A laboratory project to design and implement a process for the production of beer

This paper describes a one-semester Freshman Engineering Clinic Course that is being implemented at Rowan University in the Spring of 1999. The focal point of the course is a laboratory project in which students investigate a process for the production of beer. After a brief introduction to the brewing process and a comparative evaluation of commercially available beers, the students set out in teams to perform a hands-on, reverse-engineering investigation of the fermentation process. Next, each team works on the design and construction of a brewing process. The teams implement their processes, and present their designs and results to the other groups. Finally, each group performs a comparison and evaluation of the designs. The brewing process is used to introduce freshman students to engineering fundamentals related to material balances and stoichiometry, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and biochemical reactions. Through this project, several educational objectives are met: to develop creative and critical thinking, to introduce design principles, to provide hands on experience, to develop teamwork and communication skills, and to stimulate enthusiasm for engineering.