Environmental Chemistry

The course is classified at the level 30-60 credits for Degree of Bachelor in chemistry or environmental science and can furthermore be read as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: Bachelor of Science Programme in Chemistry (N1KEM), Master's Programme in Chemistry (N2KEM), Master's Programme in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (N2KEL), Teacher Training Programme (L1ÄGY), Teacher Training Programme (L1Ä79), Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (N1MVN), Atmosphere, Climate and Ecosystems, Master's Programme (N2ACE), Bachelor's Programme in Marin Science (N1MAV)

For admission to the course, passed course KEM011, Basic chemistry 1 (15 credits) or passed courses MAV103-MAV105 and MAV107, or equivalent knowledge is required.

Environmental related problems with important chemical components are often characterised by high complexity, and the subject of environmental chemistry integrates knowledge from several traditional chemical subjects. Furthermore, the influence of human activities on the chemical aspects of environment will be investigated in detail. Also, the course provides a base of knowledge for further studies in the area and related subjects.

The following subjects will be treated:

1. Introduction to environmental chemistry
2. Aquatic chemistry
3. Atmospheric chemistry
4. Environment-related biochemistry
5. Technology, resources and energy. Sustainable development

Sub-courses

1. Theory, 7,5 credits
2. Laboratory exercises, 4 credits
3. Project, 3,5 credits

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain basic aquatic chemistry,
• explain the causes of acidification and overfertilisation and their impact in aquatic systems,
• explain the causes and driving forces of climate changes,
• explain consequences of trends in energy production and energy use,
• explain the importance of detoxification systems and relationships between exposure for
• explain pollutants and biological effects/diseases,
• describe the structure and content of the atmosphere as well as meteorologic phenomena,
• describe the chemistry of ozone formation and the origin of acid rain,
• describe the importance of the ozone layer for life on earth as well as mechanisms for its structure and decomposition,
• define the concept aerosol as well as account for the importance of aerosols for atmospheric processes,
• account for sources and sinks for atmospheric particles,
• at a general level describe the global distribution of water,
• name important types of interaction between water and other materials/phases as air sediment, and particles.

Competence and skills

• identify scientific material (including primary and secondary sources) from databases and research publications,
• assimilate scientific material into a scientific report of their own,
• plan and carry out laboratory sessions related to environmental chemistry problems,
• analyse environmental chemical problems, identify and acquire the information that are required for their solution,
• present result from own laboratory sessions and information from scientific literature orally and in writing,
• give constructive feedback on scientific presentations.

Judgement and approach

• critically assess results from own laboratory activities,
• critically discuss the state of environment and its relationship with human activity
• discuss connections and differences between scientific understanding and what is presented as popular knowledge.

Part 1: Teaching comprises lectures

Part 2: The instruction includes laboratory sessions and presentations. All components in module 2 are compulsory.

Part 3: A group project that follows the principles of Problem-based learning (PBL). The group project is compulsory.

Language of instruction: Swedish and English

The course is given as principal rule in English but can be given in Swedish completely or partly when the circumstances admits it.

Part 1: Examination takes place through a written examination at the end of the course,

Part 2: Examination takes place through written presentations.

Part 3: Presentations as a part of the group project.

If a student who has failed the same examined component twice wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course and shall be granted unless there are special reasons against this (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student shall normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course was given.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Part 1: For grade Pass (G) passed result in the final examination is required. For grade Pass with distinction (VG) passed with distinction in the final examination is required.

Part 2: For grade Pass (G) participation in all laboratory sessions and passed result in presentations are required.

Part 3: For grade Pass (G) is required participation in all compulsory components of the group project, passed result in the presentation of the group project.

Final grade: For final grade Pass (G), grades Pass (G) in all three modules are required. For final grade Pass with distinction (VG), grade Pass with distinction (VG) in module 1 and grade Pass (G) in module 2 and 3 are required.

A course evaluation is performed in relation to the intended learning outcomes and content of the course and are implemented at the end of the course through an individual written questionnaire on University of Gothenburg's virtual learning environment. A student who participates in or has completed a course should be given the opportunity to anonymously express experiences of and views in the course in a course evaluation. A compilation of course evaluation and course coordinator reflection, including possible changes in the set-up of course, should make available for students within reasonable time after course ends and communicate to the students who will start course at future occasions.