Pharmaceutical
The students play the part of analysts testing to see if a product is suitable for sale. A standard sample is provided and three unknowns must be tested to see which one is pure. A selection of indicators is provided and the one pure sample can be deduced by comparing the colour changes with that of the standard.
The manufacture of toothpaste and the ingredients required are discussed. Students mix up some toothpaste for themselves and samples are available for tasting. The way that stripes are put into toothpaste is also explained.
The different analytical techniques used by the pharmaceutical industry are reviewed along with how they aid product development. Samples of the company's products are passed round and discussed.
The principle of liquid chromatography is explained and the many applications of the technique are described. Demonstrations of some experiments are given.
Combinatorial chemistry principles are explained and demonstrated, and the benefits of using this kind of chemistry are discussed.
The use of analytical chemistry to identify companies producing products still under patent to another company is outlined, and students carry out standard tests to identify samples of a drug made by 'pirates'.
The discovery and development of aspirin is discussed including how it has been found to have new applications in disease treatment. Modern methods of drug discovery are outlined along with possible future developments.
