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CHEM 115

CHEM 115: Chemistry of the Environment (GE)

Credit Hours: (4) Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory  

Prerequisites: none

The most fundamental concepts and techniques of chemistry will be presented by emphasizing the applications of chemistry in our lives and the impact of chemistry on society and the environment.

Course Content

Major Topics to be considered:

  • History of Chemistry
  • The Scientific Method
  • Measurements and Units Commonly Used in Environmental Work
  • Structure, Properties, and States of Matter
  • Chemical Nomenclature and the Periodic Table
  • Chemical Bonding and Geometry
  • Stoichiometric Calculations
  • Solutions and Concentration Units Commonly Used in Environmental Work
  • Types of Chemical Reactions
  • Acids and Bases
  • Energy
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Reaction Rates and Equilibrium
  • Nuclear Power Generation
  • Ethics in Science and Risk Assessment

These traditional topics will be woven into the discussion of the following environmental issues on a need-to-know basis.

  • Air Pollution; Photochemical Smog
  • Ozone Depletion
  • Global Warming
  • Thermal Pollution
  • Conservation of Resources; Recycling
  • Acid Rain
  • Alternative Energy Sources
  • Water Pollution
  • Solid Waste Disposal

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Exams, quizzes, and homework will be given throughout the semester to evaluate the student's mastery of the lecture material. A short term paper on a topic in the broad area of environmental chemistry will be assigned for each student. For the laboratory portion of the course, each student is required to submit, for a grade, a copy of notebook entries containing the experimental procedure and results. The notebook contains the constants, equations, mechanisms, procedures, observations, percent yields, and all other applicable calculations.

 

Student LearningOutcomes

After successful completion of Chemistry of the Environment, the student will be able to:

1.     Conduct assigned experiments safely and with good laboratory technique.

2.     Communicate chemical concepts clearly and accurately.

3.     Design, conduct and interpret the results of laboratory investigations.

4.     Use modern instruments and interpret data from them.

Assessment Measures

Graded tasks may include tests, quizzes, homework exercises, papers, and laboratory notebooks.

 

Approval and Subsequent Review

Date Action Approved by
Reviewed September 28, 2005 – Walter S. Jaronski

Revised and published, June 2023