Module Tutor Photo
School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
CHE-10044 Introductory Environmental Chemistry  
Co-ordinator: Dr David McGarvey    Room: LJ1.05, Tel:34142  
Teaching Team: Mrs Monica  Heaney, Dr Katie  Szkornik, Mrs Emma  Harvey, Miss Chloe  Harold, Dr Sami  Ullah, Dr Aleksandar  Radu, Dr Ian  Oliver  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 1 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description

This module will provide you with essential chemistry knowledge and skills relevant to aspects of environmental science and geoscience. Chemistry is taught with reference to appropriate contexts and in parallel with environmental case studies (e.g. landfill, acid rain) and quantitative aspects of the module are supported using taught sessions in scientific numeracy. Students who successfully complete the module will be able to use and interpret relevant chemical vocabulary, symbols, information and representations, carry out scientific calculations, recognise and use analytical chemistry laboratory apparatus and instrumentation, maintain a laboratory diary, manipulate, analyse and present scientific data using spreadsheets and write scientific reports. The range of learning activities is designed to initiate progress towards the development of Keele's Graduate Attributes with an emphasis on high standards of written communication, information literacy, presentation and numeracy.
Aims
This module aims to introduce students to core concepts in Chemistry applicable to the Environmental Sciences, including general chemical principles, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and specific areas of environmental chemistry. This module gives students the fundamental grasp of environmental chemistry necessary for a further understanding of pollution problems in the environment and their analysis.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Apply numeracy skills to perform chemical calculations relating to quantities, concentrations, chemical properties (e.g. pH), rates and energetics of chemical processes, with due attention to scientific notation, units and significant figures. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3
Interpret and use selected aspects of chemical vocabulary/terminology, chemical symbols and chemical information. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Draw and interpret representations of molecules, and relate the shapes and other structural details of molecules to their chemical and physical properties. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3
Describe and discuss chemical processes of importance to the environmental scientist and to environmental management. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Carry out practical/analytical chemistry experiments relevant to the environmental sciences. will be achieved by assessments: 3
Analyse, interpret and present experimental data, using spreadsheets and word-processing software where appropriate. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3
Report the purpose, methodology, results, data analysis, and details of information resources, and conclusions of experimental work. will be achieved by assessments: 3
Study hours
24 hours lectures
24 hours practical sessions/problem classes
3 hours class tests
99 hours independent study
Description of Module Assessment
01: Class Test weighted 45% (min pass mark of 40)
3 unseen short answer class tests
Three class tests (~ 40 mins each, spread across the semester), consisting of unseen short answer questions.
02: Essay weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)
1000 word essay
~1000 word essay based on one of the environmental case studies.
03: Laboratory Practicals weighted 40% (min pass mark of 40)
Portfolio of practical assessments
A series of short word-processed laboratory reports.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.