Environmental Chemistry

This subject explores fundamental aspects of the Earth's environmental systems, focusing on the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere (soil). Students will gain insights into the structure and chemistry of these interconnected systems, explore the composition of Earth's various systems, the role of key chemical compounds, and the impact of human activities on these delicate environments. Key topics include: The chemistry governing Earth's environmental systems, including the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere, to provide insights into the chemical processes and interactions that shape our planet's environmental dynamics. The sources, chemistries, and impacts of environmental pollution. The principles and applications of quantitative chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and statistical techniques for reporting environmental data. A key aspect of this subject will be the comprehensive investigation of a current environmental chemistry issue, which will be covered in a small-group, scenario-based learning mode. The practical component of this subject will involve the application of titrimetric, optical (spectrophotometry, atomic absorption/emission spectrometries) and chromatographic (gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography) analytical techniques commonly used in environmental chemistry.

探讨环境中化学物质的性质与行为。

• 1Explain chemical-based environmental problems, including identifying their key components in order to identify potential solutions.
• 2Describe and discuss environmental impacts of chemical substances and processes, in order to explain the importance of responsible chemical management.
• 3Interpret environmental data and apply an appropriate range of chemical principles to explain environmental phenomena and trends.
• 4Describe the principles and apply the techniques of key analytical methods employed in environmental chemistry, including calibration, error assessment, and the operation of analytical instruments in order to apply them to environmental monitoring and assessment.
• 5Describe and demonstrate insight into contemporary environmental chemistry issues in order to identify potential solutions.