Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences Academic Taster Sessions

All events are subject to staff and space availability. Please specify your topic preference in your request. Talks can be adapted to last for anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour unless otherwise stated.

Biosciences - We allow school visits by special arrangement. If you are interested in showing your pupils an Electron Microscope Unit in action, please arrange a visit. This session can be particularly useful for A Level students.

Chromatography Workshop (2 hours) - This workshop introduces students to the principles of chromatography, specifically thin layer chromatography and HPLC or GC. This allows them hands on practical experience in preparing samples for analysis and running samples on analytical instrumentation, as well as quantification work.

Document Examination (1 hour) - A short presentation introducing the topic will be followed by a practical session focusing on the visualization and examination of security features in documents. Using professional document examination equipment, students can also examine properties of inks using forensic examples such as forged cheques or threatening notes, etc. as well as ESDA techniques.

Fingerprinting (1 hour) - Learn the history and fundamental principles behind fingerprinting techniques. After a short presentation, students will have the chance to take their own fingerprints and identify and categorise those prints. They will also have the opportunity to try enhancing latent fingerprints using powdering techniques.

Fireworks and Explosions (2 hours) - This exciting workshop offer students the chance to experiment with colourful and explosive chemical reactions in a fun and controlled environment. The science of exothermic reactions is introduced in a practical based session.

Forensic Microscopy (1 hour) - Students will enjoy a practical session which introduces the principles of microscopy. A series of forensic examples are examined, (fibres, hairs, print features, etc.) and the students will compare these examples, identify matches and also learn how to measure the size of observed features.

Molecules of Crime (1 hour) - Have you ever wondered what ecstasy actually is or the structure of the active substance in cannabis? In this fun, hands on session students can choose their own molecule of crime to make and they’ll even get a picture taken with the molecule to take away as a souvenir!

Spectroscopy Workshop (2 hours) - Students can take advantage of the excellent analytical equipment available in the Keele Laboratories. Popular sessions include the analysis of aspirin using infra-red spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, (students can bring their own synthesized aspirin to analyse, particularly suitable for AS or A level students).

Forensic Science - Fingerprinting - Learn the history and fundamental principles behind fingerprinting techniques. After a short presentation, students will have the chance to take their own fingerprints and identify and categorise those prints.