Atmospheric Chemistry

The course is placed on the level 60-90 credits for Degree of Bachelor in chemistry or environmental sciences and can be counted in as a second-cycle course for Degree of Master (120 credits) in chemistry or environmental sciences. The course can be read as a free-standing course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Atmosphere, Climate and Ecosystems, Master's Programme (N2ACE), 2) Chemistry and learning, Master's Programme (N2KOL), 3) Marine Science, Master's Programme (N2MAV), 4) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (N1MVN), 5) Master's Programme in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (N2KEL), 6) Master's Programme in Chemistry (N2KEM), 7) Bachelor of Science Programme in Medicinal Chemistry (N1LMK), 8) Bachelor of Science Programme in Chemistry (N1KEM) and 9) Atmospheric Science, Master's Programme (N2ATM)

Completed and passed courses comprising 90 credits in the field of science, including passed course KEM490 Environmental chemistry (15 credits) or equivalent knowledge.

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.

• The structure of atmosphere up to about 50 km
• The clean and the contaminated atmosphere
• Photochemistry and spectroscopy applied to the troposphere
• Important absorbing species
• Gas-phase kinetics
• Hydrocarbon-radical reactions
• Reactions of nitrogen-containing compounds
• Photochemical oxidants including ozone formation
• Acid fallout
• Aerosols
• Global impact from air pollution including greenhouse effect
• The chemistry of the stratosphere

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to have a good knowledge and understanding within the field of atmospheric chemistry. This means to be able to understand and describe how natural and anthropogenic gaseous compounds form, transform and disappear from the atmosphere. The student shall also have developed a deeper understanding for the chemistry that takes place in the atmosphere and how it affects the environment.

Knowledge and understanding

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain how chemical gas-phase kinetics and reaction mechanisms are applied to problems in atmospheric chemistry and how such data are determined in laboratory
• describe important light-absorbing compounds, their photochemistry and how to calculate and apply rates of photolysis
• explain how organic compounds, sulphur and nitrogen-containing compounds are converted and give origin to the formation of photochemical oxidants, smog, and acidification
• explain transformation of air pollutions in the particle phase
• explain the chemistry of stratosphere
• describe the effect of weather on air pollutions
• describe global influence from air pollutions
• describe interaction between troposphere and stratosphere
• describe aerosols and their properties

Competence and skills

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• plan a laboratory session based on current research literature
• investigate relevant processes in atmospheric chemistry experimentally
• model processes in atmospheric chemistry
• independently study and summarise research literature about a subject of their own choice
• present result orally and in writing

Judgement and approach

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• analyse how human activity influences processes in the atmosphere
• discuss consequences of this impact for the living conditions of humankind both locally and global as well as conclusions for a sustainable development
• critically assess research literature and other sources

The course is sustainability-focused, which means that at least one of the learning outcomes clearly shows that the course content meets at least one of the University of Gothenburg’s confirmed sustainability criteria. The content also constitutes the course's main focus.

Sub-course 1: Teaching is conducted in the form of lectures.

Sub-course 2: Teaching includes laboratory sessions (modelling and experiment) including preparatory and follow-up seminars and student seminars.

The activities in module 2 are compulsory.

Sub-course 1: The examination is done by a written in-class examination at the end of the course. For students who have not passed at the regular examination, additional examination sessions are offered.

Sub-course 2: The examination is done by oral and written presentations during the course. Normally no opportunity is given for subsequent completion of the laboratory session and seminar part is given after the end of the course; rather, the student will be referred to the next time the course is held.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-course 1: The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). The grade is determined by the result of the written examination.

Sub-course 2: The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U). For grade Pass (G), participation in all compulsory activities as well as grade Pass (G) on all presentations are required.

Final grade: For grade Pass (G), grade Pass (G) on both sub-courses is required. For grade Pass with Distinction (VG), grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on sub-course 1 and grade Pass (G) on sub-course 2 are required.

Students who participate in or have completed course should be given possibility to anonymously perform experiences of and views in the course in a course evaluation.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Language of instruction: English and Swedish
The course is given as principal rule in English but can be given in Swedish completely or partly when the circumstances admit this.