GV2ECHNU-Environmental Chemistry

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Tom Sizmur
Email: t.sizmur@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is designed to provide a broad understanding of the chemistry both of the environment and the interactions that occur among the atmosphere, water and soil.  Students also develop their knowledge of the chemical processes involved in air, water and soil pollution, as well as waste recycling.

Aims:

This module is intended to provide knowledge and understanding in the chemistry of the Earth’s natural processes and in the fundamental and interactive components of atmosphere, water and soil.  Students will learn and think critically on a range of environmental pollution issues and apply problem solving skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Describe the importance of stratospheric ozone and explain the interaction of air pollutants in the troposphere with its reaction mechanism.


• Associate the significance and absorption mechanism of various greenhouse gases to global warming.


• Describe the potential of radioactive elements and waste handling methods followed for radioactive materials.


• Develop awareness on the impact of pesticides and toxic heavy metals on humans.


• Explain the chemical interaction of oxygen compounds and pollutants with natural waters and recommend suitable treatment methods.


• Describe waste handling, recycling concepts, soil and sediments remediation techniques.

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students should be able to apply the knowledge and skills to ensuing courses.

Outline content:

• Introduction to Stratospheric Chemistry


• Ozone Layer Formation and Destruction, Ozone Hole


• Chemistry of Ground-Level Air Pollution


• Detailed Chemistry of the Atmosphere


• Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming


• Radioactivity


• Pesticides: Organochlorine Insecticides, DDT, Bioconcentration


• Pesticides: Biomagnification, Malathion, Carbamate Insecticides


• Chemistry o f Natural Waters: Solubility of Gases and VOC, Oxygen Demand


• Chemistry of Natural Waters: Sulphur and Nitrogen Compounds, Carbon Dioxide in Water


• Pollution and Purification of Water: Aeration, Filtration, Reverse Osmosis


• Pollution and Purification of Water: Disinfection methods, Groundwater


• Toxic Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead


• Toxic Heavy Metals: Cadmium, Arsenic and Chromium


• Wastes, Soils, and Sediments : Waste Disposal, Recycling


• Wastes, Soils, and Sediments: Soil Chemistry, Remediation of soil and sediments

Global context:

The environmental pollution issues and challenges can be found in most parts of the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module includes blended teaching and learning methods, involving pre-reading/thinking, using PowerPoint slides, green-board, short video clips related to topics covered in the class, problem solving sessions and intensive open-ended assignments.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	45
Guided independent study:	55
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	20
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. In-class tests: one before and one after the mid-term exam. The question types include multiple-choice and other short-answer questions.


2. Assignment: The assignment, on recent trends in environmental chemistry, is provided to the students at the beginning of the semester. The students are encouraged to use recommended books, online literature, journals and factual data (directed reading).

Formative assessment methods:

In-class spot quizzes will enable feedback and feed-forward on strengths and weaknesses, and help the students to prepare for their summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in February.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 2 December 2021