Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

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, provide relevant practical introduction to the basic analytical techniques employed for environmental chemical analysis and the strategies available for pollution control, minimisation and prevention.

Objectives

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; understand the principles of wastewater treatment methods using traditional and contemporary methods and be able to apply them to different rural and urban water systems; 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 and the methods of remediation of contaminated soils and sediments; have an understanding of the type and composition of solid waste, recycling and conversion, disposal and remediation technology; 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 new tools and new approaches to preventing environmental pollution; to provide relevant practical introduction to the basic analytical techniques employed for environmental chemical analysis, as well as other strategies available for pollution control, minimisation and prevention.

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