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Advanced Environmental Analysis (CHEM90064)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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July
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This subject explores the major historical developments of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the role of analytical chemistry in environmental monitoring, assessment and regulation. This subject provides an overview of trace level pollutant measurement using isotope surrogate dilution with measurement performed on LCMS and GCMS instrumental techniques. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants and per and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be used as case studies to explain the relationship between chemical properties with analytical measurements as well as environmental fate, behaviour and ecological impact.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Define persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and explain historical developments for these chemicals in the environment using appropriate examples;
  • Explain the environmental fate, behaviour and impact of a range of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with varying chemical properties;
  • Explain the principles of LCMS and GCMS analytical chemistry for environmental monitoring and the association between measurement techniques and environmental regulation;
  • Apply investigative skills and critical thought to evaluate information to provide defensible assessments of risks from chemicals to public health and the environment.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have:

  • Advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • An ability to evaluate the professional literature
  • An understanding of the changing knowledge base
  • A capacity to apply concepts developed in one area to a different context
  • The ability to use conceptual models to rationalize experimental observations

Last updated: 31 January 2024