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Nexus by Cara Technology Ltd
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Identification and Characterisation of Brewery Microorganisms

Brewing Microbiology 101

This module is part of the Brewery Microbiology programme and can be taken individually or as part of the full course.

✔ On-demand, self-paced learning ✔ 3 structured lessons ✔ Designed for Quality and Technical teams ✔ Suitable for Breweries of all Sizes

Accurate identification of microorganisms is essential for understanding contamination in breweries.

Microorganisms must first be isolated into pure cultures before reliable identification can occur.

If multiple organisms are present in a sample, identification results can be misleading or incorrect. Careful isolation techniques allow microbiologists to separate individual organisms and study their characteristics.

Once isolated, microorganisms can be identified using a range of methods, from traditional observations of colony and cell morphology to advanced molecular and spectroscopic techniques.

This module introduces the principles of isolating pure cultures and explains how microbiologists identify brewery microorganisms using both classical and modern methods.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Use traditional techniques such as serial dilution and plating to separate microorganisms.
  • Apply first-level identification methods based on growth conditions, morphology, and staining.
  • Understand how molecular and spectroscopic techniques identify microorganisms more precisely.
  • Combine classical and modern approaches to improve microbial identification reliability.

Module Content

1 Section 1
2 Section 2
3 Section 3
Section 1

Isolation of Pure Cultures

This section explains why isolating pure cultures is essential before attempting microbial identification. You’ll learn how microbiologists separate individual organisms from mixed samples using techniques such as serial dilution, plating methods, selective media, and physical separation approaches. The section also introduces modern DNA-based approaches that can support microbial identification.

Section 2

First Level Identification

This section introduces the traditional techniques used for initial microbial identification. You’ll learn how microbiologists use selective growth conditions, colony morphology, cell structure, motility, staining methods such as Gram staining, and biochemical tests to classify microorganisms and narrow down possible identities.

Section 3

Second Level Identification

This section explores modern techniques used to identify microorganisms more precisely. You’ll learn how molecular tools such as PCR, DNA fingerprinting, ribotyping, and genetic sequencing can differentiate closely related strains. The section also introduces spectroscopic methods and next-generation sequencing, and explains why culture purity and functional testing remain important when confirming microbial identity.

Who Is This Module Designed For?

This module is designed for professionals working in brewing and beverage production who want to strengthen their understanding of brewery hygiene and contamination control.

  • Brewers and brewing assistants
  • Quality assurance teams
  • Microbiology and laboratory staff
  • Production and packaging teams
  • Brewery managers and supervisors
  • Technical and process specialists

Whether you are new to brewery microbiology or looking to reinforce best practices, this module provides practical knowledge to help maintain consistent hygiene standards and protect beer quality.

This module
£125
3 lessons · 90-day access · Module certificate
Buy this module
Full programme
£575
All 9 modules · 90-day access · Full programme certificate
Buy full programme
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Frequently asked questions

Access depends on the option you choose.

  • Module access includes 90 days from the date of purchase.

  • Full programme access includes 180 days from the date of purchase.

  • Nexus All-Access subscription provides unlimited access to all content for as long as your subscription remains active.

You can view your remaining access time at any point in your dashboard.

Yes.

If you begin with an individual module and later decide to complete the full programme, you can upgrade at any time.

Please contact our team before purchasing the full programme so we can ensure you are charged the correct upgrade amount.

Yes.

All modules and full programmes are included within the Nexus All-Access subscription while your subscription is active.

This includes future module releases and newly added programmes.

Yes.

We offer tailored corporate licensing options for teams and multi-site organisations.

Corporate packages can include:

  • Multi-user access

  • Team progress tracking

  • Centralised billing

  • Custom training pathways

Please contact us to discuss your organisation’s requirements.

Yes.

You can request a company invoice at checkout, or contact us directly if you require a formal invoice prior to payment.

VAT invoices are provided automatically for all purchases where applicable.