insight4me Chemistry – Organic Chemistry With Dr James Wright From University of Surrey & Dr James Dowden From University of Nottingham

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• University of Nottingham: Dr James Dowden, Associate Professor, will present 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 Surrey: Dr James Wright, Lecturer in Chemistry in School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, will present Polymers, their properties and how to control them. This talk will look at the organic chemistry of polymers, their structure and how small details like isomerism and chirality, which you may have encountered at High School, have significant control over their properties and their uses. Why is polyethene only used for some select purposes, but polypropene and other plastics used for a lot more? Why is polypropene plastic in your bottle caps strong (but flexible), but the same polypropene used in roofing easily melted and spread? This talk will include opportunities for you to apply what we have covered and see the synthesis of a polymer gel (‘goo’?) on live video!

In this insight4me Chemistry online event for schools and colleges, University of Surrey and University of Nottingham will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, interactive 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 Key Stage 5 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. There is no charge to take part.

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: Key Stage 5 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 at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on 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 typed comments and questions or via a microphone if preferred. 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