Analytical & Environmental Chemistry (CHEM30012)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject delves into the world of environmental contaminants and their impact on water and soil quality. Additionally, it introduces frequently used analytical techniques essential for environmental and industrial monitoring and analysis. Students will gain proficiency in a range of analytical techniques critical for achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

The practical component of this subject offers hands-on experience in applying analytical techniques to environmental samples. Students will work with state-of-the-art equipment, including mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ion chromatography (IC) and atomic absorption/emission spectrometry. These practical exercises will reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and provide students with valuable real-world analytical skills.

 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Explain the chemistry of environmental systems, including the interactions between contaminants with water and soil quality.
  • Acquire a theoretical understanding of a diverse range of analytical techniques crucial for environmental monitoring.
  • Apply analytical skills to effectively identify, quantify, and assess environmental contaminants in real-world samples using a range of analytical techniques.
  • Develop problem-solving skills to address complex environmental challenges, propose evidence-based solutions, and contribute to sustainable environmental practices.
  • Demonstrate the capability to critically evaluate analytical data, interpret results, and draw scientifically sound conclusions to inform decision-making in environmental contexts.
  • Exhibit proficiency in laboratory techniques, safety protocols and the operation of advanced analytical instruments.
  • Collaborate efficiently within a laboratory setting, demonstrating teamwork and effective communication skills while working on practical experiments.

Generic skills

This subject will provide students with opportunities to develop the following generic skills:

  • the ability to comprehend complex concepts and effectively communicate this understanding to the scientific community and in a manner accessible to the wider community;
  • the ability to analyse and solve abstract technical problems;
  • the ability to connect and apply the learnt concepts to a broad range of scientific problems beyond the scope of this subject;
  • an awareness of advanced technologies;
  • the ability to use conceptual models to rationalise observations;
  • the ability to think and reason logically.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM20011 Environmental Chemistry
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEM20019 Practical Chemistry 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Weekly laboratory reports - eight practical report summaries.

  • 1600 words (total)
Hurdle requirement: Assessment must be passed with a minimum score of 50% in order for student to pass the subject.		From Week 4 to Week 1140%

Mid-Semester Test

  • 45 minutes
Mid semester10%

A written examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Examination must be passed with a minimum score of 50% for students to pass the subject. 		During the examination period50%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorBrad Clarke
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x 1-hour lectures per week for 6 weeks 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week for 6 weeks 1 x 3.5-hour practical class per week for 8 weeks
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the 'last day to withdraw without fail') count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

This subject is delivered either partially or fully in-person in Second Half Year 2020. Please ensure you are able to attend any essential in-person requirements or speak to Stop 1 about alternative subject options.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025