Sign up for our taster day to discover what it would be like to study Chemistry and/or Food and Nutritional Sciences at degree level.
Click 'Visit Website' above to find out more and register for this event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet current staff and students and to explore the campus and the benefits of studying at Reading.
This event is free to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and eligible students can also receive a travel bursary to attend the taster day.
As an attendee you will participate in two hands-on sessions. You will have the option to do choose both sessions from the same subject area or select one from each. Every session will cover different content. Information regarding the sessions is below:
Chemistry
Session 1: Synthesis of Chemical Building Blocks
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.
Session 2: Chemistry of Cosmetic Products
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.
Food and Nutritional Sciences
Session 1: The Great Cake Experiment: From Flour to Flavour
Step into our state-of-the-art pilot plant for an exciting hands-on session where you’ll create your own cakes using a variety of flours; discover how each choice can transform protein content, texture, and nutritional value. Put your taste buds to the test as you sample the finished creations and see how changing the protein source affects the sensory properties of the finished product. You can rate them and see which recipe comes out on top! You’ll also enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the pilot plant, offering a behind-the-scenes look at food production and innovation in action.
Session 2: Taste & Aroma: The Science of Drink Innovation
Create your very own sparkling apple juice in this fun, hands-on Food Science session. Discover how food scientists develop new products by balancing taste (what your tongue detects) and aroma (what your nose detects) to create delicious flavours that consumers enjoy. Learn about the key ingredients used in soft drinks, explore which ingredients add sweetness or sourness, and decide how much of each to include as you design your perfect beverage. Get ready to experiment, create, and taste the results while experiencing how new drinks are developed in the food industry.
This taster day will be held at our Whiteknights campus and will run from approximately 10:00 – 15:30 (or 16:30 with an optional campus tour), allowing you time to really immerse yourself in the subject and relevant department. More information will be made available following registration.
Click 'Visit Website' below to find out more and register for this event.