Chemistry Connect (X013) is an Enrichment Programme Unit for students with an interest in chemistry who would like to explore the subject beyond the classroom through engagement with industry and professionals, chemistry-related games and community activities, student representation and leadership, and outreach activities.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, students should be able to:
- Industry: relate chemistry concepts to their applications in industrial, scientific and professional contexts; explore chemistry-related careers and further study opportunities through engagement with professionals, researchers and external organisations; recognise the relevance and contribution of chemistry to industry, research and society
- Community: participate actively in chemistry-related educational, social and outreach activities; collaborate with peers in planning, organising and supporting chemistry-related initiatives; contribute to building a positive, inclusive and engaging chemistry community within Junior College; promote interest in and appreciation of chemistry within the College and wider community.
- Voice: communicate ideas, suggestions and student perspectives constructively through appropriate student representation structures; contribute actively to discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the student chemistry experience; demonstrate leadership, communication, organisational and teamwork skills through active participation in this enrichment programme unit.
21st century skills addressed in the unit:
- Scientific literacy
- Cultural & Civic literacy
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Leadership
Duration and frequency of sessions
2 hours per session with 2 sessions a month
Total duration of the EPU
30 hours
Proposed day and time
Typically Wednesday between 14:00 and 16:00. Industrial visits, guest lectures and external activities will be scheduled according to the availability of participating organisations and speakers.
Marks earned
Maximum marks possibly earned in this EPU: 15 marks
Further details
The EPU comprises 30 hours of participation, delivered through 15 structured sessions distributed across the academic year and drawing on activities across the three Chemistry Connect pillars: Industry, Community and Voice. Sessions may include industrial visits, guest lecturers and career-related activities: chemistry community activities, quizzes, games, challenges and outreach initiatives; student voice and consultation activities; and themed sessions linked to relevant scientific, health and environmental awareness dates.
The programme will generally follow a fortnightly Wednesday schedule from October to May, with flexibility around the requirements of particular activities. Selected sessions may be linked to relevant awareness dates, including World Antimicrobial Awareness week, World Health Day, Earth Day and World Hand Hygiene Day. Students will be encouraged to remain actively involved in Chemistry Connect activities beyond the formal EPU requirements where appropriate.
Students registering for Chemistry Connect will be expected to complete 30 hours of participation through the scheduled programme of activities across the Industry, Community and Voice pillars. Participation may include industrial or educational visits, guest lectures, chemistry quizzes and games, outreach and public engagement activities, student-led initiatives, and student voice and representation activities.
Furthermore, students will be encouraged to contribute actively rather than participate solely as attendees, including proposing activities, assisting with their organisation, gathering feedback and supporting outreach initiatives. Students may continue participating voluntarily in Chemistry Connect beyond the formal EPU requirement.
Additional benefits
- Exposure to real-world applications of chemistry and chemistry-related careers.
- Interaction with industry professionals, researchers and external organisations.
- Development of leadership, communication, collaboration and organisational skills.
- Opportunities for meaningful student representation and participation.
- Experience in planning and supporting student-led activities.
- Participation in chemistry outreach and public engagement activities, including initiatives such as Open Day and Science in the City.
- Greater awareness of further study and career pathways.
- Stronger sense of identity and belonging within the Junior College Chemistry community.
Conditions
- A minimum of 10 students is required to run the unit.
- Individual activities may be limited by venue capacity, transport, parental/guardian consent where applicable, health and safety requirement or host-organisation restrictions.
- Students are expected to participate responsibly and constructively and comply with Junior College and University of Malta policies and procedures.
Registration/Participation fees
No general registration fee. Students will be informed in advance of any costs associated with optional external visits or transport, where applicable.
EP Coordinator
Ms Maria Flask
