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 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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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 2021 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 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory workOtherThreshold hurdle25%
- Field trip reportsAssignment15%
- Weekly on-line quiz via MoodleOther10%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the physical and chemical characteristics of aquatic systems;
- 2
Understand the fundamental physico-chemical processes operating in aquatic systems;
- 3
Discuss, using appropriate local and international examples, current water pollution issues;
- 4
Demonstrate proficiency in use of a range of water quality monitoring techniques;
- 5
Access relevant data for comparative purposes using modern information technologies;
- 6
Prepare, explain and undertake appropriate OHS Risk Assessments associated with laboratory and fieldwork activities;
- 7
Prepare laboratory and field trip reports, using appropriate statistical analysis, incorporation of relevant lecture material and additional information from reputable sources.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Workshops12 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachField trips
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Two 1-hour lectures
- One hour directed independent study
- 1-hour workshop and
- the equivalent of 3-hours laboratory per week
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.
Active learning will occur in workshops and lab sessions.
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.
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and laboratory work.
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 4 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Philip Marriott
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Michael Grace
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM2951?
CHM2951 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is CHM2951 offered?
In 2021, CHM2951 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does CHM2951 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM2951?
CHM2951 is part of Chemical engineering and Chemistry.