CHEMISTRY students had the chance take part in a Northumbria University's annual Spectroscopy Day.

The A-level students from Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College were able to complete practical experiments using advanced equipment and chemicals and were introduced to new analytical techniques, such as thin-layer chromatograph.

Student Oliver Excell said: ‘I found the day extremely enjoyable and interesting to work in a university laboratory and using more sophisticated methods and equipment, such as the mass spectrometer. The experience has definitely furthered my desire to study Biochemistry at university and to work in a professional laboratory full-time."

Julia Magnall, chemistry teacher at the college, added: ‘As teachers, we find that the Spectroscopy Day is an ideal opportunity for students to develop their employability skills as they have to communicate with the staff at Northumbria University, listen to instructions carefully and follow the precautions identified by risk assessments. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of being in a university laboratory with new equipment and techniques to master, and their practical skills developed nicely."