James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

CH5041 - Environmental Chemistry

Subject Description

Environmental Chemistry covers three broad areas - chemistry of the natural environment, pollution chemistry and environmental analytical chemistry. In this subject, students will cover these broad areas in detail including atmospheric chemistry, aquatic chemistry, soil chemistry, toxicology, greenhouse gases, smog, indoor air quality, water pollution, acid sulphate soils, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, chemical wastes and waste treatment. Over the course of the subject, students will develop skills used in environmental monitoring such as field sampling, quality control, classical methods (gravimetry, titrimetry), chromatography (GC, HPLC, IC), spectroscopy (ND-IR, fluorescence, colorimetry, AA) and electroanalytical techniques.

Learning Outcomes

• explain the chemical principles involved in Environmental Chemistry via written and verbal reports. Simultaneously describe the aspects of chemistry inherent to the disciples of environmental, biological and earth sciences in the tropical context
• analyse and demonstrate through both written and oral communication, an understanding of the causes, effect and responses to environmental conditions, particularly pollution
• demonstrate the capacity to select and use instrumental and analytical techniques appropriate to environmental monitoring. Do this in both laboratory and field settings
• compile and analyse data to produce scientific reports that assess the quality of the physical environment

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (45%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (30%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students must have a good understanding of CHEMISTRY which includes knowledge of atomic structure, bonding, periodicity, acids and bases. It would be advantageous for students to have a basic understanding of MATH. They will have passed a university chemistry subject CH1001 level or will have acquired equivalent knowledge through industry experience.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  CH3041

Availabilities