The Science of Beer

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!

• 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

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.