Leader: Dr Barbara Panther

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit emphasises the function of the atmosphere as a major environmental system and extends the student's knowledge of the basic chemical and physical processes. The structure of the atmosphere, the mass/energy balances, the predominant atmospheric species, relevant biogeochemical cycles, photochemical reactions and environmental chemical models are studied. This provides students with the background to understand current issues such as atmospheric pollution, the enhanced greenhouse effect and stratospheric ozone depletion. Regional atmospheric issues are examined to explore the causes, effects and control of air particulate levels, urban smog and acid deposition.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will have:

1. an awareness of
   1. the ways in which the atmosphere interacts with the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere to regulate the overall condition of the environment,
   2. the role of atmospheric processes in regulating global climatic conditions; and
   3. the effects which atmospheric pollution, both biogenic and anthropogenic, may have on the global environment;
2. a knowledge of
   1. the basic composition and structure of the atmosphere and the energy and mass transfer processes, and
   2. of the changes in the atmosphere through time and related causes and effects, including the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion; and
3. the skills to
   1. detect, quantify and interpret the presence of a range of major atmospheric chemical species,
   2. apply concepts to develop environmental models of the atmosphere, which may be of value in the process of responsible environmental management, and
   3. deal with current atmospheric issues and recommend suitable management practices.

Assessment

Fieldwork/practical reports and one assignment (3,000 words): 40%
Examination: 60%

Contact hours

3 hours of lectures and 3 hours of laboratory per week

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

OCL students undertake a 3-day residential school program

Prerequisites

ENV1616 or ENV1711 and 12 points of first year level chemistry