CHM3960 Environmental chemistry
Faculty of Science
CHM3960 Environmental chemistry is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before CHM3960
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After CHM3960
No unit lists CHM3960 as a prerequisite in the 2023 handbook.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: 6 credit points of level one chemistry and 6 credit points of level two chemistry. Students without this should consult the third year coordinator.
PROHIBITION: Permission by the unit coordinator is required for students in S6002 who are undertaking the Environmental Security (Science) specialisation.
Overview
The three major components of the environment, air, soil and water, are considered. Environmental issues related to energy are outlined. Soils: natural, constituents, properties; chemical processes; organic matter; fertility; acidity; salinity; remediation. Water: major components; nutrient pollution including consequences and tracing methods; water treatment including sewage treatment, drinking water treatment and artificial wetlands. Air and energy: importance to society; fossil fuel use; combating atmospheric problems associated with fossil fuel use; alternative fuels, including biofuels; CO2 emissions reduction, carbon capture and sequestration.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical and field trip reportsReportThreshold hurdle30%
- Assignment10%
- Online topic quizzesOther10%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate an understanding of the major components and processes in the atmosphere, soils and water;
- 2
Show awareness of a range of environmental problems;
- 3
Understand the major options for overcoming environmental problems confronting our planet;
- 4
Assess environmental problems and design appropriate monitoring programs;
- 5
Use modern analytical instrumentation;
- 6
Solve problems in environmental chemistry;
- 7
Work in small groups and communicate effectively through the written and oral presentation of scientific data.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories36 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Two 1-hour workshops
- One hour directed independent study and
- the equivalent of 3 hours of laboratory activity per week
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and laboratory work.
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
Where it fits
CHM3960 is part of 5 areas of study in the 2023 handbook.
- CHEMENG04Chemical engineering technical electivesChemical engineeringNo reviews yet
- CHEMSTRY01Additional chemistry unitsChemistryNo reviews yet
- CHEMSTRY02Additional chemistry unitsChemistryNo reviews yet
- CHEMSTRY03Additional chemistry unitsChemistryNo reviews yet
- ENVIRSEC02Specialisation preparatory studiesEnvironmental securityNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Prof Stuart Batten
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Perran Cook
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM3960?
CHM3960 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is CHM3960 offered?
In 2023, CHM3960 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does CHM3960 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM3960?
CHM3960 is part of Chemical engineering, Chemistry and Environmental security.