Join us at the University of Reading for our Chemistry and Food Sciences Taster Day! You will get a chance to explore both subjects, gain an insight into student life at Reading, and chat to current students and staff.
Sign up to our taster day to discover what it would be like to study your chosen subject at degree level, meet current staff and students, as well as explore campus and the benefits of studying at Reading.
Attendees will participate in two out of four of the below workshops to get hands-on experience, gain an understanding of the course content and what it's like to actually study these subjects at University-level.
General Chemistry (morning)
Curious about chemistry? Step into the lab and get hands-on with real research! Join us for an interactive lab session where you'll explore the green, solvent-free synthesis of chalcones — a fascinating class of bioactive compounds - and characterise them via spectroscopy.
Chalcones are key building blocks in pharmaceutical research, with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. They are also of interest in cosmetic formulations due to their antioxidant activity, making them valuable in skincare and anti-aging products.
Explore the university lab experience, work with sustainable chemistry techniques, and discover how chemistry impacts the world around us.
Cosmetic Chemistry (afternoon)
Ever wondered what goes into your favourite skincare and beauty products? Step into the lab and experience the science behind cosmetics! In this interactive session, you'll get the chance to formulate, test, and personalise your very own cosmetic product before packaging it in a professional container.
From luxurious lotions to innovative personal care, cosmetic science combines chemistry, creativity, and cutting-edge research to develop products that are safe, effective, and sustainable. This hands-on session will give you a taste of what it’s like to be a cosmetic chemist, working with real ingredients and industry techniques.
Flavour Illusions: Exploring the Science of the Senses! (morning)
Step into the world of sensory science with this activity. Students will explore how their senses work together to perceive aromas and flavours through fun experiments that challenge their expectations. From blind taste tests to aroma identification, this activity will showcase the surprising ways our brains interpret sensory information.
Sustainability Challenge - Mayo Reimagined (afternoon)
In food manufacture there are often different needs to consider. In this session you will be exploring how to reformulate mayonnaise for different needs (e.g., reduced fat, enhanced flavour, or plant-based alternatives), whilst considering nutrition, technology, sensory, and business factors. You will have the opportunity to test and compare the viscosity of a few different mayonnaise formulations, within the university pilot plant, to see how reformulation can affect the product's properties.
This taster day will be held at our Whiteknights campus and will run from approximately 10:00 – 16:00 (or 17:00 with an optional campus tour), allowing you time to really immerse yourself in the subject and relevant department.
Sign up here: https://emailer.reading.ac.uk/p/4R68-HA2/cfns