UNIT 24: BREWING SCIENCE

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Unit 24:
Unit code: QCF level: Credit value:
Brewing Science
A/601/1687 5 15

Aim

This unit will enable learners to apply knowledge of yeast physiology and microbiology to the
biochemistry of malting, mashing and conversions, gaining understanding of fermentation and
associated quality control systems.

Unit abstract

This unit has been designed to introduce the biochemical, microbiological and physical aspects
of brewing technology. It has been designed in such a way as to allow flexibility of delivery. It
will support and reinforce the knowledge and appreciation of fermentation systems, which will
be vital to a career in brewing, fermentation technology or the licensed trade sector. The unit
allows learners to apply this knowledge in a practical environment. It is assumed that, before
undertaking this unit, learners have a working knowledge of the basic concepts of biological
processes as in Unit 32: Nutrition and Diet.

1 2 3 4

Unit content

LO1 Understand fermentation systems

1. Understand fermentation systems Microbial groupings: microbial range and form Unicellular
fungi: importance to the fermentation process especially Saccharomyces species History of
fermentation advances: metabolic pathways of respiration; dynamics of anaerobic
respiration/fermentation; methods of controlling fermentation (top and bottom); principal steps in
the brewing process

LO2 Understand the biochemistry of malting, mashing and conversions in the copper

2. Understand the biochemistry of malting, mashing and conversions in the copper Barley
physiology: choice of cereal; biochemical changes affected by the malting process Wort
composition: biochemical/biophysical conversions Malting process: the enhancement of
diastatic power; control of N2-content; development of colour Mashing process: the ionic
balance of the liquor (Burtonization); factors affecting extraction and enzymatic conversion in
the grist; importance of temperature and time controls; monitoring run-off from the mash tun for
turbidity and specific gravity Hop variety: varieties of hops available (including brief histories and
geographical location); characteristic properties of each variety; hop additions to brews
(biochemistry of action); hop quality (appearance, feel and aroma) Hop biochemistry: the ratio of
and -acids; oxidative conversions to humulones and hulupones; the effect of seed content on
hop property and the principle contributors to aroma The copper: inactivation of enzymes;
precipitation of proteins, polyphenols and some lipids; production of hop-derived flavours and
aromas; sterilisation of the wort; further precipitation of calcium phosphate [Ca3(PO4)2] and its
effect on pH; the distillation of volatile materials; water evaporation and subsequent wort
concentration; enhancement of colour (caramelization, melanoidin formation, oxidation of
tannins); reduction of surface tension Practical control: timescales involved in boiling and the
stage points of hop introduction

LO3 Understand yeast physiology and microbiology

3. Understand yeast physiology and microbiology Yeast physiology: Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
Saccaromyces carlsbergensis, Saccaromyces uvarum, plus a selection of yeast strains and
their properties; differences between topfermenting and bottom-fermenting strains; the role of
recombinant DNA technology in future yeast research; economic role Yeast chemistry: yeast
metabolism of macronutrients and the effect of these metabolites on the fermentation product;
yeast metabolism of micronutrients and their effect on product quality; the role of exoenzymes;
cell-permeability and physiological state; the importance of aeration to the fermentation process

LO4 Be able to identify fermentation and associated quality control systems

4. Be able to identify fermentation and associated quality control systems Physical control
systems: parameters instrumental in determining pitching rate; effect that fluctuation of
temperature control will have on yeast physiology and end-product quality; the relationships
between hydrometer readings, temperature, specific and original gravities; determining when a
fermentation has run its course (end-point determinants); remedial measures to correct
fermentation deviance Physiology of human sensory perception: biology of human senses Beer
flavour influences: key contributing agents to beer flavour ie yeast (pitching rate, viability/vitality,
strain purity/contamination), wort composition (dissolved O2 concentration, OG, temperature,
adjuncts and trub), fermentation vessel (size and geometry) Beer flavour biochemistry: specific
beer flavourings such as CO2, ethanol, glycerol, fusel oils, esters, organic acids, aldehydes,
ketones, S2-compounds Industrial quality control: the industry practices of product evaluation;
blind tasting philosophy; factors affecting the flavours of regional beer styles and type

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Learning outcomes
Understand fermentation systems Understand the biochemistry of malting, mashing and
conversions in the copper Understand yeast physiology and microbiology Be able to identify
fermentation and associated quality control systems.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
LO1 Understand fermentation systems

Assessment criteria for pass
The learner can:
LO1 Understand fermentation systems

1.1 discuss microbial range and form
1.2 evaluate the basic biological concepts of fermentation design
1.3 discuss the principal steps of the brewing process

LO2 Understand the biochemistry of malting, mashing and conversions in the copper

2.1 discuss the role of barley in the malting process, highlighting the biochemical changes in the
malting and mashing process
2.2 justify the practical controls and monitoring systems needed to ensure uniformity of clarified
wort run-off
2.3 discuss the variety of hops available
2.4 discuss the biochemical conversions that take place during the boiling and hopping process
2.5 evaluate the practical systems used to maximise flavour and colour profiles and ensure
uniformity of the end product

LO3 Understand yeast physiology and microbiology

3.1 analyse the physiological and economic role played by yeasts in fermentation systems
3.2 discuss the biochemical conversions affected by yeasts during fermentation
3.3 discuss how these conversions can be controlled by environmental adjustment
3.4 assess the present and suggest future roles played by industry in the development of more
active fermentation strains

LO4 Be able to identify fermentation and associated quality control systems

4.1 apply the main concepts of regulatory control of a fermentation
4.2 create relevant data sources to identify SG and predict a brews final OG
4.3 analyse the contributory factors that determine beer flavour
4.4 plan and carry out sensory and quality analysis of different beers to account for regional
characteristics of similar brews in the industry

Guidance

Links
This unit can be linked with the following units within the qualification:

Unit 16: Sales Development and Merchandising
Unit 22: Cellar and Bar Operations Management
Unit 23: Law for Licensed Premises.

This unit also links to the following Management NVQ unit:
A2: Manage your own resources and professional development.

Essential requirements

Learners must have access to laboratory facilities, food sensory facilities (for flavour evaluations
and blind tastings) and the use of a micro-brewery facility. Site visits and guest speakers from
industry will enhance delivery.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

A visit to a local brewery or micro-brewery will substantially enhance the delivery of this unit.


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Management Issue 2 May 2011 Edexcel Limited 2011