Drinking Beer: An Engineer's Guide To Happy Hour

Engineers have a reputation for drinking beer, and there is even a traditional drinking song for North American engineers called Godiva's Hymn, Engineer's Hymn, or the Engineers' Drinking Song. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Swanson School of Engineering offers an unusual elective called Engineering a Craft Brewery, nicknamed the beer class by students. The class is taught by Professor Robert Parker, who first began casually brewing at home in 2000 and decided to incorporate the craft into Pitt's academics when he saw how popular craft breweries had become. On sensory perception days, students are allowed to drink beer and learn to distinguish between beers made by different processes.

'Shotgunning' – a tradition among UBC engineering students where an entire can of beer is drunk at once

Shotgunning – a tradition among UBC engineering students where an entire can of beer is drunk at once

Guzzling an entire can of beer at once, or "shotgunning," is a long-standing tradition among UBC engineering students. This practice involves quickly consuming a can of beer by puncturing a hole near the bottom of the can and then opening the tab, allowing the beer to flow out rapidly due to gravity and the natural pressure within the can. Shotgunning combines speed, skill, and excitement, making it a popular choice for party games and a rite of passage for many.

The tradition of shotgunning beer is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-20th century, initially gaining popularity among college students as a way to consume large amounts of beer quickly. It has since spread to other social circles and become a well-loved party activity. The act of puncturing the can and chugging the beer adds an element of thrill and camaraderie to social gatherings.

To shotgun a beer, one must first select a light beer with moderate alcohol and carbonation levels to ensure a smooth and quick drinking experience. The can is then held horizontally to prevent spilling, and a hole is punctured about an inch from the base. Tilting the can slightly upward, the drinker places their mouth over the puncture hole and quickly opens the tab, releasing the pressure and allowing the beer to flow out. The goal is to consume all the contents in one continuous chug.

While shotgunning is a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy beer, it is important to prioritize safety and responsible drinking. It is crucial to use clean and sanitized tools to puncture the can and avoid sharp objects that could cause injury. Additionally, drinking water alongside beer helps prevent dehydration and hangovers. Knowing one's limits and drinking in moderation is essential to prevent overconsumption and excessive intoxication.

Some creative variations of the traditional shotgunning technique include the "Double Shotgun," where two beers are shotgun simultaneously, and the "Shotgun Relay," where participants form a line and take turns shotgunning one after the other in a competitive race. These advanced techniques add a layer of challenge and excitement to the activity.

In conclusion, shotgunning is a unique and dynamic tradition among UBC engineering students that combines physics, speed, and camaraderie. By following the proper steps and prioritizing safety, individuals can master the art of shotgunning and enjoy this thrilling and social beer-drinking experience responsibly.

'Engineering a Craft Brewery' – a class offered at the Swanson School of Engineering

Engineering a Craft Brewery – a class offered at the Swanson School of Engineering

The Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh offers a course called "Engineering a Craft Brewery" (ENGR 1933) that introduces students to the science of brewing and the technology required to design and operate a craft brewery. This course is a unique opportunity for engineering students to explore the intersection of engineering and the art of brewing.

The course covers various topics, including biology, chemistry, and foundational engineering concepts and equipment needed to convert grain, water, yeast, and hops into craft beer. Students also develop essential skills in product analysis and design, allowing them to make informed brewing choices based on scientific, technological, economic, and cultural factors.

One of the highlights of the course is the sensory quizzes, where students get to experience different beer styles while learning about their underlying culture and history. These tastings are a crucial part of understanding the craft brew process and developing a refined palate for different beer varieties. For students who prefer not to sample beer, there is an alternative option to write short papers about the history of the beer style and the brewery that produced it.

"Engineering a Craft Brewery" also includes a travel component, with a study abroad trip to Belgium planned for Summer 2025. During this trip, students will have the opportunity to explore the craft brew process in one of the most charming countries in Europe. They will visit cities such as Leuven, Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels, and gain first-hand experience in hops farms, malt houses, and various large and small breweries.

The course is open to students from all majors, providing a well-rounded understanding of the science, technology, and culture of craft brewing. It has seen tremendous popularity since its launch in 2017, reflecting the growing interest in craft beer and the unique appeal of combining engineering principles with the art of brewing.

'Godiva's Hymn' – a traditional drinking song for North American engineers

"Godiva's Hymn", also known as the "Engineer's Hymn" or the "Engineers' Drinking Song", is a traditional drinking song for North American engineers. The song is usually sung to the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", although there are other variations. For example, the Lady Godiva Memorial Band of the University of Toronto traditionally sings it to the tune of "Good King Wenceslaus" around Christmas time.

The song is associated with the US Army Corps of Engineers, as well as MIT, MTU, and various other universities. Lady Godiva is often a school icon or mascot for many university engineering faculties, military engineering corps, and other engineering organisations and societies.

> We are, we are, we are, we are, we are the Engineers,

> We can, we can, we can, we can demolish forty beers.

> Drink rum, drink rum, drink rum, drink rum, so come along with us,

> For we don't give a damn for any damn man, who don't give a damn for us.

And here are some verses:

> Godiva was a lady who through Coventry did ride,

> To show to all the villagers her fine and lily-white hide.

> The most observant villager, an Engineer of course,

> Was the only one to notice that Godiva rode a horse.

> Venus is a statue made entirely of stone,

> There's not a fig leaf on her, she's as naked as a bone.

> On noticing her arms were gone, an Engineer discoursed,

> "The damn thing's busted concrete and it should be reinforced."

> An Engineer once came to class so drunk and very late,

> He stumbled through the lecture hall at an ever-diminishing rate.

> The only things that held him up and kept him on his course,

> Were the boundary condition and the electromotive force.

'Pump Action Shotgun Tool' – a gadget that enables people to shotgun beer, created by engineering students

Pump Action Shotgun Tool – a gadget that enables people to shotgun beer, created by engineering students

Guzzling an entire can of beer at once, or "shotgunning", is a long-standing tradition among UBC engineering students. Kevin Yeganeh, Yohan Cho, and Cole Robertson, three engineering students who were very familiar with this tradition, decided to put a creative twist on it by inventing a pump-action shotgun-type device to shotgun beer. This led to the creation of the Pump Action Shotgun Tool, a gadget that enables people to consume a beverage directly from a can. The invention of this tool was a result of the students' desire to bring innovation to the alcohol industry and provide new ways for people to enjoy their drinks.

The Pump Action Shotgun Tool is simple to use and involves three easy steps: pumping, spinning, and chugging. The user starts by loading their beverage can into the tool, then they pump it by pressing the pump action mechanism. After pumping, the can is rotated, revealing a nozzle on the sleeve through which the beverage can be consumed directly. The tool not only adds an element of fun to drinking but also enhances the experience by making it smoother and more satisfying.

The invention of the Pump Action Shotgun Tool was a collaborative effort by the three engineering students. They spent two to three months designing and testing their product, even conducting a limited release to gather feedback from initial users. Their dedication to perfecting the tool paid off, and it became a hit, selling 4,000 units across North America within six months, with each unit priced at around $30. The production and distribution process involves parts produced in Canada and a facility in Asia, while the packaging and shipping are handled by a fulfilment centre in the United States.

The creators of the Pump Action Shotgun Tool embrace the stereotype of engineering students drinking a lot and even named their company "Drunk Engineers". While they acknowledge their enjoyment of social drinking, they also promote safe drinking practices and believe that drinks taste better when they are earned after a hard day's work. The success of their initial product has inspired them to continue designing innovative drinking devices, such as a shotgunning gadget for five people, with the aim of bringing creativity and fun to the alcohol industry.

'The Pump Action Shotgun Tool' – a company founded by engineering students to inject creativity into the alcohol industry

Drinking culture is prevalent among engineering students, with traditions such as "shotgunning," which involves guzzling an entire can of beer at once. This culture has inspired a group of UBC engineering students, Kevin Yeganeh, Yohan Cho, and Cole Robertson, to develop a unique drinking tool—the Pump Action Shotgun Tool. The device enables users to consume beer through a nozzle by loading a can, pumping it through a pump-action mechanism, and rotating it. The team spent two to three months designing and testing their product, even conducting a limited release before its official launch. They founded their company, Drunk Engineers, during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to bring creativity to the alcohol industry.

The Pump Action Shotgun Tool has been well-received, selling 4,000 units across North America within six months, at a price of approximately $30 each. The company has production facilities in Asia and a fulfillment center in the United States, showcasing the founders' ability to manage international operations. Yeganeh and his team embrace the stereotype of engineers enjoying their drinks, believing that "drinks taste better when you've earned them." They plan to continue their company even after graduation, working on new drinking devices such as a shotgunning gadget for five people.

The UBC engineering students are not the only ones combining their passion for engineering and beer. At the Swanson School of Engineering, Professor Robert Parker introduced an unusual elective called "Engineering a Craft Brewery," often referred to as the "beer class" by students. The class provides an opportunity for students to learn about the engineering components of beer production, including facility design, equipment layout, and the chemical reactions involved in the brewing process. It also includes "sensory perception days," where students taste different beers and take quizzes to distinguish between them.

The class fulfills elective requirements for several engineering majors and carries a $100 fee to cover the cost of the beer provided. It offers a unique, hands-on approach to learning, giving students the chance to apply their engineering knowledge to the craft brewing process. Parker's long-term vision includes bringing a fully functioning brewery to the Pitt campus, engaging students from various disciplines, including business, law, biology, and chemistry. He believes that a campus brewery would provide educational opportunities and allow engineers to tailor beers to customers' needs.

The drinking culture among engineers is not limited to students; it is also reflected in traditions such as "Godiva's Hymn," also known as the "Engineer's Hymn" or the "Engineers' Drinking Song." This traditional drinking song is associated with the Army Corps of Engineers and universities like MIT, MTU, and the University of Toronto. The song celebrates the engineers' spirit and their love for beer, with verses like "We are the engineers / We can demolish forty beers."

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