Dr. Pat Owens, 312A
Sims, (Office Hours: Sims 312A - 11::00-11:55 AM)
Course Text: Environmental Chemistry, Colin Baird.
Overview:
This course provides an introduction to the molecular basis of the environmental
problems that our planet faces. We will focus our efforts on several
key areas of interest: energy, atmospheric environmental chemistry, aquatic
environmental chemistry, and toxic chemicals. Both global and regional
environmental problems will be examined.
Course Objectives
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Gain a broad literacy in the molecular basis for relevant environmental
issues.
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Understand underlying causes and potential solutions for environmental
problems that involve the atmosphere, energy, aquatic systems, and toxic
substances.
The course is divided into three major parts:
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Energy - Resources, production, fossil fuels, nuclear and other
energy sources
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Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry - Global warming, Ozone depletion,
photochemical smog, particulates and acid rain.
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Aquatic Chemistry and Toxics - toxic organics, toxicology, toxic
heavy metals
Graded exercises:
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Homework assignments: 25 points
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Book Report 50 points
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Class participation: 50 points
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One Mid-term: 100 points
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One research article review: 50 points
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Research paper: 150 points
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Cumulative final exam: 200 points
Grading:
A: 88-100% B: 76-88% C: 66-76% D: 56-66%.
(You must score better than 50% on the final exam to pass the course)