Thousands Register for Chemistry of Beer Course

April 9, 2014 By Heather Vandenengel

More than 7,500 students from 80 countries signed up for an online “Chemistry of Beer” course held by the University of Oklahoma’s Janux, an interactive online learning community. The 16-week course, which began in January, features an overview of brewing with a focus teaching chemical processes through brewing beer. 

“The technology that is used in brewing beer has been around for thousands of years,” said course instructor Dr. Mark Morvant, assistant chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry, in a written statement. “But now, chemistry can tell us why we use those technologies and exactly how ingredients, like hops and yeast, work together to transform into the final product.”

The syllabus covers everything from beer styles to malting and kilning to fermentation and includes a chance for students to learn from and discuss brewing with local brewmasters and brewery owners.