Spectroscopy in a Suitcase

Autumn Term 2022

Leading academics from the Department will deliver an informative workshop on Analytical Chemistry allowing your students to experience practical spectroscopy.

Your students will experience practical spectroscopy further complementing studies in school or as an introduction to the topic. This masterclass will improve your students’ understanding of analytical chemistry, further embedding objectives delivered off campus, increasing intellectual curiosity in chemistry and giving them an insight into chemistry at undergraduate level. There will also be an opportunity for students to network with current chemistry students at Lancaster and hear more about career opportunities in analytical chemistry.

The spectroscopy workshop is designed for Years 12 and 13.

Numbers: Up to 32 students.

Chemistry of Fingerprints

Spring Term 2023

With an introduction to the physical and chemical nature of forensic science, this is a masterclass that truly leaves an impression. Your students will discover how to visualise latent fingerprints – understanding the residues our fingers leave behind, and how commercial powders can make them visible. The session delves into the polymerisation reaction of the fingerprint residue with super glue, looking at the initiation, propagation, and termination steps. The masterclass is designed to further develop confidence in practical chemistry and give students a better understanding of Chemistry in everyday life.

This session can be run as a full-day or a half-day activity

Up to 32 students. You can book large or small groups (minimum 8)

Suitable for Year 12 Level Chemistry students.

Body in the Lab

Summer Term 2023

Fancy being the next Sherlock Holmes? Then let your students attempt this masterclass challenge to find out what happened to cause the body in the lab. Tackling this challenge in groups of 4 - 6, this session will use UV spectroscopy to determine the concentration of aspirin in the body and ascertain if the amount present was enough to be the cause of death. This is a full-on session where your students will have to use TLC, melting point, IR, and exposure to MS data to solve the mystery and gain further understanding of opportunities for graduate chemists.

Full day activity

Suitable for Year 12 A-Level Chemistry students.