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Brewing Laboratory Science

The Brewing Laboratory Science Program prepares students for work in the quality control / quality assurance (QC/QA) sector of the beer brewing industry. The program includes an undergraduate certificate, a minor in Brewing Laboratory Science, and a lecture/laboratory program with hands-on intensive training in a 7bbl microbrewery on campus.

This program is complimentary with master brewer and fermentation science programs at other institutions. Student learn proper brewing techniques at the laboratory and microbrewery levels while developing strong skills in the brewing laboratory using the American Society of Brewing Chemists methods of analysis. While you will learn how to brew beer, and brew it at both the homebrew and microbrew levels, this program is not intended to serve as a way to become a master brewer.  In addition to the hands-on work in the laboratory and brewery, practical experiences on campus and through internships at local and regional breweries are available for students in the program.

Study Abroad in Brewing Science

Our program also involves an optional study abroad session in another country. These 10 day sessions are offered at the end of the summer (before the fall semester starts) and explore the brewing industry and culture of places outside of the U.S. 

More information on study abroad 

In the News

The Brewing Laboratory Science program at UNC has been in the news. Check out this story as the brewery was being built on campus. 

Certificate Program in Brewing Laboratory Science

Degree Seeking Students

If you are a current degree-seeking UNC student, please contact the Program Coordinator (Michael Mosher) for information on how to register for the courses and participate in the Certificate Program. Specific course sections are required for current degree-seeking UNC students.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

If you are not a current degree-seeking UNC student, registration for the courses and participation in the Certificate Program is handled after you have completed some brief paperwork via the Extended Campus.  Go find that information and learn more about the program. Specific course sections are required for non-degree seeking students. 

Learn more about non-degree seeking program

Minor in Brewing Laboratory Science

Chelsea Lawler

The minor in Brewing Laboratory Science is available to any undergraduate student who is currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at UNC.  Coupled with any major on campus, the minor can be a good start to a career in this rapidly growing industry.

Learn more about the minor

Study Abroad in Brewing Science

Our program also involves an optional study abroad session in another country. These 10 day sessions are offered at the end of the summer (before the fall semester starts) and explore the brewing industry and culture of places outside of the U.S. 

Summer 2019 - Beer and brewing in England

From July 19-29 we were in England as we explored the brewing industry of this country.  We planned to tour the following locations in London with a day trip out to Burton-on-Trent:

  • Bermondsey Beer Mile walking tour
  • London Institute of Brewing and Distilling
  • Fullers Griffin Brewery, Chiswick
  • UBREW London
  • Sam Smith's Pub
  • Northern Monk Microbrewery
  • National Brewery Centre (Burton-on-Trent)
  • Marston's Brewery
  • St. George Brewery
  • Cotswold Beer Festival (a CAMRA event)

The cost of the trip covers 14 meals (including some group dinners), all transportation, lectures, admission fees to venues, and a travel pass (Oyster Card) for travel around London on our free days. Included as well is tuition for CHEM 395 - Brewing Science in England (3cr). This course is also cross-listed in History and in Recreation-Tourism-Hospitality if you are interested in earning your credit hours in those programs.  The course allows each student the opportunity to explore brewing from many different aspects, beer styles, and the differences in English and US culture around the world's greatest beverage. The credit hours can be applied to the electives in the Brewing Laboratory Sciences minor program.