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.

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.

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.

Sub-course 1: Teaching comprises lectures

Sub-course 2: The instruction includes laboratory sessions and presentations. All components in sub-course 2 are compulsory.

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

Sub-course 1: Examination takes place through a written examination at the end of the course. A student who has not passed the regular examination session is offered additional examination sessions.

Sub-course 2: Examination takes place through written presentations.

Sub-course 3: Presentations as a part of the group project.

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.

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

Sub-course 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.

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

Sub-course 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 sub-course 2 and 3 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: 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.