CH2ENNU-Environmental Chemistry
Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Semesters in which taught: Semester 2 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Available at the NUIST-Reading Academy only
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3
Module Convenor: Dr Joanne Elliott
Email: j.m.elliott@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
This module will develop your knowledge of selected topics in the chemistry of the environment. Key reactions in the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere will be studied in some depth. The source, transformation and transport of environmental pollutants in the earth system will be reviewed. Remediation methods and the fate and effects of classic pollutants upon organisms will also be examined. In lectures you will learn key concepts and in workshops you will explore your understanding.
Module Lead: Jun Li (summili@163.com)
Aims:
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of selected topics in the chemistry of the environment, focussing on key reactions in the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. Awareness of the source, transformation and transport of classic environmental pollutants in the earth system, their remediation and their effects upon organisms will also be furthered.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to describe and discuss key reactions in the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. They should be able to explain the source, transformation and transport of environmental pollutants, their remediation and their effects upon organisms. Students should be able to evaluate information and propose solutions to solve environmental problems.
Additional outcomes:
Work in this module will lead to improved descriptive abilities and develop problem solving skills.
Outline content:
Topic 1: Introduction to the Environment (2 hours of lectures)
An introduction to the composition and structure of the earth system and its interactions, featuring a discussion of the main environmental problems of the 21st century.
Topic 2: Atmospheric Chemistry (5 hours of lectures; 1 hour of workshops)
Properties of the atmosphere, the main pollutants and their transportation and transformation. Including tropospheric and stratospheric ozone, smog, acid rain and particulate matter. Introducing some preventative and reactive strategies to deal with gaseous and particulate pollutants.
Topic 3: Hydrosphere Chemistry (5 hours of lectures; 1 hour of workshops)
Properties of the aquatic environment, the main pollutants and their transportation and transformation. Including carbonate equilibrium, ocean acidification and purification methods.
Topic 4: Lithosphere Chemistry (5 hours of lectures, 1 hour of workshops)
Properties of the soil environment, the main pollutants and their transportation and transformation. Including waste disposal, fates of heavy metal pollutants, recycling and remediation.
Review Lectures (4 hours of lectures)
Revision of module content in preparation for the Semester 2 exam.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Approximately 1-2 one-hour lectures per week, along with workshops.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| Lectures | 21 | |
| Seminars | 3 | |
| Guided independent study: | 76 | |
| Total hours by term | 0 | 100 |
| Total hours for module | 100 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Written exam | 60 |
| Set exercise | 40 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
1 x 2-hour examination at the end of Semester 2, 60% (based on topics covered in Semester 2)
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The module includes 2 set tasks, each task will be equally weighted.
(2 coursework tasks in Semester 2) × 20% = 40%
Coursework task 1 (set at the end of Topic 2) is an individual assignment, students research a given environmental issue, focussing on both chemical and societal factors, and write a short essay.
Coursework task 2 (set at the end of Topic 3) is a group assignment, students make a video presentation suitable for their peers, based on independent reading and discussion on a given environmental chemistry topic.
Formative assessment methods:
Students gain experience of putting their knowledge into practice and receive formative oral feedback on their progress in the workshop sessions.
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.
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:
Reassessment of the written examinations is held during the standard re-examination periods. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during these periods.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
Last updated: 22 September 2022
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.