A Hands-On Dive into the Chemistry of Smell
Our NatMatSci Year 1 Chemists recently took part in a fascinating hands-on workshop delivered by Peter Hoare, STEM Outreach Officer from Newcastle University—and it was a session that truly brought chemistry off the page and into the real world.
Using Molymod molecular kits, students built accurate 3D molecules, helping them visualise molecular shape, stereochemistry, and bonding in a clear and tactile way. The classroom turned into a mini-laboratory of molecular architects, each discovering how the structure of molecules connects to their function.
What Students Explored
- The chemistry of smell – how the structure of molecules influences scent
- Chirality – and why “handed” molecules can smell completely different
- Organic functional groups – key features found in countless molecules
- 3D model building with Molymods – constructing molecules from the ground up
The workshop was energetic, engaging, and filled with memorable molecular “aha!” moments. Huge thanks to Peter Hoare for delivering an inspiring session that sparked curiosity and deepened our students’ understanding of the world of molecules.
Think you’d like to study here? Join our virtual open event on January 21, 2026, with sessions at 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM (UK time). Sign up below!
#STEM #Chemistry #OrganicChemistry #Molymods #NewcastleUniversity
