Introducing Nonscience Majors to Science Literacy via a Laboratory and Lecture Beer Brewing Course

Abstract

“Beer Brewing: Chemical and Biochemical Principles” is a 15 week laboratory and lecture course specifically designed for nonscience majors as an introduction to science literacy via structured laboratory experiments that encourage student engagement. It provides students with a foundation in chemical and biochemical principles using a comprehensive theme of brewing beer. The first part of the course introduces students to basic concepts of measurement, matter, atoms, molecules, and compounds. These ideas are related to the composition of beer and the four fundamental ingredients for preparation of beer: malted grain, water, hops, and yeast. Hands on laboratory exercises build on these concepts through the measurement of specific gravity, pH, specific ions, flavor components, and alcohol content of appropriate liquids. Organic and biochemical principles are investigated through the measurement of mashing kinetics, evaluation of changes in wort during the brewing process, and determination of beer bitterness by the measurement of hops derived compounds. Within specific guidelines, each student team prepares a recipe for a different style of beer. The culmination of the course is brewing of that beer and the analysis of the final product in terms of alcohol by volume, carbohydrate content, and bitterness. Collaboration and sensory evaluation are introduced through field trips to local breweries.

Imparting Scientific Literacy through an Online Materials Chemistry General Education Course

“…Course topics targeted the achievement of scientific literacy − , through a materials chemistry lens. We have provided a detailed list of course topics in the Supporting Information (Table S1).…”

“…While understanding scientific principles has historically been viewed as the essential learning outcome for science courses, applying that knowledge in the context of real-world scenarios is becoming increasingly common. − Given the challenges of our current social, health, and environmental climates, it is vital to be able to interact with various scientific perspectives to acquire more knowledge and develop well-informed solutions. As we strive to be both culturally and globally competent citizens, it is necessary that we understand multiple viewpoints, engage in conversations, and critically examine scientific media and literature that we are exposed to on a regular basis .…”

Learning Postdisruption: Lessons from Students in a Fully Online Nonmajors Laboratory Course

“…Chemistry courses for nonmajors are important curricular contributions as they play a key role in improving scientific literacy of undergraduates . Nonmajors chemistry courses give instructors opportunities to explore creative use of themes, and published examples include use of art, − food chemistry, − medicinal chemistry, , and popular culture. − Additional reports detail successful pedagogical approaches used in nonmajors courses, such as community outreach, , innovative projects, − learning communities, − and travel components. ,,, While most published work focuses on face-to-face courses, teaching nonmajors in a fully online course can allow for greater flexibility for both students and instructors, especially when taught asynchronously. Laboratory projects can be completed at home through such approaches as preassembled kits, household chemicals, and simulations. − Additional creative approaches no doubt were developed in early 2020 when instructors had to quickly pivot from face-to-face classrooms and laboratories to remote delivery, and readers are encouraged to consult the Journal for additional suggestions.…”

Malting in the Lab and at Home: The Forgotten Step on the Path to Beer

“…Brewing science is a cross-disciplinary course taught at a wide range of colleges and universities. Resulting from this nature, it is taught in many different departments including chemistry, engineering, biology, biochemistry, food sciences, and business. − As a course it helps to bring together these disciplines and students from a cross-section of majors to provide an application driven course discussing many of the fundamentals from each discipline. This course can be taught as a lecture-based course, a laboratory course, or a series of courses building toward a certificate, minor, or degree.…”