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Pure Substances

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Unit Summary

Over the course of seven engaging lessons, this unit on Pure Substances explores chemical techniques and their role in separating mixtures and refining substances. This unit aims to empower students with a toolkit of practical skills centred around essential physical processes such as distillation, filtration and chromatography. The unit begins by defining and distinguishing pure substances from mixtures, laying the foundation for understanding the fundamental concepts. The processes of creating solutions, diffusion, separation and chromatography are then explored. 

This unit uses a wide range of scientific terminology, helping students to develop confidence in using terms such as solute, solvent, solution and soluble. Hands-on experiments enrich the learning experience, reinforcing techniques that are both practical and essential for future scientific endeavors. By the end of this unit, students will not only grasp the science behind these techniques but also appreciate their significant impact on various industries and everyday life.

During this unit you will hear from the following industry experts:

          Name:                                  Job Title:

1.        Bethan Murray                     Manufacturing Process Engineer

2.       Carrington Watkins              Project Management Development Programme

3.       Elizabeth                               Manufacturing Engineer and Purchasing

4.       Dyanne Sargeant                 Head of Strategic Capability in IT

5.       Andy Davies                         Learning Delivery Manager

6.       Harley Glover Newson        Digital and Technical Solutions Degree Apprentice

7.        Pete Rhodes                        Global Head of Enterprise Architecture

This unit has been written by

Dr Peter Klappa

Peter Klappa studied Biology (BSc Hons and MSc) at the Ludwigs-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, where he also obtained his PhD in molecular and cellular biology. He is a National Teaching Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As a trained Biology and Chemistry teacher, Peter has taught sciences for over 30 years, both at pre- and post-entry to university. For his excellence in teaching, Peter has received numerous awards and prizes and was nominated for the Teacher of the Year award by the Higher Education Academy in 2015 and 2019.

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!