The Science of Beer (edX)

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.

This MOOC 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

- The production of beer, including its supply chain and raw materials used

- Different types of beer and the steps taken to produce beer

- The cultivation process of beer ingredients and its impact on the environment

- The marketing of beer and beer's impact on culture

- How to set up a marketing plan advertise and sell a product

- How the environment shapes beer cultures

- Beer consumption and its effects on the human body and health

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 this module 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.