University finds right chemistry to reach out to schools

The University of Wolverhampton held an outreach event during the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ‘Chemistry Week’ to inspire A Level students to consider studying the subject at degree level.

Thirty-six students from St Edmunds Catholic Academy in Wolverhampton, Great Barr Academy in Birmingham, Grove School in Market Drayton and Stourbridge College attended the ‘Chemistry; Tackling Global Challenges’ event held in the University’s £21 million Rosalind Franklin Science Centre at its City Campus in Wolverhampton.

The programme consisted of hands on experiments and short talks which explored how chemistry can be applied to overcome challenges which affect people all over the world. Visitors investigated the use of carbon for water purification and the use of hydrogen as fuel. Members of the chemistry team gave talks on the use of analytical chemistry in tackling bowel diseases, chemical perspectives of environmental challenges and modern drug discovery.

Charlene Butler, Teaching Associate in Chemistry in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University, said:  “Students engaged particularly well with the practical activities which they performed in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

“The feedback compliments our friendly staff and the activities offered. Students were encouraged to consider pursuing chemistry related careers.”

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers a range of free outreach events for schools and colleges in the region. Contact STEMOutreach@wlv.ac.uk for more information.  Anyone wanting to find out more about studying Chemistry at the University should register to visit the next Open Day on Saturday 17th February 2018.

ENDS

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Date Issued: 18^th December 2017

Notes to editors

Chemistry Week

Chemistry Week is the Royal Society of Chemistry’s celebration of the chemical sciences, and is centred around our members sharing their passion for the chemical sciences. Every year, members of our local sections organise and participate in a broad range of inspirational activities to:

• promote a positive image of chemistry and sciences
• demonstrate to people within the local community how chemistry is relevant and present in everyday life.

Royal Society of Chemistry

The Royal Society of Chemistry is the world’s leading chemistry community, advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. With over 50,000 members and a knowledge business that spans the globe, we are the UK’s professional body for chemical scientists; a not-for-profit organisation with 175 years of history and an international vision for the future. We promote, support and celebrate chemistry. We work to shape the future of the chemical sciences – for the benefit of science and humanity.