You are looking for a comprehensive but compact training course on industrial microbiology? You believe that learning face-to-face in a group of international colleagues is more beneficial than studying alone in front of a computer or a textbook? − If so, you should seriously think about attending our 5-day seminar “Applied Microbiology”!

Next course: November 17-21, 2025

Course outline "Applied Microbiology"

“Applied Microbiology”  is a 5-day full-time training course providing up-to-date knowledge in the field of practical microbiology with relevance for the brewing resp. beverage production. It covers the basics of microbiology, laboratory techniques,   as well as microbial sampling in theory and practice.  The course is conducted in VLB’s microbiological training laboratory and in our pilot brewery.

Who should attend?

The course addresses  persons who work in the field of quality control in breweries, malt houses and beverage production. We recommend a basic knowledge of the brewing processes in general since this course will focus on the relevant microbiology only.

Course topics

• Introduction to microbiological lab-work and analysis
  Characterisation, classification and identification of microorganisms with relevance to beverages, PCR, Flowcytometry
• Microbiology lab work: Sample preparation / analytics
  Preparations for light-microscope examinations, cell counting, staining, plating, sterilization, disinfection, etc.
• Microorganisms
  Yeasts, bacteria, molds (morphological and physiological characteristics)
• Nutrient media
  Different types, preparation, incubation, evaluation
• Microbiological quality control
  Sampling, different products, detection of contaminants, appraisal of results, microbial sampling in the brewery, weak points in breweries, hygienic design and cleaning, yeast management
• With reference to beer and other fermented beverages (e.g. Kombucha)

The course will be held at VLB Berlin. You can expect a mixture of lectures and practical work in our microbiological training laboratories.

Attendance fee & accommodation

The fee for this 5-day course is 2150 Euro plus German VAT, including all course materials and lunch package.
Your accommodation in Berlin has to be booked separately.

By sending a registration you agree to pay the non-refundable deposit of 500 € according to the invoice that will be made available within the next five days.  The total balance is due two weeks before beginning the course. The fee may be paid by bank transfer or credit card.

Microbiological training lab