Brewing Chemistry Basics

This course delves into the essential chemistry concepts within the context of brewing, equipping students with the basic knowledge to create quality beer. It is designed for people who are already working in the industry, home brewing enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about the science behind their favorite beer. 

Brewing Chemistry Basics is a Faculty of Science Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS) course offered online through four live/synchronous evening classes, covering four modules. In addition to the interactive evening sessions, participants will also be assigned additional online self-study. 

Instructor Bio

Your instructor, Martina Solano Bielen, M.Sc., is an award-winning brewer who is passionate about brewing science. After completing her Masters of Science at McGill University, she went on to study Brewing Microbiology at the Siebel Institute for Technology and also received her brewing diploma from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD). Martina currently teaches full time in KPU’s Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program. For more information about Martina and the KPU Brewing Diploma, visit kpu.ca/brew.

CONTENT: 

Module 1

• Measurements
• Unit Analysis
• Concentration
• Dilutions

Module 2

• Inorganic Compounds
• Ions in Brewing
• Moles and Molarity

Module 3

• Equilibrium
• Acids and Bases

Module 4

• Calculating pH and pOH
• Titration

COURSE FORMAT:

• Online lectures
• Self-study, exercises and quizzes
• Live online classes twice a week to review content (live classes will be recorded)
• A certificate of completion will be provided to participants who successfully finish the course

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR:

• Homebrewers wanting to expand their knowledge of chemistry applied to brewing
• People working in the brewing industry who want to learn more about the basics of brewing chemistry
• Students prepping for first-year Brewing Chemistry courses
• Anyone curious about science and brewing

IMPORTANT: Students will need to have access to an electronic device, such as a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet equipped with a microphone and camera, as well as reliable access to the internet to participate in this course and access KPU services online. As well, students will need a scientific calculator (or cell phone with scientific calculator mode) for doing calculations such as logarithms and power function capability.

For more information about the full-time KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma, visit kpu.ca/brew.

*Live session times are Pacific Standard Time (PST) and will be recorded so students who miss a class can watch the recording at a later time. However, we highly encourage students to join the live classes so they can interact with the teacher and other students, as well as ask questions in real time.