sci1ecb env chem biochem

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

SCI1ECB

2017

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-ordinatorPenelope Smith

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 TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsA problem solving approach to aquatic chemistryRecommendedJensen, J 2003JOHN WILEY AND SONS, NEW YORK
ReadingsAdvanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatmentRecommendedParsons, S 2004IWA PUBLICATIONS, LONDON UK
ReadingsAn introduction to chemistry for biology studentsRecommendedGeorge, I 20089TH EDN, HARLOW BENJAMIN CUMMINGS, SAN FRANCISCO
ReadingsApplications of environmental aquatic chemistry: a practical guideRecommendedWeiner, E 20082ND EDN, CRC PRESS, BOCA RATON, FL
ReadingsClimate change and chemicals: environmental and biological aspectRecommendedGolam Kimbgria, A, Haroon, Y, Nugegoda, D & Rose, R 2010NEW INDIA PUBLISHING AGENCY, DELHI, INDIA
ReadingsFish bioaccumulation and biomarkers in environmental risk assessment: a reviewRecommendedVan der Oost, R, Beyer, J & Vermeulen, N 2003ENVIRONMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY, VOL. 13, PP, 57-149
ReadingsFundamentals of analytical chemistryRecommendedSkoog, D, West, D, Holler, F, & Crouch, S 20099TH EDN, CENGAGE LEARNING, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
ReadingsIntroduction to general, organic and biochemistryRecommendedBettelheim, F, Brown, W & March, J 20047TH EDN, THOMSON BROOKS/COLE, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
ReadingsMetal contamination in aquatic environments: science and lateral managementRecommendedLuoma, S 2008CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK
ReadingsPractical wastewater treatmentRecommendedDavid, L 2006WILEY-INTERSCIENCE, HOBOKEN, NJ
ReadingsStandard methods for the examination of water and wastewaterRecommendedAPHA-AWWA-WEF-200521ST EDN, AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOC, AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC
ReadingsTechniques in aquatic toxicologyRecommendedOstrander, G 2005VOLUME 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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Start date between: and    Key dates

Epping, 2017, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith

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 elementComments%ILO*
Literature review (1000 words)3001, 02, 03
Practical Examination (1 hour)3501, 02, 04
Practical Work Book (equiv. 1500 words)3501, 05