BelSU Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology holds educational master classes

Students, postgraduates and teachers of the BelSU Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology took part in the master classes prepared as part of the science festival.

Marina Dovgan, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Pharmacy Management and Economics, told the participants about the main steps and rules they need to follow when preparing a scientific presentation to report results of their research. Using examples, the speaker pointed out typical mistakes and recommended how to structure the material, how to choose the most appropriate design, colour scheme, and text placement on slides. Marina Dovgan discussed the importance of following the university’s corporate identity when designing presentation slides, as well as the possibilities to adjust it to preferences of a presenter. The lecturer shared knowledge and skills that participants can employ in classes, competitions and conferences that require visual support for presentations.

Guided by Irina Blinova and Elena Oleynits, first-year students from BelSU Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology held a master class on chemical properties and production of the main classes of inorganic compounds. The students conducted chemical reaction science experiments and obtained oxides, salts, acids and bases. They also taught how to distinguish acid from alkali, what amphoteric oxides are and what chemical properties they have.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Anastasia Malyutina, Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology of the BelSU Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology, gave a speech on medicinal herbs used both in traditional Chinese medicine and in modern pharmaceuticals. From her presentation, students learned that in the territory of modern China 5886 species of vascular plants had been registered as medicines in 18 ethnic groups. However, national databases of herbal resources still lack about 40% of those species. Taken together with other facts, that spotlights the need to preserve Chinese herbal medicines and traditional medical knowledge related to them.

Yuri Boltenko, the acting Head of the Department of food technology gave a master class on modern technologies in confectionery production that provided an exciting and useful experience for students of BelSU and other universities and colleges of Belgorod. At the masterclass, the students learned about innovative technologies used in modern confectionery, chocolate, sweet bakery and snack industries, as well as the latest trends in confectionery art. They also had an opportunity to enjoy their newly acquired skills right on the spot. Particular attention was given to lunchbox (bento) cakes, single-portion mini cakes that become more and more popular all over the world.

Senior Lecturer of the Department of Pharmacy Management and Economics, deputy director at a pharmacy organization Vladimir Nikonov held an online master class to share methodological recommendations for pharmaceutical specialists to manage work stress while carrying out professional and scientific activities.

The final event scheduled for the festival was a master class by Senior Lecturer of the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology Kristina Degtyareva. She shared her research into the technology of biological testing of various chemical compounds using a standardized test culture of the Scenedesmus quadricauda microalga with use of the Goryaev chamber.