Beer Quality: Flavor (Coursera)

Beer Quality: Flavor (Coursera)

In this second course of the Beer Quality Series, you will learn about factors influencing the perception of flavor and the molecules that influence flavor. We also review methods of evaluating and measuring flavor, as well as methods of modifying flavor.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In addition, you will learn about how to address individual quality issues from the standpoint of: the basic underpinning science, the practicalities of the issue pertaining to brewing and its associated activities, quality assurance and quality control parameters, and a troubleshooting guide.
Course 2 of 5 in the Beer Quality Specialization.

What You Will Learn
Discover the science behind beer flavor, how to measure and assess flavor, and how to achieve the ideal flavor in beer.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Getting Started & The Flavor of Beer
In this module, we look at how attitudes and senses other than taste affect people's perception of beer flavor. We'll also look closer at how human senses affect our perception of flavor and discuss tools and methods used to measure and score beer flavor. Then, we'll talk about key aromas for tasting and evaluating beer flavor and discuss "difference tasting" and "descriptive tasting."

WEEK 2
Molecules of Flavor & Metabolism
In this module, we'll discuss some of the molecules that influence the sweetness and bitterness of beer. We'll continue our discussion of bitterness and discuss the impact of hop aroma on beer flavor. We'll also provide an overview of yeast metabolism. By understanding the basics of metabolism, we can make sense of how yeast impacts flavor.

WEEK 3
The Chemistry & Molecules of Flavor
In this module, we'll discuss various molecules that affect flavor and how they are produced. We'll talk about how alcohols affect beer flavor and discuss the sulfur atom, which appears in some of the most potent flavor active substances in beer. We'll continue our discussion on DMS and discuss beer texture and mouthfeel.

WEEK 4
Quantifying Flavor & A Feast of Variables
In this module, we'll discuss tools and methods for quantifying beer flavor and review factors that need to be addressed when considering flavor.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

The Science of the Solar System (Coursera) Coursera
Caltech

The Science of the Solar System (Coursera)

Learn about the science behind the current exploration of the solar system in this free class. Use principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to understand the latest from Mars, comprehend the outer solar system, ponder planets outside our solar system, and search for habitability in our neighborhood and beyond. This course is generally taught at an advanced level assuming a prior knowledge of undergraduate math and physics, but the majority of the concepts and lectures can be understood without these prerequisites.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Iniciándome en la Química (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

Iniciándome en la Química (Coursera)

En este curso aprenderás los conocimientos básicos de química general que te permitirán tener una mejor comprensión del estudio de la química, así como de la naturaleza. A lo largo del curso aprenderás la clasificación de la materia y sus propiedades, las teorías atómicas, la clasificación periódica, los tipos de enlaces y nomenclatura inorgánica.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Physical Chemistry (Coursera) Coursera
University of Manchester

Introduction to Physical Chemistry (Coursera)

Chemical reactions underpin the production of pretty much everything in our modern world. But, what is the driving force behind reactions? Why do some reactions occur over geological time scales whilst others are so fast that we need femtosecond-pulsed lasers to study them? Ultimately, what is going on at the atomic level? Discover the answers to such fundamental questions and more on this course in introductory physical chemistry.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Beer Quality: Freshness (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Beer Quality: Freshness (Coursera)

In this third course of the Beer Quality Series on beer freshness, led by distinguished professor Charles Bamforth, Ph.D, you will learn about beer flavor preconceptions, expectations, and causes of flavor instability. You'll also learn about the science of flavor change and the study and process impacts of flavor stability. In addition, you will review light instability and how it can lead to skunking.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
Chemical Biology (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Chemical Biology (Coursera)

Chemical biology is a burgeoning field that has rapidly risen to prominence. This surge of interest has been fuelled by chemical biology’s applicability to understanding critical processes in live cells or model organisms in real time. This success has arisen because chemical biology straddles a nexus between chemistry, biology, and physics. Thus, chemical biology can harness rapid chemistry to observe or perturb biological processes, that are in turn reported using physical assays, all in an otherwise unperturbed living entity. Although its boundaries are endless, the multidisciplinary nature of chemical biology can make the field seem daunting; we beg to differ! Here, we deconstruct chemical biology into its core components, and repackage the material.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Beer Quality: Color & Clarity (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Beer Quality: Color & Clarity (Coursera)

Welcome to Beer Quality: Color and Clarity led by distinguished professor Charles Bamforth, Ph.D. In this course, you will learn about beer color and how it impacts a consumer's perception of beer. Also discussed are the scientific factors affecting beer color and clarity. The methods of measuring and altering beer color are presented, as are ways to troubleshoot problems with beer color.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
Más que química (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Más que química (Coursera)

El objeto de la química, como disciplina científica, se enfoca en el estudio de la materia y de los cambios que ésta experimenta. En tanto disciplina científica, a la que se le atribuye la reputación de ser una ciencia complicada y aburrida. Esta reputación, bastante inmerecida, obedece al poco conocimiento que se tiene sobre ella y sobre sus enormes posibilidades de aplicación en el mundo científico, en diferentes campos de la industria y la producción, así como en la vida cotidiana.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2 (Coursera)

Learn about novel sensing tools that make use of nanotechnology to screen, detect and monitor various events in personal or professional life. Together, we will lay the groundwork for infinite innovative applications, starting from diagnosis and treatments of diseases, continuing with quality control of goods and environmental aspects, and ending with monitoring security issues.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Biology Everywhere Foundations (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Biology Everywhere Foundations (Coursera)

In this course, we will explore the nature of science and biology. We will discuss what the “biology everywhere” philosophy means and the history of the “biology everywhere” project. We will also discuss what science (and biology) are as a discipline of inquiry and how chemistry is foundational to understanding biology.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Forensic Science (Coursera) Coursera
Nanyang Technological University

Introduction to Forensic Science (Coursera)

We have all seen forensic scientists in TV shows, but how do they really work? What is the science behind their work? The course aims to explain the scientific principles and techniques behind the work of forensic scientists and will be illustrated with numerous case studies from Singapore and around the world.

Oct 19th 2026
5-12 Weeks