Chemistry: Colouring our reality

This is a Chemistry Subject Spotlight with Dr Fabrizio Ortu & Dr Philip Ash from University of Leicester. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Chemistry.

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Join Dr Fabrizio Ortu and Dr Philip Ash as they provide a fascinating introduction to chemistry at university, demonstrating some of the fundamental properties through some exciting flame tests, and how colour can be used to monitor changes, or identify substances with some further interesting experiments. They also show the reactivity series in action for the production of hydrogen and the deposition of copper metal with one final, engaging experiment, culminating in an illuminating and gripping scientific Spotlight!

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About University of Leicester

The University of Leicester aims to educate, equip and encourage their students to forge a better future. As Citizens of Change, Leicester's research excellence is changing lives and having transformative impact across the globe. Ranked as a Top 30 University, their students and staff make up a powerhouse for ground-breaking research, including being in the top ten UK universities for their COVID-19 research; locating the remains of King Richard III; and the discovery of DNA fingerprinting. Located right in the heart of the East Midlands, Leicester prides itself in being one of the UK’s most multi-cultural cities, playing host to a number of cultural festivals such as a colorful Caribbean Carnival and the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.

Meet the academics

Dr Fabrizio Ortu

Dr Fabrizio Ortu is a Chemistry Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at the University of Leicester, which he joined in June 2019. He obtained his BSc in Chemistry (2007) and MRes (2009) at the University of Sassari (Italy). He has worked within various projects funded by several funding bodies and charities, covering a range of topics in f-element chemistry: molecular magnetism, actinide organometallic and coordination chemistry, lanthanide-element multiple bonding interactions. Throughout his career, Fabrizio has had the chance to work as part of multidisciplinary teams at the interface between inorganic chemistry, sustainable synthesis and materials science and have established a wide network of collaborations in Europe, Asia and America.

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!