Alert for students
THIS TOPIC WILL BE OFFERED FROM 2024.
Overview
This topic will teach the variation in elemental composition in the environment both natural and anthropogenic and the techniques used to investigate and interpret these.
It will cover the following concepts:
Creation of elements hydrogen and helium by fusion and light elements through Big Bang and subsequent production of heavier … For more content click the Read More button below.
Natural abundance in universe, solar system and earth. Difference in terrestrial (land), aquasphere (water) and atmosphere (air).
Perturbations in composition - natural - water cycle, nitrogen cycle.
Perturbations due to humans - mercury cycle - industrial revolution, fossil fuel burning etc
Variations in geographical and geological distribution of elements and compounds.
Leading to use of variations in environmental forensics - detection of unexpected chemicals or increased or decreased amounts and attributing to environmental polluters.
Fundamentals presented in lectures and expanded and discussed in workshops and highlighted with reference to real examples in case studies. Examples of case studies include:
Case study Minamata Bay mercury - Great Barrier Reef residue from gold mining - Amazon etc
Case study - PFAS
Case study - endocrine disrupters in waste water
Case study - global warming and pH change in marine environment (calcium carbonate fragility)
Aims
This topic aims to enable students to better understand the environment in which they live and the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes. Students will have knowledge that will enable them to consider areas of environmental science from a solid scientific base and make informed decisions.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Apply chemical concepts as outlined in the topic syllabus
2.
Develop useful generic and scientific skills in Chemistry and expand the chemical intuition for type of reactions or chemical transformations that might occur relevant to concepts outlined in the topic syllabus
3.
Refine skills in handling chemicals, apparatus and instrumentation relevant to concepts outlined in the topic syllabus
4.
Refine communication skills, skills in solving problems and build self-confidence
5.
Improve independent study skills
6.
Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills in addition to strengthening their own self-learning skills