Lancaster University Trip

On Tuesday, Year 12 Chemistry students travelled to Lancaster University for an Aspirin Masterclass. Mrs Anafi led the trip, and students were able to use the facilities at the University whilst learning new skills and cutting-edge techniques.

They conducted several experiments; carrying out titrations monitoring the pH of reacting solutions to determine the most appropriate indicator to use, investigated the solubility of aspirin, produced crystals of pure aspirin from tablets and then used the Universities analytical equipment to test their products.

We then attended a lecture delivered by the head of Organic Chemistry, where students used modelling kits to visualise molecules in 3D and explored the left and right handedness of stereoisomers and their properties.

Urooj, Year 13 Student, said “after visiting the chemistry department at Lancaster University I gained a wide variety of knowledge and particularly enjoyed using different pieces of equipment and new techniques. I was enabled to develop my understanding while both using what we have learnt in lesson and going beyond our specification to expand my insight into chemistry.”

Fellow Year 13 student, Alfie, said “The highlight of the chemistry trip was the alka-seltzer titration in which we made an aspirin precipitate and then tested our sample using chromatography. I also enjoyed constructing organic compounds with molymods and discussing how their structure affects their shape.”

Overall, it was a great experience for our students to be able to visit the University, use the facilities and gain a glimpse into what studying Chemistry at University could be like.

Thank you to Lancaster University for hosting us!