and interacting with industry professionals.

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Contact local breweries to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Assist with tasks such as cleaning equipment, packaging beers, or guiding tours.
Observe the brewery operations and ask questions to expand your knowledge.
Network with brewery staff and learn about career opportunities.

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing: The Classic Guide to Making Your Own Beer

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Craft beer enthusiasts will benefit from the tips and knowledge found in this primer on beer. Familiarity with the brewing process will allow more engaged participation in other parts of the course.

View Homebrewer's Companion Second Edition: The... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first three chapters.
Choose a beer style to brew.
Gather the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Brew your first batch of beer!

Develop a Marketing Campaign for a New Beer

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Applying the concepts of beer marketing to a real-world scenario will enhance your understanding of consumer behavior and market segmentation.

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Conduct market research to identify the target audience and their preferences.
Develop a unique selling proposition and brand identity for the beer.
Design a marketing campaign that includes a mix of traditional and digital channels.
Implement the marketing campaign and track its effectiveness.
Evaluate the results and make adjustments to the campaign as needed.

Make a Tripel Beer

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This tutorial will demonstrate the step-by-step process of making a complex, yet impressive tripel beer. This activity will solidify skills in using brewing equipment, managing fermentation, and monitoring quality control.

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Find a recipe for a Tripel beer online.
Gather the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Follow the recipe instructions to brew your beer.
Taste your beer and make adjustments as needed.

Design a Home Brewery

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Designing a home brewery will challenge your understanding of the entire beer production process and encourage you to apply your knowledge practically.

Browse courses on Beer Production

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Determine the space and equipment required for your home brewery.
Research different brewing methods and select the one that best suits your needs.
Source the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Set up your brewery and begin brewing your own beers.
Experiment with different recipes and techniques to refine your brewing skills.

Design a New Beer Recipe

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The course focuses on the science of beer, but the craft of beer relies on experimentation. This activity will allow for this hands-on exploration while also consolidating knowledge gained in previous sections on ingredients and brewing techniques.

Browse courses on Recipe Development

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Choose a style of beer to brew.
Research different ingredients and their effects on beer flavor.
Develop a recipe for your beer.
Brew a small batch of your beer and test it.
Make adjustments to your recipe as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of Beer will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Brewmaster

Brewmasters oversee the brewing process, ensuring that beer meets quality standards. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of beer production, from原料 selection to fermentation and packaging. By learning about the science behind beer, you will gain valuable knowledge to succeed as a Brewmaster. The course covers topics such as beer styles, quality control, and production logistics, equipping you with the skills to manage a brewery efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brewmaster

Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop and improve food products, ensuring their safety and quality. This course offers insights into the science of beer, including the characteristics and cultivation of raw materials, the production process, and the impact of beer consumption on health. This knowledge is essential for Food Scientists working in the beverage industry, enabling them to develop innovative and safe beer products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Managers ensure that products meet quality standards. In the beer industry, this role involves monitoring the production process, conducting tests, and implementing quality control measures. This course provides a deep understanding of beer production and quality issues, enabling you to effectively manage quality control in a brewery.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Manager

Production Manager

Production Managers oversee production processes, ensuring efficiency and productivity. This course covers the production of beer in detail, including logistics,原料 management, and quality control. By gaining knowledge in these areas, you will be well-equipped to manage beer production operations and optimize efficiency in a brewery.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing strategies to promote products and services. This course provides insights into beer marketing, including consumer behavior and market segmentation. Understanding these concepts will help you develop effective marketing campaigns for beer products, increasing brand awareness and sales.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers plan and execute the movement of goods and materials. This course covers the supply chain of beer, including原料 sourcing, transportation, and distribution. By gaining knowledge in logistics, you will be able to optimize the movement of beer products, reducing costs and ensuring timely delivery to consumers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Manager

Sales Representative

Sales Representatives promote and sell products and services. This course provides knowledge about beer, its production, and its marketing. By understanding these aspects, you will be able to effectively communicate the value of beer products to customers, drive sales, and build relationships with clients in the beer industry.

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Bartender

Bartenders prepare and serve alcoholic beverages. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of beer, including its styles, flavors, and production. By gaining knowledge in these areas, you will be able to provide excellent service to customers, make informed recommendations, and enhance the overall drinking experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bartender

Sommelier

Sommeliers are wine experts who provide guidance on wine selection and pairings. This course may be helpful for Sommeliers who wish to expand their knowledge to beer. By understanding beer production, styles, and flavors, you will be able to offer informed recommendations to customers, enhance their dining experience, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable beverage expert.

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Food and Beverage Manager

Food and Beverage Managers oversee the operation of food and beverage establishments. This course provides insights into beer production, marketing, and consumption. By gaining knowledge in these areas, you will be able to make informed decisions about beer selection, pricing, and promotion, ultimately improving the profitability and customer satisfaction of your establishment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food and Beverage Manager

Nutritionist

Nutritionists provide guidance on nutrition and healthy eating. This course may be helpful for Nutritionists who wish to gain knowledge about the health effects of beer consumption. By understanding the pathway of beer through the body and its impact on health, you will be able to provide informed advice to clients, helping them make responsible choices and maintain a balanced diet.

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Health Educator

Health Educators promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This course may be helpful for Health Educators who wish to gain knowledge about the health effects of beer consumption. By understanding the pathway of beer through the body and its impact on health, you will be able to develop effective educational programs, raise awareness about responsible drinking, and empower individuals to make informed choices.

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Bartender Trainer

Bartender Trainers teach bartenders the skills and knowledge necessary to provide excellent service. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of beer, including its styles, flavors, and production. By gaining knowledge in these areas, you will be able to effectively train bartenders to prepare and serve beer, enhance the customer experience, and maintain high standards in the bar industry.

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Brewery Tour Guide

Brewery Tour Guides lead tours of breweries, providing information about the beer production process and the history of beer. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of beer production, including the原料 used, the fermentation process, and the different styles of beer. By gaining knowledge in these areas, you will be able to engage visitors, answer their questions, and provide a memorable and informative brewery tour experience.

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Craft Beer Reviewer

Craft Beer Reviewers evaluate and write about craft beers. This course may be helpful for Craft Beer Reviewers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of beer production and styles. By learning about the science behind beer, you will be able to better appreciate the nuances of different beers, develop a more refined palate, and provide informed reviews that guide beer enthusiasts in their exploration of the craft beer world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Craft Beer Reviewer