CHM3742 - Chemistry of the environment 2 - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

Gippsland School of Applied Science and Engineering

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Chris Thompson

Coordinator(s)

Dr Alison Green

Not offered in 2018

Prerequisites

CHM2752 or CHM2922

Prohibitions

ENV3726

Synopsis

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.

Outcomes

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.

Assessment

Assignment work: 30%

Practical work: 25%

Examination (3 hours): 45%

Workload requirements

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

See also Unit timetable information

Off-campus attendance requirements

OCL students undertake a 4-day residential school program