Spectroscopy with UCL

A Level Scientists enjoyed a visit from UCL Chemistry students – including a South Hampstead alumna – to enhance their learning.

A group of Chemistry students from University College London joined our Upper Sixth Chemists for a demonstration of instrumental techniques this week. The visiting UCL undergraduates and postgraduates, including former pupil, Ada Liebenau, showed the girls how to use spectroscopy equipment.

In an afternoon of analytical Chemistry at its most exciting, our Upper Sixth students were guided through the theory behind two of the most prominent instrumental techniques in the syllabus: mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. The girls were then invited to analyse a number of samples of organic compounds, generating their own spectra and thus creating the absorption patterns they know and love.

A Level students, Zoe and Ayala, report back on what they learned:

‘We were given a presentation on the principles of mass spectrum and infrared spectroscopy as well as the applications of both in real life – these ranged from detecting illegal drugs at festivals to art restoration. We then were shown the infrared spectrometer and were given the chance to use it ourselves, testing samples of different chemicals. Once we had generated results for these, we used the data to identify what each substance was, just as we have done in lessons. This was a very hands-on experience and a great way to bring to life the theory we have studied in class.’