Environmental Chemistry

Code:

Q3006

Acronym:

Q3006

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Chemistry

Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=2046
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	1	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	56	162
L:BQ	7	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	56	162
L:CC	3	study plan from 2021/22	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:F	4	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:G	0	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:M	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:Q	22	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The main goal is to provide scientific training in Environmental Chemistry:
application of chemical principles to the understanding of environmental phenomena, including the role of living organisms; understanding the processes that take place in the various environmental compartments and how human activity interacts with natural processes; application of chemical principles to the great challenge of humanity - the recovery, maintenance and improvement of environmental quality.
Other goals: improve the abilities to interpret texts, find information, synthesize and transmit knowledge in the field of Environmental Chemistry and acquire a global perspective of Environmental Chemistry.

Learning outcomes and competences

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Knowledge in various topics of General Chemistry, namely:
Stoichiometric calculations.
Behavior of ideal gases.
Chemical equilibrium and oxidation-reduction, acid-base and complexation reactions.
Thermodynamics.
Chemical Kinetics.

Program

THEORETICAL CLASSES

Part I: Principles of Environmental Chemistry

1. The Role and Importance of Environmental Chemistry

 Part II: Basic Properties of Chemicals in the Environment

2. Bonds and Molecules: Their Influence on Physical-Chemical Properties in the Environment
3. Environmental Transformation and Degradation Processes
4. Environmental Toxicology

 Part III: Contaminants in the Environment

5. Petroleum Hydrocarbons
6. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Dioxins
7. Synthetic Polymers: Plastics, Elastomers, and Synthetic Fibers
8. Pesticides
9. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
10. Soaps and Detergents
11. Metals in the Environment

 Part IV: Processes in the Natural Environment

12. Atmospheric Chemistry and Pollution
13. Chemistry of Natural Waters and Water Pollution
14. Soil Contamination
15. Distribution of Chemicals in the Environment
16. Genotoxicity: The Action of Environmental Chemicals on Genetic Material

 Part V: Management of Hazardous Chemicals

17. Monitoring of Chemicals in the Environment
18. Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Due to Exposure to Chemicals

PRACTICAL CLASSES

1 - PROBLEM SOLVING

1.1. Chemical equilibrium problems solving on aquatic media typical species, including atmosphere-water column and water column-sediment interfaces. Construction and interpretation of distribution diagrams of chemical species as a function of pH.
1.2. Oxidation-reduction phenomena in aquatic medium - concepts and applications, including building and interpretation of pE/pH distribution diagrams.

2 – LABORATORY WORKS
Project to carry out in group aiming to characterize in the laboratory important aspects of environmental samples.

Mandatory literature

Des W. Connell; Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry, Taylor & Francis, 2005. ISBN: 9780429216015 (available online at https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429216015)

Complementary Bibliography

Stanley E. Manahan; Environmental Chemistry, CRC Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-1420059205
Baird Colin; Environmental chemistry. ISBN: 0-7167-3153-3
Colin Baird and Michael Cann; Environmental Chemistry, W. H. Freeman, 2008. ISBN: 978-1429201469
vanLoon Gary W.; Environmental chemistry. ISBN: 0-19-856440-6
Radojevic Miroslav; Practical environmental analysis. ISBN: 0-85404-594-5

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical classes are intended to present and discuss the relevant concepts, involving the participation of the students. These concepts will then be used for solving problems.
Presentation of synthesis papers on topics in environmental chemistry.
Carrying out practical laboratory work of environmental interest.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	20,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Exame	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	14,00
Estudo autónomo	42,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
Trabalho laboratorial	25,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Mandatory attendance in practical classes. The student can not miss more than 25% of the expected number of practical classes (3 absences). Participation in the lectures will also be valued in the classroom participation component.

Calculation formula of final grade

A - Exam: 40%
B - Written work: 20% 
C - Laboratory work: 20% 
D - Classroom  Participation: 20%

Failure to perform any of these components implies the assignment of zero values to that element of evaluation.

Final grade: (2A + B + C + D) × 0,2

Minimum acceptable classification in exam: 8
These criteria apply to first exam season and also in the appeal.

Classification improvement

Final score improvement: Written exam. The final score is calculated according to the evaluation criterion of the academic year in which the student was approved.