Undergraduate - UnitCHM2752 - Chemistry of the environment

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit presents a broad overview of the origins of the environmental pollution problems by studying the sources, reactions, transport, effects and fate of chemical species in the water, soil and air environments. Specifically it will study the influence of human activity upon these processes and provide relevant practical introduction to the basic analytical techniques employed for environmental chemical analysis.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will: know the sources and be able to classify water pollutants including oxygen-consuming wastes, disease-causing agents, synthetic organic compounds, radioactive materials and heat; be able to assess water quality by the measurement of the various water parameters; follow and have an understanding of the chemical processes which occur in natural waters; have an appreciation of the chemistry of soils and sediments; have a general understanding of the principles of air pollution, the major sources, fate and effects of pollutants; have a practical knowledge of atmospheric monitoring and sampling methods; have an appreciation of tools and approaches to preventing environmental pollution; and to provide relevant practical introduction to the basic analytical techniques employed for environmental chemical analysis.

Assessment

Assignment work (5000 words): 20%
Practical work: 25%
Examination (3 hours): 55%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Barbie Panther

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures per week, 39 hours of laboratory per semester

Prerequisites

One of CHM1022, CHM1742 or CHM1752