Course contributors

Alongside Dr Louise MacBrayne, a chemist from The Open University, two other academics will feature throughout this course. Dr Daniel Allwood from Sheffield Hallam University is an organic chemist and keen homebrewer. Daniel will lead on presenting the key chemistry throughout this course. Dr Paul Kosmetatos is a Lecturer in Economic history at the University of Edinburgh. He has an interest in the history of alcohol production and how it has shaped our history. Paul will present context for the science in this course, highlighting how the industry of alcohol affected us all.

This course is produced with the kind support of:

Hook Norton Brewery [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] : a world-renowned brewery situated in Oxfordshire that has been run by the same family since 1849.

Cotsworld Distillery: a craft distillery situated in the North Cotswolds producing English whisky, small batch gin and other liquers.

CAMRA: founded in 1971 and with over 188,000 members, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is a non-proft consumer body who tirelessly promote traditional beers and ales.

Videos filmed at the brewery and distillery also feature prominently through the course.

The course was also developed with the help of Dr Nick Turner, Senior Lecturer in Bioanalytical Chemistry in The School of Pharmacy at De Montfort University. He is also a visiting Fellow at The Open University.

Get started with Week 1.