 | Text: Stanley
E. Manahan Environmental Chemistry 8th Edition, Lewis
Publishers 2004 (required) |
| Course Content: This course is a
survey of the chemistry of the environment and issues of a chemical nature involved in
global change. Lectures, demonstrations, and assignments, are used to
educate the student in current issues associated with environmental chemistry. A host of
environmental problems today are not confined to any one medium (air, soil, water) but are
characterized by dynamic transfers among media. This interdisciplinary study of
environmental chemistry aims to prepare students to understand the fundamental principles
governing pollutant transport and transformation in all environmental settings. |
| Prerequisites: Physical Science breadth course and "general knowledge" of chemical principles. Because much environmental chemistry
involves organic substances, Chem 2300 or Chem 2310 is recommended. Some organic chemistry is given in Chapters 22 and 23 for those students who have not taken
organic chemistry (entering with Chem 1120 prerequisite). This course does
not count as an advanced elective for Chemistry Majors. |
| Course Objectives: This is a
physical
sciences depth course. Chemistry is used to illustrate how we can understand environmental
problems associated with modern society. Particular emphasis is placed on the chemical
nature of the problem and how these problems may affect our environment and the quality of
our lives. The theories, models, concepts, and data analysis, as they apply to
environmental degradation, will be discussed. The focus on chemistry is intended to
further our limited understanding of chemical principles that, together with physical and
biological processes, determine the environmental conditions in which we must find a
sustainable way to live. |
| Lectures: The lectures will build from
basic elements of air, soil, and water chemistry to enhance our understanding of problems
associated with pollution from both natural and anthropogenic substances. The
lecture will emphasize chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium within natural settings,
transport, chemical degradation, and toxicological effects. All phases will be considered;
water pollution in the hydrosphere; stratospheric ozone depletion, urban smog in the
atmosphere; and soil and subterranean pollution in the lithosphere. This class will apply
the principles of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, to the complex
milieus encountered outside the laboratory. |
| Homework: Reading exercises from the text book and
outside sources will be assigned. Students will be expected to find, read, and interpret
articles found in the popular and scientific literature. Students will also learn how to
use the internet to research topics associated with environmental pollution.
|
| Examinations: There will be three examinations,
each worth 100 points. They will be based on the environmental chemistry of the
hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere, respectively. Examination questions will be
drawn from homework (out-of-class exercises, reading, and problems from the book) and
concepts addressed in the lectures. Examinations may be partially or totally
"take-home" in nature. |
| Grading: Grades will be based on your performance
on the assignments and examinations. Point scores will be added and a percent score
calculated. The guaranteed grade cut-off of 90+% A, 80%-89% B, 70%-79% C, 55%-69% D will
be used. +/- scores will be used as prescribed in the Catalog. The percentile scores may
be adjusted, only upward, to curve the percent scores if the examinations appear to
be too difficult and if the class, as a whole, did not perform well on specific questions.
|
| Learning Objectives:
 | Be able to relate the microscopic and macroscopic
properties of matter to each other |
| Comprehend the importance of stoichiometry,
chemical equilibrium and kinetics in analysis. |
| Demonstrate knowledge of sampling methods for all
states of matter |
| Discuss the basic chemical components of living
systems, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates |
| Apply theory and operational principles of
analytical instruments |
| Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative
measurements and compare and critically select methods for elemental and
molecular analyses |
| Professional ethics |
|
| Assessment: Gain score method will be used for course
effectiveness assessment. This will be part of all three take-home
examinations. |
| Withdrawal Policy: This course will follow the
University policy on withdrawals stated in the current Undergraduate Catalog. Drop dates
are listed in the Spring Schedule of Classes. |
| Missed Examination Policy: Students may be excused
from an examination in cases of emergency. Documentation must be supplied to be excused.
In cases of excused absence, grades will be assigned based on % of adjusted total score.
No repetition of examinations is permitted. |
| Attendance Policy: Attendance will not be taken.
However, attendance is mandatory for successful performance. |
| Student Disability Statement: Any student with a
disability that requires accommodations must contact the Instructor. The disability must
be documented by the Disability Resource Center. Course materials may be requested in
alternative formats.
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