Biosciences & Chemistry Experience Days

Our on-campus Biosciences & Chemistry Experience Days are designed to give Level 3 learners real insight into the breadth and vibrancy of biosciences and chemistry pathways, and the rich diversity of careers beyond.

Comprising a curriculum-linked lab workshop (mapped to Level 3 Biology, Chemistry and Applied Science curricula) delivered in industry-standard teaching labs, taster lecture, and student ambassador Q&A, there’s no better way to introduce learners to everything these subject areas have to offer. 

What’s involved

Our experience days run throughout the year, 09:30-14:30, and comprise of two parts; a 2.5 hour lab practical (see workshop options below) in the morning, and a cross-curricular taster lecture and student ambassador-led campus tour in the afternoon.

We have capacity to run one biology and one chemistry lab per event, so not all workshops will be available on all dates.

Available dates for 2026/27

Our experience days will run 09:30-14:30 on the following dates:

• Wednesday 9 September 2026
• Thursday 10 September 2026
• Friday 11 September 2026

• Thursday 14 January 2027
• Friday 15 January 2027
• Monday 18 January 2027
• Tuesday 19 January 2027
• Wednesday 20 January 2027
• Thursday 21 January 2027
• Friday 22 January 2027

• Monday 10 May 2027
• Tuesday 11 May 2027
• Wednesday 12 May 2027
• Thursday 13 May 2027
• Friday 14 May 2027
• Monday 17 May 2027
• Tuesday 18 May 2027

Lab workshops

Molecular Biology: Transplant Match (Biology / 64 capacity)

A hands-on, scenario-based session where students will learn about and carry out PCR and gel electrophoresis. Students gain experience in:

• Accurate use of pipettes
• Conducting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Creation of buffers and visualisation DNA migration through gel
• Visualisation of DNA separation using Thermocycler

Synthesis of Aspirin (Chemistry / 50 capacity)

Students synthesise the anti-inflammatory drug aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) from salicylic acid (isolated from willow bark) using an acid-catalysed substitution reaction. The product is characterised using a range of modern analytical and spectroscopic methods. Students gain practical experience in:

• Weighing solids using a top pan balance
• Using a magnetic stirrer hotplate
• Büchner vacuum filtration
• Purification of the product by recrystallisation from hot solvent
• Assessing the identity and purity of the product using four analytical methods: Melting Point; Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC); Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

Synthesis of Cyclohexene (Chemistry / 50 capacity)

Students synthesise cyclohexene by acid-catalysed elimination of water from cyclohexanol. The product is then distilled out of the reaction mixture for further analysis. The product is characterised using a classical chemical test and a range of modern analytical and spectroscopic methods. Students gain practical experience in:

• Using a magnetic stirrer hotplate
• Setting up a reaction using distillation apparatus
• Performing liquid-liquid extraction using a separating funnel
• Drying organic solvents with dessicants
• Gravity or Büchner vacuum filtration as required
• Use of a rotary evaporator to remove organic solvents
• Performing a bromine water test for the presence of an alkene
• Assessing the identity and purity of the product using three analytical methods: Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC); Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

Synthesis of Aroma Esters (Chemistry / 50 capacity)

Students synthesise esters commonly found in fruit aromas and regularly manufactured as such for use in flavourings and fragrances. A range of esters are provided, meaning students can compare data for different compounds. Students gain practical experience in:

• Using a magnetic stirrer hotplate
• Setting up and running a reaction under reflux
• Performing liquid-liquid extraction using a separating funnel
• Drying organic solvents with dessicants
• Gravity or Büchner vacuum filtration as required
• Use of a rotary evaporator to remove organic solvents
• Purification of the product by atmospheric distillation
• Assessing the identity and purity of the product using three analytical methods: Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC); Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

Eligibility requirements 

Due to the content covered in the lab workshops, these events are aimed exclusively at students studying Level 3 Biology, Chemistry and Applied Science courses at sixth form or college.

Get in touch

To book a Biosciences & Chemistry Experience Day, please complete the following form and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your requirements: https://forms.gle/uTsLVVFW53LPx21GA

For more information, enquiries, or support with outreach, please do not hesitate to contact us at SCLO@shu.ac.uk. 

Travel 

We recommend planning your travel arrangements in advance. As a city-centre university, on-site parking is limited so please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your options.