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CM3038: ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16


Course Overview

This advanced course describes, through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, how state-of-the-art and conventional analytical techniques can be used to characterise environmental processes. Important chemical processes which impact the environment in which we live will be described. These include ozone generation and depletion in the atmosphere, an introduction to xenobiotics and the importance of metals in biomolecules.

Students will get the opportunity to use state-of-the-art analytical instruments, including chromatographic systems and trace element analysers during the laboratory practicals.



Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Jorg Feldmann

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either CM2011 Analytical Methods in Forensic Chemistry (Passed) or CM2515 Analytical Methods in Forensic Chemistry (Passed)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • CM3517 Environmental Chemistry and Chemistry of the Elements (Studied)
  • CM3519 Chemistry for Students of Environmental Science (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Course Aims:
This advanced course describes how state-of-the-art and conventional analytical techniques can be used to characterise environmental processes.

Main Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course you should be able to:
Measure reactive gases in the atmosphere.
Explain ozone generation and depletion in the atmosphere.
Describe methods for the biodegradation of xenobiotics in soil.
Predict the metal speciation in water.
Explain metal speciation in soil and sediments.
Describe the model of metal affinity to certain ligands and apply these to environmental scenarios.
Recognize the importance of metals in biomolecules
Use conventional and state-of-the-art instrumental analytical instruments, including chromatographic systems and trace element analysers.
Express ideas clearly and logically in writing.

Content:
Environmental topics covered will include: immobilisation and solubilisation of inorganic contaminants in water, soil and sediments; the determination of the lipophilicity and volatility of organic compounds in the environment; the mobility and toxicity of xenobiotics.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: One 90 minute written examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%, which consists of 5 laboratory reports). Resit: One 90 minute written examination (50%) plus carried over in-course assessment (50%). Only the marks obtained at first attempt can be used for Honours classification.

Formative Assessment

Exercises will be performed during tutorials and feedback will be given.

Feedback

Informal feedback will be give to students after the tutorial exercises and practical reports.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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