Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is offering a new program at its Richmond campus to teach the science behind beer.
Students will learn about the basic chemistry of brewing and get hands-on experience in the lab.
DeAnn Bremner, communications coordinator for the Faculty of Science and Horticulture, said it will be the first time a beer-related class has been taught on KPU’s Richmond campus.
The program is open to new students enrolled in KPU’s two-year beer brewing diploma program, as well as home brewers who are interested in learning more about brewing chemistry.
“Many students from the beer brewing program told us it’s very challenging to follow the course when they don’t have a solid science background,” said Bremner, “so we started this prep class to teach the basic principles and science behind beer brewing and help students prepare for further studies.”
Students will learn about acids and bases, pH scale, buffer solution, acid-base reactions and organic chemistry in the new course, and conduct experiments in the lab to gain a greater understanding of acid-based reactions.
KPU is one of three institutions in Canada that offers a diploma in beer brewing. Last May, two students from the program won gold in the 2017 U.S. Open College Beer Championship and two others brought home silver.
“The program has been popular as the brewing industry is growing. We may open more beer-related classes in the Richmond campus in the future,” said Bremner.
The prep program will run Wednesday nights from Aug. 2-23 for a cost of $225. Online lectures are available for students who are not available to attend classes in person.
