TRAINING COURSES
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CHEMISTRY FOR AROMATHERAPISTS (And other Complementary Therapists)

This day is spent building up an understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals of Chemistry that are useful for Aromatherapists and other complementary Therapists. The nature of the course is such that it can be enjoyed by students currently undertaking training in Aromatherapy, or by qualified Aromatherapists wishing to improve their understanding, or by practitioners of other therapies.

The content of the day will assume that you have no knowledge of chemistry at all. (This is usually a safe assumption!)

We will start off with “Everything Is Made Of Atoms” and build on that.... After that comes “What Are Atoms Made Of”, then “The Different Elements”, and “How Atoms Join Together”, followed by “Molecules And Compounds”. After this first hour, I expect that you will be badly in need of a break - but excited about how you are going to impress your friends by explaining “The Periodic Table Of The Elements” at your next dinner party!

Following “Different Types Of Bonds” it is possible that I may share with you the chemists' secret in “Water Isn't Really H2O”. At this point you become a real Chemist yourself - understanding just how easy everything is, but bound by solemn oath to keep it a secret from non-chemists and pretend that it really is very complicated.

Next comes “The Difference Between Inorganic And Organic Chemistry” (yet another meaning of that word organic). Once we have discussed “The Shape Of The Carbon Atom”, as demonstrated by four coloured balloons, you will be home and dry. These are the fundamentals of chemistry. They aren't difficult, and once you understand them you can nod wisely at any chemistry book you come across.

The rest is just too easy! When we look at “The Components of Vegetable Oils”, it will be quite obvious why so many Fatty Acids feel more comfortable as Triglycerides. The difference between Saturated and Unsaturated Fats will come as no surprise to you, and you will probably work out the existence of the Cis and Trans forms without my help.

Similarly, “The Components of Essential Oils” will hold no mysteries for you. Your old friends the Carboxylic Acids will be joined by Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones and Esters. And, for the first time in your life, you won't be at all scared.

What we do after all that is up to you. I think that it is useful to talk about Quality Control of Essential Oils using Gas Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Even if you have covered that in your college Aromatherapy course, you will understand it a lot better once you have become a proper Chemist. But after that, you choose...

Would you like to discuss the issues about “Organic” oils, Health & Safety considerations, or what?
We'll discuss it on the day - but if you have any requests, give us a call so that we can come prepared.

Chris Callaghan B.A. (Hons Biochemistry) will lead this course.

Enquire for details: phone 07922 081541 or email training{at}SunbirdManagement.co.uk

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All of our courses are currently booked to be at The Brogdale Collections, near Faversham, Kent.
This is the home of the National Fruit Tree Collections, and is a lovely site with a free visitor centre, farm shops, and 150 acres of beautiful orchards to wander through. (And plenty of free parking!)
It is just off Junction 6 of the M2. See www.BrogdaleCollections.co.uk
It is also close to the ancient and picturesque market town of Faversham.
So bring the family for the day if you need to! See www.Faversham.org

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