Plant & Soil Science: Home Hops Growing

Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings.

Spring semester; Asynchronous online course; Open to Degree and PACE students

>>This course is suited for those students desiring a science elective on an interesting plant, learning some of its botany, history, and horticultural care. It will be of interest too for any interested in beer and knowing more about one of its main ingredients, or for homebrewers wanting to grow their own hops. Ornamental uses in the landscape are another benefit of this vine. >>This completely online course is based on the main parts (specific pages to be given) of two small and inexpensive texts, as well as supplemental documents and weblinks on Brightspace. The tests are open book, untimed and done online. They are designed to reinforce student’s familiarity with the material, and to reinforce key facts on hops varieties and their culture. >>Email contact between professor and students is used as needed and to share information and course updates.

1. Learn details on the most common hop varieties, the simple science behind what makes them unique and different from each other, their geographical and historical origins, and their uses in brewing. 2. Obtain the basic horticultural knowledge of proper siting including landscape uses, types of trellises or supports, soil preparation and fertility, planting, subsequent care, ending with timing of harvest and drying

(1000 maximum points for course, grades determined on standard 10 point scale ie 90-100=A, 80-89=B, etc. with for example 80-82=B-, 83-86=B, 87-89=B+) >>quizzes (2, 500 points each)—one on varieties, one on culture