Microbiological Media
Brewing Microbiology 101
This module is part of the Brewing Microbiology 101 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
Microbiological testing in breweries depends on the ability to grow and detect microorganisms reliably.
However, not all microorganisms grow equally well on every culture medium.
Different spoilage yeasts and bacteria have unique nutritional requirements and growth conditions. If the wrong microbiological media are used, contamination may go undetected, even when microorganisms are present.
Understanding which microorganisms pose risks to beer, and selecting appropriate culture media to detect them, is therefore essential for effective brewery microbiology.
This module introduces the metabolic preferences of key microorganisms relevant to brewing and explains how microbiological media are used to detect them. It also explores the strengths and limitations of different media types, and why careful media selection and validation are critical for reliable microbiological testing.
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand the main groups of bacteria and yeasts that pose risks to beer quality.
- Select appropriate microbiological media for detecting different organisms.
- Recognise the limitations and inconsistencies of microbiological culture media.
- Validate and evaluate media to ensure reliable microbiological detection.
Module Content
Section #1
Key Microorganisms for Culturing
This section introduces the main microorganisms relevant to brewery microbiology, including spoilage yeasts and bacterial groups that can affect beer quality. You’ll learn how these organisms are classified, how they impact beer, and how risk levels vary between different microbial groups.
Section #2
Microbiological Media
This section explains how microbiological media are used to grow and detect microorganisms in brewery samples. You’ll learn about common general media, brewery-specific media, and specialised media designed to detect particular groups of bacteria and yeast. The section also explores how media composition influences microbial growth and why selecting the right media is essential for effective testing.
Section #3
Media Limitations
This section examines the practical limitations of microbiological culture media. You’ll learn why media are not perfectly consistent, how growth conditions can influence detection, and why some microorganisms may be missed. The section also explains how to verify and validate media performance to ensure it meets the needs of brewery microbiology programmes.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have access?
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.
Can I upgrade to the full course?
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.
Is this included in subscription?
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.
Do you offer corporate licensing?
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.
Do you provide company invoices?
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.