sci1ecb env chem biochem
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
SCI1ECB
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject focuses on the chemistry and composition of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere and interactions of natural and manufactured chemical substances and the environment. The impact of biochemical processes on the natural environment will be explored, along with implications for sustainable resource management. Fundamentals of aquatic chemistry in natural waters will lead to investigation of a range of pollutants and their environmental impact. Students will investigate the causes and management of aquatic and atmospheric pollution. The greenhouse effect and global warming will be explored in the context of climate change. The role of biochemistry in measurement and problem solving in environmental studies will be explored with consideration of the ethical and socially responsible management of environmental problems.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorPeter Sale
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Admission into SBATE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | A problem solving approach to aquatic chemistry | Recommended | Jensen, J 2003 | JOHN WILEY AND SONS, NEW YORK |
| Readings | Advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatment | Recommended | Parsons, S 2004 | IWA PUBLICATIONS, LONDON UK |
| Readings | An introduction to chemistry for biology students | Recommended | George, I 2008 | 9TH EDN, HARLOW BENJAMIN CUMMINGS, SAN FRANCISCO |
| Readings | Applications of environmental aquatic chemistry: a practical guide | Recommended | Weiner, E 2008 | 2ND EDN, CRC PRESS, BOCA RATON, FL |
| Readings | Climate change and chemicals: environmental and biological aspect | Recommended | Golam Kimbgria, A, Haroon, Y, Nugegoda, D & Rose, R 2010 | NEW INDIA PUBLISHING AGENCY, DELHI, INDIA |
| Readings | Fish bioaccumulation and biomarkers in environmental risk assessment: a review | Recommended | Van der Oost, R, Beyer, J & Vermeulen, N 2003 | ENVIRONMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY, VOL. 13, PP, 57-149 |
| Readings | Fundamentals of analytical chemistry | Recommended | Skoog, D, West, D, Holler, F, & Crouch, S 2009 | 9TH EDN, CENGAGE LEARNING, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA |
| Readings | Introduction to general, organic and biochemistry | Recommended | Bettelheim, F, Brown, W & March, J 2004 | 7TH EDN, THOMSON BROOKS/COLE, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA |
| Readings | Metal contamination in aquatic environments: science and lateral management | Recommended | Luoma, S 2008 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK |
| Readings | Practical wastewater treatment | Recommended | David, L 2006 | WILEY-INTERSCIENCE, HOBOKEN, NJ |
| Readings | Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater | Recommended | APHA-AWWA-WEF-2005 | 21ST EDN, AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOC, AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC |
| Readings | Techniques in aquatic toxicology | Recommended | Ostrander, G 2005 | VOLUME 2, TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, BOCA RATON, FLORIDA |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify and describe the range and chemistry of compounds in the hydrosphere and atmosphere
- Activities:
- Workshops will be used to explore the range and chemistry of compounds in the hydrosphere and atmosphere.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
02. Explain the role of the chemist in measurement and problem solving in environmental studies
- Activities:
- Workshop sessions and practical classes will be used to demonstrate and investigate the role of the chemist in measurement and problem solving in environmental studies. Group discussion in workshops will expand on these issues.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
03. Utilise methods and procedures in analytical tasks of environmental chemistry
- Activities:
- Workshop sessions and practical classes will be used to demonstrate the methods and procedures in analytical tasks of environmental chemistry.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
04. Describe and explain the professional and occupational health and safety responsibilities involved in working on environmental problems
- Activities:
- Students will work in groups to discuss and prepare reports and presentations using appropriate environmental terminology addressing occupational health and safety issues. These will be presented to students for comment and critique.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
05. Recommend ethical and socially responsible solutions to environmental problems using appropriate sources of information and technology
- Activities:
- Students will work in groups to discuss and prepare reports and presentations reflecting on ethical and environmental issues relevant to environmental chemistry and biochemistry. These reports will be presented to students for comment and critique.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Subject options
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Epping, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Sale
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature review (1000 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Practical Examination (1 hour) | 35 | 01, 02, 04 | |
| Practical Work Book (equiv. 1500 words) | 35 | 01, 05 |