Yeast & microbes
Yeast propagation, plating, sterile technique and microbial QC. Optional pathway to the Monash microbiology labs.
Education programs
Hands-on, science-led learning for young Australians.
All Brewlab programs are educational, volunteer-delivered and operated under the safety governance of an ACNC-registered charity at Monash University's Clayton campus.
Program 1
Fermentation Science
A structured introduction to microbiology, yeast science, biochemistry and process control. Students learn the science that underpins fermentation from first principles, then apply it in supervised practical sessions.
Biochemistry
The biochemistry of fermentation: enzymes, sugar metabolism, by-products and flavour compounds.
Process control
Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and time as variables — and what happens when each one changes.
Program 2
Brewing Engineering
Mechanical, chemical and control engineering applied to a working nano-brewery. Suits students of engineering, physics, applied science and design.
Mechanical systems
Pumps, heat exchangers, valves, vessels and CIP cleaning systems — assembled, operated and maintained by students.
Sensors & automation
Temperature, density and pressure sensors integrated into a small-scale control system.
Process design
End-to-end process design from raw inputs to finished output, with full energy and water accounting.
Program 3
Sensory, Analytical & Quality
Skills directly transferable to the food, beverage, biotech, pharmaceutical and quality assurance industries.
Sensory analysis
Triangle, duo-trio and descriptive analysis — the same techniques used by Australia's largest beverage and food brands.
Analytical chemistry
pH, refractometry, density measurement and an introduction to chromatography.
Quality systems
HACCP principles, batch records, traceability and the basics of food regulatory compliance in Australia.
Program 4
Product & Brand Design
Industrial and graphic design students learn how products are positioned, packaged and brought to market — within ethical and regulatory boundaries.
Industrial design
Form, materials and manufacturability — designed and prototyped for real-world production.
Brand & identity
Visual identity development, art direction, photography and storytelling for emerging brands.
Regulatory labelling
Australian and Victorian labelling requirements, including responsible information and allergen disclosures.
Program 5
Industry, Careers & Volunteer Leadership
Connecting young people with the food, beverage, manufacturing and STEM sectors — and building leadership and project skills along the way.
Industry nights
Guest speakers, panel sessions and networking with employers across science, engineering, hospitality and design.
Mentoring
Structured 1:1 and group mentoring with industry professionals and Monash academic staff.
Volunteer leadership
Committee, sub-team and project leadership roles for students wanting to develop management experience.
Brewery tours
Supervised visits to commercial breweries, distilleries and food production facilities.
Workplace health & safety
Hands-on WHS training valued by employers across hazardous-area industries.
Communication skills
Public speaking, presentation skills and writing for technical and non-technical audiences.
Safe by design
How our programs stay safe, child-safe and alcohol-responsible.
Brewlab is a registered charity for young people. We take that responsibility seriously. Our committee maintains documented policies and procedures covering child safety, working with vulnerable persons, alcohol-responsible service principles, and laboratory safety. Below are the headline rules.
- • Participants under 18 engage only with non-alcoholic ferments (kombucha, ginger beer, food fermentation, lab demos).
- • Adult participants (18+) engage with brewing strictly within an educational and research context. Brewlab does not sell or market alcohol to the public.
- • All sessions are supervised by adult volunteers with appropriate training and Working With Children Checks where required.
- • All facilities are operated within Monash University's safety governance framework.
Want to take part?
Programs are open to eligible young people aged 15 to under 25 with an interest in STEM, food, beverage or design careers. Most participants are current Monash University students. Get in touch to express interest.
Contact us