GV1A3NU-Chemistry of the Earth & Environment

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Semesters in which taught: Semester 2 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides a broad understanding of applied environmental chemistry. Students will gain fundamental knowledge of the underlying chemical principles in the terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric sciences that will provide a strong background for further learning in environmental science and engineering.

Aims:

This module is intended to provide fundamental understanding of chemical principles in the earth, water and atmosphere, and to apply the knowledge to environmental issues.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Explain fundamental chemical concepts


• Classify compounds and write equilibrium equations for chemical reactions


• Describe the structures of rock-forming silicate minerals, weathering processes and basic soil chemistry


• Explain the significance of water chemistry and associated chemical reactions


• Explain the structure of the atmosphere


• Describe biogeochemical cycles and issues pertaining to air pollution


• Discuss terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric pollution cases


• Perform simple experiments and data analysis to demonstrate chemical principles

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students should be able to apply their knowledge through technical report writing and oral presentation.

Outline content:

Lectures include:

• Atoms and Elements


• States of Matter, Units of Measurement


• Chemical Bonding


• Chemical Structures


• Chemical Reactions and Equilibria


• Formation of the Earth, Structures of Silicate Minerals


• Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks


• Weathering, Chemistry of Soil


• Properties of Water, Acids, Bases, and the pH scale


• Ions in Solution, Redox Chemistry


• Colloids and Suspended Particles, Water Pollution


• Structure of the Atmosphere, Evolution and Composition of the Atmosphere


• Biogeochemical cycles, Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect


• Ozone Layer, Air Pollution

Laboratory training and experiments include:

• Introduction to the environmental chemistry laboratory


• Preparing solutions and measuring their properties


• Measuring the energy of reactions


• Predicting solubility


• Measuring alkalinity, acidity and conductivity


• Box models, Stiff & Piper diagrams


• Chemistry of natural waters

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of interactive lectures and laboratory classes.  Guided independent study provides time for guided reading as well as consolidating your notes, preparing your assignments, addressing feedback on formative and summative assessments.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures		76
Practicals classes and workshops		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		20
Exam revision/preparation		5
Peer assisted learning		10
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for presentations		5
Preparation of practical report		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		5
Revision and preparation		5
Reflection		24
Total hours by term	0	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Report	20
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written report based on laboratory work (1500 words), one oral presentation.

Formative assessment methods:

During the module, the students are given quizzes comprising short and multiple choice questions. These are used to analyse and feed-forward topic by topic, and assist in the preparation of 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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 July

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: 22 September 2022