Outreach and public activities
The Department of Chemistry offers a number of activities for schools.
Please contact Dr Gan Shermer for more details and to book an activity.
We always welcome suggestions for more activities and events which are of interest to schools. If you would like to develop an activity in conjunction with us please contact Dr Gan Shermer.
University visits
Spectroscopy workshops
Students are split into small groups and taken on a tour of the three areas of spectroscopy relevant to the post-16 curriculum. Students visit the instruments and are given 20 minute talks by experienced staff in the fields of NMR, Mass Spec and IR. Groups have the opportunity to run their own samples of compounds they have prepared in school. The principles of spectroscopy are reinforced by a 30 minute problem solving workshop following the tours where students deduce the structure of some unknown compounds using spectroscopic data.
Millennium lectures
Postgraduate students within the department organise a series of lectures given by leading experts in all areas of science. The lectures are appropriate for school groups and members of the general public. Previous speakers have included Nobel prize winners such as Professor Ryoji Noyori and Professor Robert Grubbs, the inventor of DNA fingerprinting Professor Sir Alec Jefferies, and well known scientists such as Professor Lord Robert Winston and Dr Alice Roberts.
For upcoming dates and more information please see Millennium Lectures 2011-2012.
Laboratory programmes
Synthesis and spectroscopy
Students complete a practical synthesis or separation using the university laboratories and equipment. Students then analyse their synthesised compounds using TLC, NMR, Mass Specand IR spectroscopy to deduce what they have made and check purity. This gives them the opportunity to experience new techniques which will not be available to them at school and allows them to perceive subjects, such as spectroscopy, from the post-16 syllabus in context.
Chemistry and crime
Students are introduced to the area of forensic science and its relevance to chemistry and analytical skills. Students are given a murder mystery scenario which has to be solved using techniques such as fingerprinting, flame tests and IR spectroscopy.
This activity can be modified to suit a range of ages from year 9 to post 16.
DIY solar cells
Students get the chance to make their own Grätzel photovoltaic cells using common food dyes to absorb light.
Activities in schools
Spectroscopy in a suitcase
The department is part of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Spectroscopy in a Suitcase scheme which provides portable IR and UV/Vis instruments to be taken in to schools. Trained student ambassadors can visit the school to deliver the activities or the equipment can be loaned to schools for teachers to use in their lessons.
The kit will be travelling around the Southwest. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Dr Gan Shermer for more information.
School talks
Visits to schools/colleges to present talks and Q & A sessions on what it is like to study science/chemistry at University as well as potential career opportunities for graduates in chemistry and science in general.
Undergraduate ambassador projects
Year 3 undergraduate students can complete a 1 semester project which involves spending time in a local school and developing a special project which can be delivered to pupils as part of the national Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme. Typically 10-15 students and schools are involved with this each year.
If you are interested in your school hosting an undergraduate student please contact Dr Steve Roser.
