CHM2951 Environmental chemistry: Water
Faculty of Science
CHM2951 Environmental chemistry: Water is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 3 other tasks
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Requisites
Before CHM2951
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After CHM2951
No unit lists CHM2951 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: 6 credit points level one Chemistry
Overview
A fundamental understanding of the principles underlying aquatic chemistry and their application in the study of aquatic processes. Includes: equilibria, activity and solubility; acid-base and carbonate equilibria, coordination chemistry and complexation, trace metal speciation, aquatic colloid and surface chemistry, estuarine processes and lake biogeochemistry, physico-chemical features of estuaries, rivers and lakes, light and heat in aquatic systems, major ions in natural waters, redox equilibria, dissolved gases, biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and contaminants, eutrophication. The practical component covers common major analytical techniques and two field excursions.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory reportsDemonstrationThreshold hurdle30%
- Field trip reportsDemonstration20%
- QuizzesQuiz / Test10%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the physical and chemical characteristics of aquatic systems, including lakes, rivers, estuaries and marine waters;
- 2
Understand the fundamental physico-chemical processes operating in these aquatic systems;
- 3
Discuss current water pollution issues, including PFAS, acid mine drainage and pharmaceuticals & pesticides; using local and international example;
- 4
Demonstrate proficiency in use of a range of water quality monitoring equipment and techniques in both the laboratory and during fieldwork;
- 5
Access relevant historical data for comparative purposes;
- 6
Undertake appropriate OHS Risk Assessments associated with laboratory and fieldwork activities;
- 7
Develop proficiency in the preparation of written and oral scientific reports using appropriate statistical analysis, critical evaluation of data quality and reputable sources of information.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories34 hours
- Workshops20 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachField trips
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Two 1-hour workshops
- One hour directed independent study and
- the equivalent of 3-hours laboratory per week
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and laboratory work.
There will be two field trips conducted during this unit. Details of these field trips will be provided on this unit’s Moodle site. The emphasis of these field trips is to integrate class-room theory with real life observations of how this theory plays out and to learn professional sampling and measurement techniques.
Active learning will occur in workshops and lab sessions.
Problem-based learning will be explored in the workshop and laboratory exercises through theoretical concepts and will enable the development of relevant observation and descriptive skills, as well as communication skills.
Learning resources
Required resources
Laboratory safety glasses
Lab coat
Closed toe footwear
Notebook for taking lab notes
Recommended resources
Environmental Chemistry. A Global Perspective G.W. vanLoon & S.J. Duffy
Where it fits
CHM2951 is part of 1 area of study in the 2027 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Drasko Vidovic
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Michael Grace
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM2951?
CHM2951 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is CHM2951 offered?
In 2027, CHM2951 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does CHM2951 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM2951?
CHM2951 is part of Chemical engineering.