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 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 4 other tasks
This is the 2026 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 2026 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 Environmental Chemistry unit explores the basics of our environment, focusing on air, soil, and water. Through a mix of online activities, face-to-face workshops and hands-on lab work, you'll explore the intricacies of these components. We'll cover water components, nutrient pollution and treatment methods such as sewage, drinking water, artificial wetlands, while also delving into soil’s natural constituents, properties, chemical processes, organic matter, fertility, acidity, salinity and the emerging field of ocean carbon sequestration. Additionally, you'll gain insights into the importance of air and energy in society, examining challenges linked to fossil fuel use, exploring alternatives like biofuels as well as CO2 emissions reduction, carbon capture and sequestration. The unit equips you with the knowledge and tools to address pressing environmental concerns in an accessible and engaging manner.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory assessmentDemonstrationThreshold hurdle30%
- ReportWritten15%
- Mid-semester testQuiz / Test15%
- Presentation10%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
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 major chemical components, reactions and processes in the atmosphere, soils and water;
- 2
Describe a range of environmental problems and the key chemical processes of relevance;
- 3
Identify major options for overcoming environmental problems confronting our planet;
- 4
Apply modern analytical techniques and instrumentation to assess environmental problems;
- 5
Design appropriate monitoring and treatment programs;
- 6
Apply skills in oral and written communication, group work, and referencing to peers on scientific data.
Workload and teaching
- Assessments1 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Two 1-hour workshops
- One hour directed independent study and
- the equivalent of 3 hours of laboratory activity 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.
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.
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 2026 handbook.
- CHEMENG04Chemical engineering technical electivesChemical engineeringNo reviews yet
- CHEMSTRY01Additional chemistry unitsChemistryNo reviews yet
- CHEMSTRY02Additional chemistry unitsChemistryNo reviews yet
- CHEMSTRY03Additional chemistry unitsChemistryNo reviews yet
- ENVIRSEC02Part B. Specialisation preparatory studiesEnvironmental securityNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Perran Cook
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Cameron Bentley
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM3960?
CHM3960 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is CHM3960 offered?
In 2026, CHM3960 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does CHM3960 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM3960?
CHM3960 is part of Chemical engineering, Chemistry and Environmental security.