Environmental Chemistry

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

This course provides an introduction to the formation, transport, transformation, accumulation, and effects of chemical compounds in the atmosphere and aquatic environments. Key aspects of water chemistry, marine chemistry, and drinking water production are covered. The chemistry of certain environmentally persistent and potentially harmful substances is also addressed.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

  • Demonstrate knowledge of ozone chemistry, acid rain, natural water chemistry, the chemistry involved in drinking water production, eutrophication, pesticide use in agriculture, endocrine disruptors in the environment, and general industrial pollution (e.g. PCBs, PAHs, CFCs, dioxins).
  • Understand transport mechanisms, bioaccumulation, and the structure and effects of major organic and inorganic environmental pollutants.

Skills

  • Apply standard methodologies and available information to assess the potential harmful effects of chemical substances.

General Competence

  • Communicate core subject matter, including theories, issues, and solutions, both in writing and orally.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
KJEM100, KJEM120, KJEM130. (basic principles of general, inorganic and organic chemistry).
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a programme of study at The Faculty of Science and Technology
Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is given as both lectures and seminars.

Lectures: 2 hours per week in 15 weeks

Seminars: 1 hour per week in 10 weeks

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance at the first lecture is mandatory.
Forms of Assessment
Written exam, counts for 100% of the final grade.
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade on the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Reading List
The reading list will be avaliable within December 1st for courses taught during the spring semester.
Examination Support Material
Basic calculator in accordance with models specified by the faculty rules.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Coordinator
Contact information for the course coordinator is available at «Mitt UiB», alternatively contact the student advisor.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Science and Technology and Department of Chemistry are administratively responsible for the course.