Coffee conundrum whets appetite for University study
How much caffeine is there in an average cup of coffee?
That's the question 75 outstanding Year 11 students from four Brisbane schools are solving in practical chemistry experiments at the University of Queensland this month.
They are learning how to extract caffeine from coffee in advanced chemistry course classes for secondary students in the University's Chemistry Department.
The pilot program this year has included students from Brisbane Boys' College (BBC) at Toowong, Corinda State High School, St Peters Lutheran College and Indooroopilly State High School. While Corinda and St Peters students have already visited the University, BBC students will attend practical classes on November 23 and Indooroopilly students on November 24.
Biological and Chemical Sciences Faculty schools liaison officer Ann Meiklejohn said there had been an "overwhelmingly positive response" to the accelerated chemistry course (CH112). The Faculty planned to extend the program to more high schools in 1999 with the encouragement of Executive Dean Professor Mick McManus.
Faculty Director of Studies Associate Professor Rod Rogers said University staff had established a close relationship with the schools to ensure suitable curriculum content and standards. The CH112 curriculum resembled the year 11 and year 12 curriculum, but was carried to greater depth, he said.
"This means that students who commence the enhanced program may opt out at any stage and return to the normal year 12 program. This similarity also limits the possibility that advanced study could interfere with students tertiary entry scores," Dr Rogers said.
The high-school pupils are taking the same exams and conducting the same three-hour practical experiments as first-semester university students.
"If students sit for the examination provided by the University and pass, they will receive credit for this if requested when they enrol at the University," Dr Rogers said.
Chemistry Department academics Associate Professor John Cotton, Associate Professor Trevor Appleton and Associate Professor Lawrie Gahan have assisted teachers at the four schools to ensure the program's success.
POSTSCRIPT: An average cup of coffee has about five percent caffeine by weight, according to Dr Appleton.
Media contacts: Associate Professor Rod Rogers (telephone 3365 3353) or Ms Meiklejohn (telephone 07 3365 6636).
