Manchester Schools' Analyst Competition 2008
Twenty-four schools took part in this year's Manchester Schools' Analyst Competition, which was held at the School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science of the Manchester Metropolitan University on Wednesday the 30th of April, with generous sponsorship from: RSC Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund; Sellafield Ltd. and Chemicals Northwest.
This year the competition had a forensic theme. The scenario was that a rich elderly gentleman who suffered from Wilson's disease and who had recently married died unexpectedly. It was suspected that his wife had been spiking his drinks or food with alcohol and tampering with his medication.
The students carried out the following experiments to analyse the evidence:
- Determination of ethanol in a "blood" sample using Gas Chromatography;
- Analysis of tablets using Infrared Spectroscopy
- Determination of copper in the "stomach content extract" by iodometric titration.
The participating teams did extremely well
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| Hulme Grammar School was also awarded a prize for their accuracy in the iodometric titration of copper and Loreto College received a prize for best laboratory practice. | |
The competition was then followed by lunch and three very interesting talks by:
- Dr. Richard Ladd (Associate Director, Analytical Development, PAR&D, AstraZeneca) on 'Turning Molecules into Medicines';
- Dr. Steven Black (Analytical Services, Sellafield)
on
'An Overview of Methodology' - Mr. Andrew Scott (Membership Sales and Marketing Manager, RSC) on 'RSC ChemNet'.
A great time was had by all!
Manchester Grammar has since represented the NW region at the national competition, which took place at Bangor University on the 24th of June 2008 where they achieved the very respectable 3rd place. For being placed in the top 3 places they also received the NWAD Gerry Davidson award. Well done Manchester Grammar!
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