Learning by Brewing: Beer Production Experiments in the Chemical Engineering Laboratory

Authors

  • Colin Cerretani University of California • Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
  • Esayas Kelkile University of California • Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
  • Alexandra Landry University of California • Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Abstract

We discuss the successful creation and implementation of a biotechnology track within the chemical engineering unit operations course. The track focuses on engineering principles relevant to brewing. Following laboratory modules investigating heat transfer processes and yeast fermentation kinetics, student groups design and implement a project to produce and analyze a fermented beverage. In addition to dealing with cell culture, reactor scale-up, systems design, and more, students also consider their process from an environmental and economic standpoint.

Author Biographies

Colin Cerretani, University of California • Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Colin C. Cerretani was the previous lecturer for the undergraduate unit operations course at the University of California, Berkeley. He received his B.S. in chemical engineering from Cornell University in 2007, and his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013.

Esayas Kelkile, University of California • Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Esayas Kelkile is the lab engineer for the unit operations course at the University of California, Berkeley. He received his B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1996. Esayas transforms ideas into realities and then manages to keep them running smoothly.

Alexandra Landry, University of California • Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Alexandra M. Landry is the current lecturer for the undergraduate unit operations course at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her B.S. in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University in 2011, and her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 2016.

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Published

2017-09-25

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 4 (2017): Fall 2017

Section

Manuscripts