Environmental Chemistry
Summary
The course is aimed at those who want to apply basic chemistry to environmental contexts. You will learn how chemical processes shape the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate we live in. The course also provides a solid foundation for further studies in the field.
About
In this course, Environmental Chemistry, you will learn about the Earth systems that collectively make up our environment, including the atmosphere, oceans, weather, and climate. You will investigate human influences on Earth systems and think about past, present, and future changes in the context of sustainability.
Chemistry in the environment, including chemical species and processes, are often key to understanding Earth systems at a range of scales. Environmental chemistry integrates knowledge from many traditional chemistry topics. During this course, you will gain an increased understanding of chemical processes and reactions which take place in and are important for the natural world. The course focuses on different parts of the environment, such as the atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water on Earth), the cryosphere (ice and snow), the geosphere (soil and rocks), and the biosphere (all living things in nature).
Teaching
The course contains lectures, a group-work project, and a laboratory component. During the laboratory, you will collect and analyse environmental data from sites around Gothenburg. Throughout these course components, we emphasize using physical intuition to achieve a deeper understanding of observable environmental phenomena.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
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.
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
The course can be part of the following programmes:
- Bachelor’s program in Chemistry (N1KEM)
- Bachelor's program in Environmental Science program in natural science (N1ENV)
- Master’s program in Chemistry (N2KEM)
- Master’s program in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (N2KEL)
- Master’s program in Atmosphere, Climate and Ecosystems (N2ACE)
- Master’s program in Marine Science (N2MAV)
- Master’s program in Chemistry and learning (N2KOL).
Facilities
The course is given on Campus Medicinareberget.
