Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

In this unit, the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry studied in previous years will be related to the aquatic system. The chemical processes which occur in natural and modified systems will be examined with a particular view of understanding the nature, effects and fate of pollutants. Remediation methods to clean up polluted systems will be studied. Particular emphasis will be placed on the analysis of water, the effect of wastes on the quality of the environment and the maintenance of environmentally sustainable water supplies.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to understand the different water cycles and water and wastewater management schemes understand different quality and quantity requirements of different users of water; understand the chemical principles involved in the purification of water for domestic and industrial use; understand the process of eutrophication and the factors that cause it; understand the nature, properties, effects and detection of toxic substances in the aquatic environment; experimentally measure the levels of chemical pollutants using modern analytical and monitoring methods; assess various processes to determine whether or not they are environmentally sustainable; recognise the principles involved in treating wastewater; suggest appropriate methods for remediation of wastewater streams; work effectively as a member of a team; show advanced report writing skills.

Assessment

Assignment work (5000 words): 30%
Practical work: 25%
Examination (3 hours): 45%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Alison Green

Contact hours

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

Co-requisites

CHM2752 or CHM2741 or CHM2736

Prohibitions

CHM3727