Tracy McGhie and Emma Palin from the University of Leicester recently visited the Academy representing the Royal Society of Chemistry. They delivered a revision session to our Year 13 chemistry students on spectroscopy, a topic that has historically always challenged students in exams.

Spectroscopy in a Suitcase gave the students an opportunity to learn about spectroscopy through hands-on experience. The workshop covered the principles of spectroscopic techniques and the activities used real-life contexts to demonstrate the applications of the techniques.

Science Teacher Mr Miola said: Our students were able to use spectroscopic techniques to solve a crime thus contextualising the use of this analytical technique from a forensic standpoint.

‘Utilising a mobile infra-red Spectrometer, our students analysed multiple samples from a fictional crime scene to piece together the evidence necessary to pinpoint the suspect responsible for the murder of ‘Mr Blue’. Through successful analysis of the data they were able to conclude that ‘Mrs Blue’ was responsible for what was a crime of passion and used Strychnine to kill her husband.

Year 13 student Luke said ‘The spectroscopy session was intriguing and has encouraged me to reconsider my choices for a potential route into Forensic Science at the end of my gap year.’

Year 13 student Thomas said: ‘The workshop was an interesting and engaging spin on the real world applications of A-level Chemistry’

Mr Miola said: ‘We very much look forward to running Spectroscopy in a Suitcase once again next year and cannot thank the RSC, Tracy and Emma enough for their support in bringing such an incredible opportunity into our Academy.’