🎬WATCH

Chemistry: A Volatile History

BBC Four – Chemistry: A Volatile History

📖READ

  • New scientist (available in the library)

Keep up to date with the latest developments in modern science.

  • Chemistry Review (back issues available from chemistry office)

Chemistry review is a magazine edited by chemists at the University of York and written for post-16 students. Many of its articles link current research to the A-level specification.

  • James Keeler – Why Chemical Reactions Happen (available from Mr Harding and the library)

Selected chapters give a deeper insight to the ideas of entropy and enthalpy which are met during the A-level course. This is best read after the enthalpy topic is studied in year 12.

  • John Emsley – Healthy, Wealthy, Sustainable World (available from Mr Harding)

In this book John Emsley explores the role chemistry has in ensuring humanity can feed and care for itself in a more sustainable way.

  • Oxford chemistry primers (available from Mr Harding)

This series of books serve as useful introductions to various chemistry topics that undergraduates will meet during their studies. A large selection of them can be borrowed from Mr Harding for an insight in to chemistry beyond the A-level specification.

  • Primo Levi – The Periodic Table

Primo Levi was an Italian Jew who studied chemistry despite the antisemitic policies of Mussolini’s Italy during the early 20th century. During the war Levi became a partisan and was sent to Auschwitz where being a chemist saved his life. The Periodic Table is an autobiographical novel in which Levi explores his life and his love of chemistry through episodes linked to the elements.

🎧LISTEN

Currently in their fourth series these podcasts examine how chemistry affects our every day lives and the ways in which it can help build a better future. From plastics to batteries  join Dr Alex Lethbridge as she examines the role of chemistry in creating the modern world.

An in depth look in the history, myths and legends surrounding the elements that make up the universe around is. From their discovery to modern uses many of the elements are now examined in depth.
Join a diverse cast of chemists as they discuss their lives in chemistry and where their research is taking them currently.

🔍RESEARCH

  • Consider applying for a Nuffield research placement. Certain eligibility criteria apply, you can check your eligibility here. If successful you will spend 4-6 weeks over the summer working alongside professional scientists. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience the real world of research as well as improving your laboratory and quantitative skills. Applications open during the autumn term of year 12.

🏆COMPETITIONS

For year 12s:

  • The Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Lower 6th (C3L6). This takes the form of a 90 minute paper sat in the summer term. Past paper materials and tutorials will be provided for interested students on track to achieve at least a B grade. In the C3L6 challenge your problem solving skills and knowledge of chemistry will be put to the test. Students who perform particularly well are invited to a summer school at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge.
  • RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition: Administered by the RSC and University of Newcastle the Schools’ Analyst Competition consists of a practical investigation and associated paper. Up to 3 teams of three can enter and if we are selected the competition will take place in the Pentecost term.

📱WEBSITES AND APP

For year 13s:

  • The RSC Chemistry Olympiad. The Olympiad is a national and international competition to find the best post-16 chemists. In round one an exam paper is sat in school with the best students from around the UK going on to a week of training and coaching by respected academics. The best four students from round two will then represent the UK at the International Olympiad including travel to the location of the event.
  • In school chemistry club. TBC, dependent on student interest and staff availability.

 🗺 VISITS