College chemists were put through their paces at the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry’s annual quiz at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Each year teams from secondary schools across the north take part in what Mr O’Callaghan (Head of Science) describes as a ‘thought provoking practical challenge’ to determine who will be declared ‘top of the bench’.

Students from Years 10, 11 and 12 competed in three rounds - a Chemistry quiz, a chemical knowledge test and a practical assessment before they enjoyed a tour of the Chemistry Department at the University (based at the David Keir Building) and had the opportunity to venture inside the NMR spectroscopy room to see automated chemical sampling and identification.

Despite being beaten to the ‘Top of the Bench’ by St Louis’, Ballymena, a thoroughly engaging evening was enjoyed by all in attendance.