CH5012 - Environmental Analytical Techniques (Advanced)

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Pharmacy & Molecular Sciences

This subject takes a thematic approach to the teaching of analytical and environmental chemistry as well as some topics of forensic chemistry. It seeks to integrate the study of a number of environmental chemistry topics with the analytical chemistry that underpins their understanding. Major topics of analytical chemistry covered include: an introduction to the principles and practice of quantitative analysis; titrimetric and gravimetric analysis; electrochemical techniques, theory of and introduction to the practice of chromatography; atomic spectroscopy. The environmental chemistry topics covered in the subject are: atmospheric chemistry including photochemical ozone production and stratospheric ozone depletion; acidification of waters through anthropogenic activities (acid sulfate soils and acid rock drainage); chemical aspects of water quality assessment and management. The forensic chemistry topics include: basics of evidence collection and preservation, methods of chemical analysis used in forensic chemistry. A total of 41 lectures will be presented in this subject. 31 of the lectures are core lectures comprising all the analytical chemistry subject matter and all the environmental chemistry subject matter except those pertaining to water quality and acid drainage and must be completed by all students. Students then have a choice of undertaking five lectures in either forensic chemistry or the remaining environmental chemistry lectures.

Learning Outcomes

• an understanding of chromatographic techniques and their application;
• an understanding of the fundamentals of electroanalytical chemistry and familiarity with field methods based on electrochemical principles;
• development of an appreciation of the underlying chemistry of some important environmental issues;
• familiarity with standard procedures for collection, preservation and preparation of samples;
• familiarity with standard wet chemical methods of analysis, including those used for nutrient analyses;
• familiarity with the theory and practice of atomic spectroscopy for the determination of metals.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Prerequisites:	(CH1001 and CH1002) or (CH1011 and CH1012)
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	CH2041

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 28-Aug-2009
Coordinator:	Dr Gregory Watson
Lecturers:	Dr Joy Morgan, Dr Gregory Watson, Dr Brian McCool, Professor Richard Keene.
Contact hours:	36 hours lectures 36 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (60%); assignments (10%); practical performance and reports (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.