Flame tests are a very easy way to distinguish between ionic metal salts. Learning how to interpret their results is an important skill for chemistry students. When energy is applied (in this case from the flame) electrons in the metal
Guide to recrystallisation
Recrystallisation is one of the most common techniques used in chemistry to purify a compound. Choosing your solvent When conducting a recrystallisation it is very important that you select the correct solvent. If you are following a procedure, it will
Choose your optional courses wisely
How do you choose the best optional (or elective) courses in your 1st and 2nd year? It’s highly likely that your preferred flavour of chemistry will be different from mine. And that goes for interests outside of the discipline
How to deal with being homesick
From spending the weekend with your grandparents when you were 6, to the 3-week holiday with your best friend at 18. The one feeling you are sure never to escape? Homesickness. It’s pretty safe to say we’ve all been there
5 great skills from a year in research
Congratulations! You’ve completed Year 3 of your chemistry degree. What’s next? You’ve either opted to spend a year abroad or stay at your home institution for the 4th year of your degree. Take home message? A year in a top
A year in industry: Cytec Industries Inc.
Wondering what a year in industry would be like? We asked Brian Shaw, a final year MChem student at University of Edinburgh about his experience. Brian spent the 4th year of his chemistry degree on an industry placement with Cytec Industries Inc., Stamford,
Chemistry year abroad – Bologna, Italy
Wondering if you’d like to spend the final year of your chemistry degree as a year abroad? Read on to find out. You can also hear a podcast with Sarah about her experience if you go to the right-hand column
Surviving first year chemical physics
If you’re considering a Chemical Physics degree, belonging to different Schools can be a bit disorienting for some students. Chemical Physics as a Degree I’m by no means an expert in Chemical Physics, I’m only a first year student, but