Summary
Priestley College took them to see a chemistry laboratory at the University of Manchester where they gained an in-depth understanding of modern analytical techniques.
YOUNG scientists of tomorrow’s world got an inspiring glimpse of their own futures during a recent university visit.
Priestley College took them to see a chemistry laboratory at the University of Manchester where they gained an in-depth understanding of modern analytical techniques.
“For me, the best part was having the IMS spectrometer demonstrated,” said former Irlam and Cadishead pupil Stuart Roberts.
“The staff were very insightful and, from a geeky perspective, it was interesting to see the exact concentrations of certain adulterants in something as unassuming as tap water.”
The aspiring geologist, who is studying A-Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Physics, was able to witness the kinds of techniques he might be required to use in his chosen career.
Another former Irlam and Cadishead pupil, Maddy King, said the insight gave her some understanding of what it would be like to achieve her goal of becoming a research scientist.
“I particularly enjoyed the IR spectroscopy machine, in which the demonstrator placed a sample of some aspirin my classmates and I made,” she said.
“It was interesting to compare our spectrum to the one on the computer database, and to see the yield we’d collected.”
Students visited the Physical and Elemental Characterisation laboratories at Manchester in the newly-built Nancy Rothwell Building – a £400 million investment in engineering and materials research.
Dr Ilya Strashnov, Faculty Lead for Elemental and Physical Characterisation at the university, praised Priestley students’ knowledge following their visit.
“It is impressive to see they are already equipped with the knowledge to grasp modern concepts, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS),” he said.
“Their genuine interest and smiles when viewing the optical and mass spectra of aspirin make it even more rewarding.”
Michael Ng was another student who took part in the trip. Here he answers a few questions about the experience.
What was the best part of the visit to the analytical chemistry labs?
Personally, the best part of the trip was being able to see the many expensive and professional analytical equipment’s that the university had, as well as the detailed explanations that were given about them- which allowed me rich insight into what I have been truly studying in A-Level chemistry. For example, how thin and delicate the copper wires actually are for gas liquid chromatography. Furthermore, I was also impressed by the cleanliness of the analytical lab, despite it being expected anyways.
Has it inspired you to want to study science at university?
Yes, the vast number of resources that the UOM owns in regard to chemistry, as well as the friendliness of everyone that was involved in the trip- have really made me consider perusing my chemistry career in UOM.