Kirsop Labs

Why do impure solids melt at lower temperatures?

Dr Allison Kirsop — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:30:32 +0000

A melting point is a characteristic physical property of a substance. So melting point analysis is one of the simplest and most useful techniques for identification of a chemical substance. Melting point depression Melting point (m.p.) analysis can also provide information

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5 skills that blogging gives students

Hayley Russell — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:48:33 +0000

Blogging has given me a new set of skills. Now that I’m applying for an industrial placement, I’m wondering how this will benefit me in a working environment. Five years ago, student author Hayley Russell started a personal blog. During this time,

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How to calculate solution dilution

Hayley Russell — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 02:00:05 +0000

As chemists, we often need to dilute solutions from a stock solution.   Although dilution calculations can seem like a bit of a pain at first – once you’ve got them down you’ll be diluting your samples in no time.

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Are you getting the most out of your lectures?

Sarah Piggott — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:40:57 +0000

Taking your own notes is a skill you need to develop while you’re an undergrad. So if you’re in your early years, don’t rely on printed handouts for the rest of your degree. The lecture is where you can pick

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Study hints for first class grades

Hannah Muir — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:23:09 +0000

We asked 5 different students who all achieved first-class grades in 3rd year to explain how they use different revision techniques. We found that different methods work for different people. Which one works best for you? Really understanding the subject

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Student’s t-Test – a significant difference?

Andrew McCluskey — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 11:25:14 +0000

This is the 2nd article in our series on ‘errors’ and a continuation of the article ‘All About Errors‘. The ambition is that this article should be self-contained. However some concepts, such as standard deviation, are discussed in more detail

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5 reasons to sign up as class rep

Hayley Russell — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 10:20:06 +0000

With a new semester rolling around, a new opportunity will arise. Course organizers will soon be asking students to volunteer as class rep. It’s a great opportunity to add to your CV, develop some transferable skills, and get to know your

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How to interpret a flame test

Hayley Russell — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 10:00:50 +0000

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

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Guide to recrystallisation

Hayley Russell — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 10:00:44 +0000

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

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It’s exam season – are you ready?

Dr Allison Kirsop — Thu, 17 May 2018 09:13:43 +0000

Original article by Dom Gibson Feb 2014 Updated by Dr. Allison Kirsop, November 2016. Thought I’d bring this one to the front again seeing as it’s that time of year! With exams just around the corner, here are a few

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What is drug discovery?

Jan Plesniar — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 10:00:12 +0000

Drug discovery is a term that you’ll hear a lot in chemistry classes but what does it mean? Medicinal chemistry is the search for new active ingredients for medicines and is an important branch of chemistry. Many universities offer specific degrees

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Writing your first literature review

Dr Allison Kirsop — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:00:13 +0000

Writing your first literature review can be daunting, and getting started is often the hardest part. This article explains how to approach your first literature review and gives some tips on what to include and what to avoid. If you’re

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