Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
CH20145: Environmental chemistry |
Credits: | 3 |
Level: | Intermediate |
Period: | Semester 1 |
Assessment: | EX 100% |
Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
Requisites: | Before taking this unit you must take CH10133 |
Description: | Aims: The unit will provide an introduction to areas of chemistry related to environmental issues. Specific aspects atmospheric chemistry and of radio- and nuclear-chemistry and their applications are discussed. Learning Outcomes: After studying the unit, students should be able to: * Describe the genesis of the elements and selected nuclear properties, such as factors affecting nuclear stability and outline-selected applications of radioactive decay processes. * Describe the chemistry behind important environmental problems such as global warming and ozone depletion. Skills: Numeracy (F, A); Problem solving (T, F, A); Scientific writing (F, A); Independent working (F); Group working (F). Content: The genesis of the elements. The nature, properties and applications of radioactivity and radioactive elements. Atmospheric chemistry and the roles of N, O and halogens in relation to ozone producing cycles and organic radicals. The Greenhouse effect. |