CHM112 Introductory Environmental Chemistry (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Chemistry (CHEMI)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject extends the concepts introduced in Chemical Fundamentals and applies them to environmental systems, emphasis will be given to aquatic systems. Topics include equilibria, energy transformations, redox processes, kinetics of chemical and microbiological processes, nutrients and nutrient cycling, colloids and ion exchange processes.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: CHM112
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
Understand the nature of ionic equilibria and be able to apply it to aquatic systems;
Understand basic thermodynamic principles and be able to utilise them in analysing environmental processes;
Be able to write and balance redox reactions, use the Nernst Equation and be able to apply it to natural systems;
Understand the fundamentals of kinetics and be able to interpret data from chemical and microbiological systems;
Understand the roles of oxygen and carbon dioxide in aquatic systems;
Understand the concept of nutrient cycling;
Have an appreciation of the importance of ion exchange, colloids, and particulate matter in natural systems.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Equilibrium in aquatic systems; Thermodynamic principles, energy transformations, heat in aquatic systems; Oxidation and reduction reactions, cell potentials, Nernst Equation, naturally occurring redox process and the pE concept; First and second order kinetic processes, half life, rate equations and their application to environmental systems; Oxygen in aquatic systems; Inorganic carbon transformations; Nutrients and nutrient cycling - nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and iron; Ion exchange processes in soil and water; Phase interactions in natural systems.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.