Course overview
This course will introduce students to aspects of chemistry in the biosphere, and the impact of natural and human induced events on local and global environments from a chemical perspective. The theory component of the course includes an introduction to the chemical processes occurring in all spheres of the natural world, including the atmosphere (e.g. ozone hole and ozone depletion; climate change and greenhouse effect) and aquatic systems (e.g. acid rain and chemical contaminants). The laboratory component of the course provides practical training with a focus on developing quantitative analytical skills relevant to environment systems using a variety of instrumental methods together with skills required to analyse, interpret and present data. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in both theory-focused workshops and practical-based laboratory sessions, in addition to technical laboratory skills. These are essential skills for a professional scientist and are highly valued by employers because they directly contribute to the capability to innovate and troubleshoot in a variety of settings.
- Chemicals In The Atmosphere
- Chemicals In The Hydrosphere
- Chemicals In The Geosphere
- Remediation Of Chemicals In The Environment
- Practicals
Course learning outcomes
- apply knowledge of chemical reactions that occur in air, water, soil, and sediment to analyse and solve conceptual problems including those with a focus on the fate and remediation of chemical substances
- accurately represent chemical structures, formulae and equations
- prepare for individual and/or team-based measurement-based laboratory investigations using safe laboratory practices
- analyse, interpret and present results of measurement-based laboratory experiments
- communicate ideas that relate to chemical reactions occurring in air, water, soil, and sediment in written, visual or oral form to specialist and/or non-specialist audiences