SCIENCE STUDENTS APPLY THEIR CHEMISTRY KNOW-HOW AT UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD WORKSHOP
19.06.2024Year 12 Applied Science students recently attended a degree level Chemistry workshop at the University of Huddersfield, where they completed an organic synthesis process to develop their wider practical skills ahead of moving on to their Year 13 studies.
In Applied Science, students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as part of a full-time study programme, in a hands-on and interactive course where students develop their practical and theoretical knowledge on a range of scientific topics. Recently, Applied Science students have completed a range of chemistry-based practicals, which has seen the group create organic compounds, develop nail varnish remover and make a batch of aspirin. In Year 13, the group will further develop these practical skills in a unit focusing on organic compounds, which will make a significant contribution to their final assessment grades.
In this special degree level workshop hosted at the University of Huddersfield, Applied Science students were tasked with undertaking an organic synthesis practical, making Maleic Acid from Maleic Anhydride; this process is a key component in the citric acid cycle and is used to make food and medicinal stabilisers. On the day, the group worked in the University’s state-of the-art laboratories, using equipment and chemicals that students are unable to access at Level 3 study, building further on the skills and knowledge they have developed here at HNC.
Following the practical experiments, students were invited to take part in a tour of the University campus and enjoyed a Q&A session with the department to find out more about the wide range of science-based degree programmes available to Applied Science students post-18.
Ellie Freeman, Teacher of Applied Science, comments “This Chemistry workshop was a brilliant opportunity for our students. From experiencing a day in the life at university, to undertaking laboratory work, the group have left with a real understanding of what life as a chemical scientist is really like and has inspired and motivated them to start planning their next steps after College. Our students worked carefully and methodically in the University laboratories and have genuinely developed their skills to support their next steps as they move into Year 13. Thank you to our students for making the most of this experience, and to the University for providing such an insightful and challenging session”.
You can view a gallery of images from the day below.
New Hey Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4GL
