Chemistry Department highlights at UCT Open Day 2024

31 May 2024 | By Laa-iqa Rylands
Chemistry postgraduate students at the chemistry exhibition on open day with lots of chemistry demonstrations.
31 May 2024 | By Laa-iqa Rylands

On Saturday, 4th of May 2024, UCT's annual Open Day offered high school learners, families, and teachers a chance to explore the university's programs and resources.The Chemistry Department made a notable contribution to the event. Held from 10:00 to 15:00, the event featured various exhibitions and activities.

In the Sarah Baartman Hall, the Chemistry Department's exhibition table drew interest. Postgraduate students and academics volunteered to engage with visitors. They showcased experiments and explained different chemistry sub-disciplines. The exhibition included synthetic chemistry, crystallography, analytical chemistry, and electrochemistry. Learners enjoyed viewing crystals and learning about caffeine extraction from energy drinks. They also saw how to analyze the content of medicines and were shown how to electroplate pendants with gold and copper solutions.

A panel discussion titled "A Students’ Perspective" was also well-attended. Held in PD Hahn Building, Lecture Theatre 1, it was facilitated by Laa-iqa Rylands. Associate Professor Anwar Jardine, Head of the Chemistry Department, welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the department and its courses. Panelists Shannon Misplon, Kyllen Dilsook, Leah Amod, and Dr. Keletso Maepa shared their experiences as chemistry undergraduates. They discussed why they chose chemistry and their current research projects. Their insights were helpful to prospective students and parents.

Despite the cold and wet weather, the event saw a good turnout. Thanks to the volunteers and the organizing committee: Laa-iqa Rylands, Dr. Dalielah Jappie, Roxanne Mohunlal, Dr. Samantha Douman, and Claire Lawrence-Naidoo. The Chemistry Department's efforts highlighted UCT's commitment to education. Attendees left with useful information and a better understanding of what studying at UCT involves.

Crystal garden and microscope on the chemistry exhibition table
Chemistry exhibition table at UCT Open Day
Sweets and pamphlets on the chemistry exhibition table
Two postgraduate students pose in front of the chemistry exhibition
Postgraduate students pose for a picture at the chemistry exhibition table at UCT Open Day
Three chemistry department postgraduate students pose in front of the chemistry exhibition
A postgraduate student shows interested learners a crystal using a microscope
Chemistry exhibition table at UCT Open Day
Four chemistry department postgraduate students sit on chairs in front of lecture theatre boards
Four chemistry department staff members pose in front of the chemistry exhibition.