2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LLLC0137 Environmental Chemistry
20 creditsClass Size: 20
Module manager: Ellen Avery
Email: e.r.avery@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
-To build upon the understanding of the core concepts and techniques in chemistry from LLLC 0127 Chemistry for Interdisciplinary Sciences, and the nature of chemical reactions in the environment.-To build academic skills necessary to facilitate the learning of chemistry.
-To learn practical skills to support the learning of chemical concepts.
-To develop a knowledge and understanding of chemical theories related to the study of environmental sciences, biology chemistry and physics across the science and engineering disciplines.
Learning outcomes
Students will:-
-Be able to describe, explain and interpret results in terms of chemical principles and concepts and be able to apply mathematical methods to solve problems in chemistry.
-Gain practical skills in synthesis and analysis of a range of inorganic and organic compounds.
-Understand the role of enthalpy and entropy in chemical reactions
-Understand chemical theories related to study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere that constitutes our planet.
Skills outcomes
-Students will be able to apply chemical principles in new situations.
-Students will be able to describe, explain and interpret results in terms of chemical principles and concepts and be able to apply mathematical methods to solve problems in chemistry.
-Students will have gained practical skills in synthesis and analysis of a range of inorganic and organic compounds.
Syllabus
Analytical Chemistry; sample treatment, data errors and unit conversation, wet chemistry, common instrumentation GC, XRD, XRF, MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AA, UV-VIS, Lab project planning.
Chemistry of Water ; water cycle, equilibrium reactions, physical changes in water and its link to hydrogen bonding in water, common trends in the chemistry in Seawater, rainwater and freshwater, origin of cations and anions in water, alkalinity, dissolved gases, mass to charge ratio, environmental concerns for water, organics in water.
Chemistry of the Atmosphere; Atmospheric zones, concepts required to study atmospheric chemistry, common reaction within zones, photolysis, chain reactions, chapman mechanism, ozone in troposphere and stratosphere, CFC'S, Polar stratospheric clouds, Photochemical smog and importance of Nitrogen dioxide, chemical lifetime, constant of proportionality, factors determining chemical concentration in the atmosphere.
Chemistry of soil; Physical properties of soil, Soil profiles, pH and conductivity , Chemical weathering (hydrolysis, redox, acid-base, chelation), lattice enthalpy, Environmental problems (nutrient leaching, reactions with acids, simple metal contamination), CEC, base saturation, acid mine drainage.
Solid state chemistry; introduction to lattice structure of simple rocks.
Green chemistry: 12 principles of green chemistry, process developments, considerations for research planning.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 6 | 3.00 | 18.00 |
| Lecture | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Practical | 5 | 3.00 | 15.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 50.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 95.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Independent on-line learning:Using VLE resources 50
Private study:
Reading 35
Working problem sets 10
Preparing coursework 15
Revision for examinations 20
Preparation for practical sessions 15
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Reflection with essay/exam wrapper activities; Midterm exam; group presentation; problem sets; and laboratory report.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | 3 x 2 hour problem sets | 10.00 |
| In-course Assessment | 30 minute in-course exam | 10.00 |
| Practical | 1 formal laboratory report | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 12/12/2018 16:33:09
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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