NSETC Chemistry students enjoy hands-on spectroscopy session

Jacob Coles, Luke Brown and Ike Ndukwe

THE North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College (NSETC) has teamed up with The Royal Society of Chemistry and Bristol University to give A-level chemistry students the chance to learn about spectroscopy.

Spectroscopy is the study of the way light (electromagnetic radiation) and matter interact; the Royal Society of Chemistry's Spectroscopy in a Suitcase scheme is an outreach activity where university students deliver an exciting, hands-on session with an emphasis on encouraging students to consider chemistry at degree level and the career opportunities available.

NSETC, based in Weston-super-Mare, is a 14-19 age group school with a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) focused curriculum.

Ike Ndukwe, a Bristol University post-graduate student who ran the session, said: "Spectroscopy is used to analyse compounds in chemistry, to determine what different elements make up something, and is also used in astronomy to get insight into the composition of astronomical bodies.

"There are a number of different types of spectroscopic techniques and the basic principle shared by all is to shine a beam of a particular electromagnetic radiation onto a sample and observe how it responds to such a stimulus; allowing scientists to obtain information about the structure and properties of matter."

Dan Robinson, Assistant Head and Chemistry teacher at the NSETC commented: "Today's session has provided our students with a great introduction to this area of chemistry, which has left them inspired and motivated. It offered novel and fun ways to explore spectroscopy which would not normally be possible in a classroom and opened up a world of possibilities for careers in chemistry.

"A chemistry qualification opens the door to a wide range of careers options, both in and out of the lab. There are endless interesting and rewarding science-based jobs available and today has helped explained some of them."

NSETC student Cat Thomas, aged 16 said: "It was an inspirational, enlightening insight into the field of spectroscopy, and was really interactive and fun."

Fellow student James Mainwaring, age 16 added: "It was an excellent insight into possible careers within chemistry. I am now more confident about making choices about my future career path."

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NSETC Chemistry students enjoy hands-on spectroscopy session