About 250 Year 11 and Year 12 students have travelled as far as 450 kilometres to attend the annual HSC chemistry days at Charles Sturt University in Wagga, an event which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

In addition to the popular chemistry magic shows, Faculty of Science course director Celia Barril said the students have had a chance to interview CSU academics about career options in science.

“The interactions with the academics highlight to the students the range of professions open to them – from industry to research,” Dr Barril said.

“They can also realise that science is multi-disciplinary and that chemistry can be used in combination with many other disciplines, for example, the fate of anaesthetics in animals, bioactive compounds in indigenous plants, and impact of rising temperatures on grape composition.

“The program has been hosted by the university in collaboration with the Eastern Riverina Science Teachers Association since 1998.”