Chem 281 - Environmental Chemistry
2nd Sem., A.Y. 2021-2022
Course Outline
Course Description
This graduate course is designed to give students an understanding of the chemical concepts in relation to the existing environmental phenomena. Likewise, this course provides an integrated introduction to environmental chemistry and demonstrates to the students the significance and usefulness of chemical concepts to other fields of disciplines.
Environmental chemistry is an introduction to chemical processes that regulate the composition of air, water, and soil. Attention will be focused on the understanding of the basic chemical (and toxicological) concepts that relate to the natural systems and how they are influenced by human actions. Additional topics of study include sources, effects, and remediation of pollution, green chemistry, and industrial ecology.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
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Understand the interrelationships of the different environmental spheres in relation to human and other anthropogenic activities
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Be able to communicate the effects of environmental issues on the global climate.
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Develop or enhance critical thinking skills in critiquing, interpreting, and communicating scientific data
TEXTBOOKS:
This course does not have a specific textbook, and all students are encouraged to read/browse all related references/publications on Environmental Chemistry. Likewise, published (peer-reviewed) research and review articles will be required in this course.
COURSE IMPLEMENTATION
The course will be divided into 4 major topics as enumerated in the course outline, with different lectures from the invited guest lecturers. The course introduction will be presented by the instructor, and the remaining topics will be assigned to each student. As this course is designed to be a research-based modality, students will be assigned a specific topic for her/his advanced reading and reporting and preparation of a critical review paper. Students are expected to participate in any online lectures and group discussions.
COURSE OUTLINE
Topic 1: Course Introduction
Topic 2: Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
Topic 3: Heavy metal Contamination in Aquatic environment
Topic 4: Soil Pollution and remediation Technologies
Topic 5: Green Chemistry and Industrial Ecology
Guest Lectures: (1) Heavy Metal Remediation
(2) Valorization of Mining Wastes
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING SYSTEM
Students are required to conduct a public presentation on the assigned topic(s). The schedule of the presentation is presented in the course schedule below. Aside from the public presentation, students are also required to submit a critical review paper on the assigned topic that covers the recent developments and published data on the given topic. The submission date of the said review paper is also reflected in the course schedule. Lastly, a comprehensive exam will be given at the end of the semester (refer to the course schedule), and topics discussed during the public presentation and lectures from the Guest Lecturers will be included. The weight distribution of these requirements that will constitute the final grade is as follows:
Public Presentation 30 %
Critical review paper 40 %
Comprehensive Exam 30 %
Passing: 60%
Note: Points will be determined based on the given rubrics
Transmutation Table
Final Grade Range of MPS(c)
1.0 96 – 100 %
1.25 91 – 95 %
1.50 86 – 90 %
1.75 81 – 85 %
2.00 77 – 80 %
2.25 73 – 76 %
2.50 69 – 72 %
2.75 65 – 68 %
3.00 60 – 64 %
5.00 < 59%
(c) MPS - mean percent score
COURSE SCHEDULE*
February 11, 2022 - Course Introduction
March 11, 2022 - Public Presentation 1 (Student 1)
March 15, 2022 - Public Presentation 2 (Student 2)
March 18, 2022 - Guest Lecturer 1
April 5, 2022 - Public Presentation 3 (Student 1)
April 8, 2022 - Public Presentation 4 (Student 2)
April 12, 2022 - Guest Lecturer 2
May 17, 2022 - Comprehensive Exam
May 31, 2022 - Submission of the critical review paper
*The schedule is subject to changes
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