Chem 391: Environmental Chemistry - Spring Semester

Interested in Chemistry and the Environment?  

During spring semester 2018 the chemistry department is offering a topics class with the theme of environmental chemistry.  The class will count as an elective in the Chemistry Major and as a natural science elective in the Environmental Studies Major.

Chemistry 391: Environmental Chemistry

Instructor:  Paul Jackson 

Our surroundings play an important role that influences who we are as people – from genetic triggers to mental well-being.  We rely on the environment for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we consume, and material resources for daily living.  As human demands place additional pressure on finite energy and material resources the knowledge and understanding about the chemistry supporting the functions of the earth and its systems becomes increasingly important.  This course focuses on key concepts and tools employed by environmental chemists to develop deeper understanding of the chemical processes and phenomena associated with each of the earth’s compartments (atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere), chemical fate and transport, environmental toxicity, energy resources, and life cycle assessments.  By making use of the primary literature we will pay attention to the interplay of chemical cycles and chemical changes present as part of earth’s system and those induced or modulated by human activity.  Prerequisites:  One level II Chemistry or Biology course - with preferences for Bio 261, BIES 226, Chem 248, Chem 255 or permission of instructor.