Chemistry: insight4me Chemistry – Organic Chemistry With Dr James Dowden From University of Nottingham & Dr Dan Pantos From University of Bath

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• University of Nottingham: Dr James Dowden, Associate Professor, will present Useful molecules and inspirational chemistry from nature. Molecules from nature are widely used in society for various applications including flavours, fragrances, and medicines. In this talk, we will focus on a class of natural products called terpenes and look at how nature controls alkene reactivity to form these valuable molecules. Concepts introduced during A-level Chemistry help us to understand how enzymes catalyse the biosynthesis of these molecules.  We will build on these concepts to introduce contemporary research questions related to the production and use of terpene natural products. The impact of this science on industry gives some idea of the types of jobs accessible with a degree in Chemistry.

• University of Bath: Dr Dan Pantos, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry will present Applying Organic Chemistry to the Development of New Medicines. This talk will give an overview into how organic chemistry is used in developing new medicines. We will discuss the different stages of drug discovery, from how to find potential new drug molecules through to compound testing in clinical trials. You will see how organic chemistry is essential throughout this process, but also how chemists must work closely with many other scientists and people in other fields before a new medicine can be released.

In this insight4me Chemistry online event for schools and colleges, two universities, including University of Bath and University of Nottingham, will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of Organic Chemistry, the universities have the freedom to choose their own focus and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

insight4me is a series of subject specific webinars for Year 12 & 13 students, and equivalent. The sessions directly support students’ current studies by giving an insight into particular curriculum areas whilst affording an understanding of how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications, and how they vary between universities.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Chemistry and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the 2 topics and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying Chemistry at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans (similar to Zoom) and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here