SSERC Chemistry

Occasional observations on the life of the chemistry department at SSERC. All opinions expressed are my own. For detailed information on anything, see our website - www.sserc.org.uk

[ssercchemistry]

A big thank you to our AH Chemistry delegates who battled through the snow. I had a good time and I hope you did too. More tomorrow - onwards and upwards.

[ssercchemistry]

Any Scottish chemists still using these old AH PPAs (and why wouldn't you?) We've produced (slightly) revised versions and new risk assessments. You can find them under the PPA tab here. https://www.sserc.org.uk/subject-areas/chemistry/cfe-advanced-higher-chemistry/

(don't be thrown off - mine aren't really this colour either.)

[ssercchemistry]

Day 2 of N5 Lab Science at SSERC. (a bit late but never mind). Physics ruled the roost today: dispelling disquiet about radioactivity.

[ssercchemistry]

N5 Lab Science at SSERC. Weighing & measuring with a difference, titrations. . . What's not to like?

[ssercchemistry]

Environmental science day 2. Microscopes, turbines and sampling techniques. Almost as good as chemistry. A big thanks to all the delegates: you were great.

[ssercchemistry]

Excellent Day 1 of the Environmental Science course. Fun with water, soil and seaweed. What more could anyone want. See you all tomorrow.

[ssercchemistry]

A few days late but a big thankyou (and congratulations) to the delegates on our Chemical Handling course. A good time was had by all.

[ssercchemistry]

This is Fun. A (quite concentrated) sugar solution in a glass, sits (carefully) on my laptop screen. The lens from some old polaroid sunglasses is over the camera lens and I turn the camera - showing the optical rotation of the sucrose.

Time time to try hydrolysing it to make invert sugar now.

[ssercchemistry]

Hi Everyone. We've been working hard to see what support we can offer our members in these difficult times. Some chemistry resources can now be found at https://www.sserc.org.uk/subject-areas/chemistry/chemistry-home-learning/

More will follow in the next few days and weeks. #Doingourbit

[ssercchemistry]

More Bad Science at #Probationers2020. But it's all gone a bit monochrome.

[ssercchemistry]

All ready for some Bad Science. And no, that's not a general term for what we do. #probationers2020

[ssercchemistry]

A hard day's work at SSERC. We've been having a good time, hope the probationers are too. #probationers2020

[ssercchemistry]

his is fun. Anyone tempted  to try to see triboluminescence in polos? If you can find any sweets with methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) like American 'Lifesavers', then it's bright enough that you don't need to let your eyes adjust to the dark. Here's a clip from my phone.

[ssercchemistry]

Great first day of SSERC Chemistry Summer School. Fun with rates of reaction and synthesis.

[ssercchemistry]

Latest website update. Just finished moving all the concentration arrows to the 'Hazards & Classification' tab where it belongs. (This was pointed out to me just as I finished doing them first time round - still, better late than never).

Given the large amount of information of different types here it is a constant effort to try to ensure that it is presented in the most helpful way possible. I think we’re getting there though.

[ssercchemistry]

Photo shared on Twitter by Graeme Barker from Heriot Watt (@metalionman). I've seen a cupcake periodic table but this takes it to a whole new level - can't wait to see them on Bake-Off.

[ssercchemistry]

Good to see the King Malcolm is treating SSERC chemists with the respect they deserve.