Environmental Chemistry

Catalog description

This course provides students with an underlying theory, appreciation and understanding of the fundamental concepts of Environmental Chemistry. Students will learn environmental chemistry fundamentals and become familiar with testing methods and gain the knowledge necessary for critical evaluation of fundamental aspects of the environment. The course we will focus on examining the chemistry of air, water, and toxic organic compounds as well as how anthropogenic activities affect this chemistry on planet Earth. Connections with green chemistry will be highlighted. Specifically, the course will provide an understanding of the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species found in air and water as well as the effects of technology thereon. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on how chemical principles can be used to explain and predict reactions, partitioning, and concentrations of anthropogenic chemicals in different environmental compartments. Also of importance for this course are the effects of pollutants on humans, other animals, plants and the nonliving parts of the earth. Finally, the course will contemplate possible green chemistry, engineering and societal approaches to mitigating deleterious effects of pollution. Environmental chemistry is now leading to new professional employment in fields including chemical and environmental engineering, environmental science, human health, sustainability, exposomics, and public health service.