#SC-02-21 Exploring Everyday Chemistry
About Course
University of YorkDescription
This online course explores a range of chemistry-based topics relating to our everyday lives, with an emphasis on the important role of organic chemistry – the study of carbon-containing organic compounds. Activities include experimenting ‘in the kitchen’ with hands-on projects ranging from extracting a plant fragrance, to testing the activity of spices against microbes. The course will be particularly useful for sixth formers who are interested in developing independent learning skills to help the transition to university.
What topics will you cover?
- Chemical attraction – perfumes and pheromones
- The race for new antibiotics
- Understanding brewing
Who will you learn with?
Andy Parsons is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at York. His teaching has been recognised by a Royal Society of Chemistry Teaching Award; he is a Senior Fellow of the HEA & a National Teaching Fellow
Who developed the course?
The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best.
What Will I Learn?
- Identify a range of natural and synthetic attractants
- Discuss current theories that help to explain how chemical structure is related to smell
- Describe the mode of action of antibiotics and understand bacterial resistance
- Describe promising new areas of research to design smarter drugs
- Engage with the process of brewing, and identify key flavouring compounds
- Discuss the role of modern analytical methods