CHM3742 - Chemistry of the environment 2 - 2018

In this unit, the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry studied in previous years will be related to the aquatic and atmospheric systems. 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. This provides students with the background to understand current issues such as air and water pollution, the enhanced greenhouse effect and stratospheric ozone depletion. Some emphasis will be placed on the analysis of air and water, and water treatment processes will be investigated for both the production of potable water as well as treatment of polluted waters.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the different water cycles and water and wastewater management schemes;
2. Discuss different quality and quantity requirements of different users of water;
3. Explain the chemical principles involved in the purification of water for domestic and industrial use;
4. Explain the process of eutrophication and causal factors;
5. Discuss the nature, properties, effects and detection of toxic substances in the aquatic environment;
6. Describe the structure of the atmosphere and the energy and mass transfer processes which occur, and discuss the changes in the atmosphere through time and related causes and effects;
7. Detect, quantify and interpret the presence of a range of atmospheric pollutants, or chemical pollutants in aquatic systems using modern analytical and monitoring methods;
8. Work effectively as a member of a team;
9. Demonstrate advanced report writing skills.

Assignment work: 30%

Practical work: 25%

Examination (3 hours): 45%

Two hours of lectures, one hour of tutorials and three hours of laboratory per week

See also Unit timetable information

OCL students undertake a 4-day residential school program