Environmental Chemistry (CHEM90007)

This subject delves into the intricate chemistry of Earth's environmental systems, with a focus on the interconnected realms of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere (soil). Through an exploration of the structure, composition, and chemical processes within these systems, students will gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balances that sustain life on our planet. Additionally, students will examine the influence of human activities on environmental health and learn how environmental data informs the development of protective measures at both national and international levels. 

Key topics include: 

• Understanding the chemical dynamics of Earth's environmental systems, encompassing the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. Explore the chemical mechanisms and interactions that influence the environmental dynamics of our planet.
• Examination of the sources, chemical characteristics, and effects of environmental pollution. 
• Introduction to the principles and practical applications of quantitative chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and statistical methods for interpreting and reporting environmental data. 

A key aspect of this subject will be the investigation of a current advanced environmental chemistry issue that will be covered in lecture material during weeks 7 and 8. The students will work in a small group for this assignment. The practical component of this subject will involve the application of titrimetric, optical (spectrophotometry, atomic absorption/emission spectrometries) and chromatographic (gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography) analytical techniques commonly used in environmental chemistry. 

Intended learning outcomes

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

• Analyse chemical-based environmental problems, including identifying their key components and potential solutions.
• Assess environmental impacts of chemical substances and processes, emphasizing the importance of responsible chemical management.
• Critique environmental data and apply a wide range of chemical principles to explain environmental phenomena and trends.
• Describe the principles and apply the techniques of key analytical methods employed in environmental chemistry, including calibration, error assessment, and the operation of analytical instruments.
• Investigate and critically evaluate contemporary environmental chemistry issues, synthesizing into informed insights and solutions.
• Critique the environmental data required to the formulation of environmental protections at national and international levels.

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.

Upon completion of this subject students should gain skills in:

• planning;
• time-management;
• critical thinking;
• data evaluation and interpretation;
• conducting literature searches using scientific databases;
• report-writing;
• oral presentation; (must show in assessment)
• problem-solving
• working collaboratively with other students.