Environmental Chemistry

Chemistry 3700

Section 1

 

Instructor:  Dr. Kim Weaver

Office:  Science Building Room 216

Phone:  865-8047

Email:   weaver@suu.edu

Lecture Schedule:  MWF  11:00-11:50 a.m.

Science Building, Room 225

Office Hours: Daily 9:00-10:00 a.m. You are also welcome to “drop by”, if I am available, I will be glad to meet with you.  I’m also available by appointment.

           

Objective:  To obtain an understanding of Environmental Chemistry, namely, the study of sources, reactions, transport and fate of chemical entities in the air, water and soil environments as well as their effects on human health and the natural environment.  Each student will also be allowed to actually participate in the science of environmental chemistry.  We will apply stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic principles to aquatic and atmospheric systems.

 

Points of Emphasis:

In this text we will view Environmental Chemistry from all current points important subjects in the field

 

Required Texts:  “Environmental Chemistry" by Baird and Cann 3rd Edition

                       

Grading Policy:  Your grade will be based as follows:

                       

                        4 Exams                                              800 points (200 points each)  

                        Special Assignment                             200 points

                        Homework and Quizzes                     50 points

                        Final                                                    200 points

Final grades will be assigned as follows: 

 

Percentage

 

Grade

90-100

 

A

87-90

 

A-

83-87

 

B+

80-83

 

B

77-80

 

B-

73-77

 

C+

67-73

 

C

60-67

 

C-

<60

 

F


Special Assignments  

 

·         You are expected to participate in a non-point source study as a class. 

 

Participant assignments will be given as a part of the study.  Some of these assignments will be optional.  Some will not.  In the event that your health prohibits your participation additional activities will be available:  Each activity will be assigned a certain value.  Details of the special assignment will be explained in a separate handout.

                                               

Tentative Exam Schedule:   

 

September 17

October 10

November 5

December 3

Topics Covered

Exam 1

Introduction

Principle:         Molecular shape determines function:           

1)      Distribution in bodies. 

2)      Distribution in Environment

3)      Fate of molecule

 

Non-Point Source Pollution: What it is and assignment for our study

Chapter 1:  The ozone hole

Chapter 2:  Smog, acid rain and particulates

Chapter 3: The troposphere and stratosphere

 

Exam2:

Chapters 4 and 5: Global warming

Chapter 7:  Pesticides and Herbicides, Toxicology and distribution

Chapter 8: Dioxins and PCBs and PAHs and environmental estrogens.

Principle:  Fugacity (Also in chapter 11)

 

Exam 3:

Chapter 9:  Oxidation Reduction Chemistry, Acid Base Chemistry and Ions in Water

Chapter 10: Water Disinfection, Ground Water and Sewage Treatment:

 

Exam 4:

Chapter 11: Toxic Heavy metals

Organo metallics (Not in chapter)

Principles:  Soaps

Chapter 12 Soils and Sediments:

Chapter 13:  Nuclear Chemistry

 

Exam Policy:  Exams will not be turned back to the students. (Department policy) They will be available during class or by appointment.

                                   

Course Fees:

The College of Science has a centralized fee of $2 per credit hour to be used for the continuous improvement of the quality of our science courses.

 

Attendance Policy:

 

You are expected to attend class.  As quizzes are given often, absences will lead to missed quizzes which can not be made up for unexcused absences.

 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Support Center in the Sharwan Smith Center Building , office 206 F , Phone (435) 865-8022. The Disability Support Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these services and aids.

 

Honesty Policy

 

Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.  You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the student handbook (published by Student Services) regarding student responsibilities and rights, and the intellectual property policy, for information about procedures and about what constitutes acceptable on-campus behavior

 

 

Disclaimer:  

Information contained in this syllabus, other than grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropiate by the instructor.