VCE Chemistry - Detecting Parabens - Yarra Ranges Tech School

Maximum Number of Students

Duration

1 Day 9:30 – 2:30

Curriculum Areas

VCE – Chemestry

Description

In this chemistry-focused program, students investigate parabens, preservatives used in many cosmetics, and explore the science behind claims of safety. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), students prepare paraben standards, generate a calibration curve, and analyse real cosmetic samples. They’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-grade equipment, apply analytical techniques, and examine how chemistry and misconceptions influence consumer behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the role of parabens as preservatives in cosmetics and their associated chemical structures.
Explain how functional groups influence solubility, polarity, and retention time in chromatography.
Describe the basic principles of chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Identify the relationship between structure and function in molecules used in cosmetic chemistry.

Career Paths

Analytical chemist
Pharmaceutical chemist
Laboratory technician
Formulation chemist
Environmental chemist
Quality assurance officer
Food technologist

Tertiary Options

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Biotechnology

Before your visit

Yarra Ranges Tech School has pre-work and post-work developed specifically for each program. We suggest reviewing and implementing these resources to enhance your curriculum and support alignment with the Victorian 2.0 curriculum.

Pre & Post Work

Share your resources

Yarra Ranges Tech School recognises the hard work our partner school teachers put into developing resources. If you have materials that link to our programs, we’d love to share them with your peers. Please contact us at YRTSProgrambookings@boxhill.edu.au to submit your resources.