News
Thursday 30 March 2006
Search for the analytical chemists of the future, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, March 31
Budding chemists will be put to the test during a day of experiments at Nottingham Trent University on Friday (March 31). Pupils from 11 schools across the East Midlands are coming to take part in the regional heat of Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Schools’ Analyst Competition at the university’s Clifton Campus.
The competition will involve using different analytical methods to measure the amount of active ingredients in a variety of everyday items such as paracetamol tablets and coffee.
The idea is to give sixth-formers the chance to undertake practical experiments relevant to industrial and social needs using laboratory techniques used in higher education. They will be judged on skill, understanding and accuracy and will be required to promote team work and safety in the laboratory.
The winning group will not only be awarded the Midlands Regional trophy for their efforts but will also proceed to the national final in July to compete for the Challenge Shield and a first prize of £750.
The competition is organised by the Analytical Division Midlands Region of the RSC and hosted by Nottingham Trent University ’sChemistry Department and the Centre for Effective Learning in Science (CELS). The panel of judges will feature experts from Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham, AstraZeneca, 3M and Reckitt Benckiser, as well as the RSC itself.
The Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University, Colin Creaser, said: “The Schools’ Analyst Competition is an opportunity for students from schools across the East Midlands to use their chemistry skills to make measurements that are relevant to everyday life. We are very pleased to be hosting a regional heat of the competition.”
Clare Evans, the regional organiser for the event from the Analytical Division Midlands Region committee, said “I am excited to have been given the opportunity to bring people together in order that the first ever regional heat for the Schools’ Analyst Competition is held here in the Midlands.”
ENDS
Notes for editors: CELS aims to create a more relevant, accessible and achievable image for science within both the higher education and school communities. Based on the university’s excellent record in science teaching and nationally recognised widening participation activities, CELS will enable academic teams to develop and trial new approaches to teaching and presenting science to both communities.
Sponsors for the event include AstraZeneca, the RSC Analytical Trust Fund and the RSC Analytical Division Midlands Region committee. Griffin Education has donated a £200 voucher for the second prize. All participants will be awarded certificates to recognise their efforts that were kindly printed for free by Resource Print Solutions, Leeds.
For more information please contact:
Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on Tel: 0115 848 2650 or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 6589 or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk
