CHE-10044 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

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.

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: 1,2
Draw and interpret representations of molecules, and relate the shapes and other structural details of molecules to their chemical and physical properties: 2
Describe and discuss chemical processes of importance to the environmental scientist and to environmental management: 2
Carry out practical/analytical chemistry experiments relevant to the environmental sciences: 1
Analyse, interpret and present experimental data, using spreadsheets and word-processing software where appropriate: 1
Report the purpose, methodology, results, data analysis, and details of information resources, and conclusions of experimental work: 1
Interpret and use selected aspects of chemical vocabulary/terminology, chemical symbols and chemical information: 1,2

Study hours

Scheduled hours:
26 hours lectures
24 hours practical sessions/problem classes
Independent Study Hours:
100 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment