YEAR 13 A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY VISIT

This month, twenty-nine Year 13 chemistry students set off early in the morning for an exciting school trip to the laboratories at Newcastle University’s School of Pharmacy. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to experience real-world chemistry beyond the classroom. After a short introduction from the Lead Applications Tutor, Dr Mark Ashton, students were guided into the highly equipped teaching labs where they began synthesising paracetamol, carefully following professional protocols.

Working in pairs, students measured reagents, controlled temperatures, and monitored reactions, gaining insight into the precision required in pharmaceutical chemistry. Once their samples were prepared, the focus shifted to analysis. Students carried out chromatography to assess the presence of impurities, comparing their results against known standards. They then determined the melting point of their product, using it as an indicator of purity and accuracy.

One of the highlights was using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. With guidance, students interpreted spectra to identify functional groups and confirm the chemical structure of their synthesised paracetamol. This hands-on experience helped reinforce theoretical knowledge from lessons.

The trip was both challenging and inspiring, giving students a glimpse into university-level study and careers in chemistry. Many left feeling motivated and more confident about pursuing science in the future.