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Study information

Earth and Environmental Chemistry - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLEEarth and Environmental Chemistry CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM1031 MODULE CONVENERProf Karen Hudson-Edwards (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 15 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 45
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

A sound appreciation of chemistry is relevant for understanding the history of the Earth, the environment we live in, and the challenges we face. This module starts with an exploration of atomic structure, highlighting how atoms are classified in the Periodic Table of Elements. Different arrangements of atoms are reviewed, followed by a discussion of ways to make chemical composition and physical structure more readily observable. Fundamental concepts in chemistry as applied to the Earth Sciences, including thermodynamics, isotopes and organic chemistry, are also covered. The distribution of chemicals in natural systems is addressed, emphasising the role and types of chemical reactions in different spheres: the solar system, the Earth, rocks and aqueous environments. The lectures are supported by a programme of laboratory experiments.

AIMS - intentions of the module

- To introduce the concept of atoms and atomic structure;

- To review bonding of atoms in materials;

- To understand different types of chemical reactions;

- To discuss techniques for chemical analysis;

- To review fundamental principles of thermodynamics;

- To understand the role of isotopes in geochemistry;

- To clarify the role of chemistry in the history of the Earth;

- To understand the process of weathering;

- To discuss the effect of chemical transformations in aqueous environments;

- To gain experience with chemical laboratory practice.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand atomic structure, chemical bonding and thermodynamics;

2 Understand types of chemical reactions and chemical analysis;

3 Comprehend the role of chemistry in the evolution of rocks and waters;

4 Understand the role of isotopes in characterising geological processes;

5 Understand the role of chemical speciation and equilibrium in aqueous environments;

6 Know how to conduct and interpret laboratory experiments;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

7 Appreciation of chemistry in understanding geology;

8 Appreciation of chemistry in understanding environmental issues;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge:

9 Develop analytical problem-solving skills;

10 Develop laboratory skills.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- Atomic structure;

- Periodic Table;

- Chemical bonding;

- Chemical Reactions: energy, kinetics, equilibria and thermodynamics;

- Phase diagrams;

- Isotopes in the Earth Sciences;

- Organic chemistry;

- Electrochemistry;

- Aqueous geochemistry;

- Chemistry of the Earth, rocks and the Oceans;

- Chemical weathering.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 37 Guided Independent Study 113 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 30 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 6 Laboratory practicals and induction
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 1 Formative assessment
Guided Independent Study 113 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Class Assessment 1 hour 1-7 In Class
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 60 2 hours 1-5, 7-9 Written
Quizzes 10 2 quizzes, 5% each 1-5, 7-9 Written
Coursework 30 2500 word equivalent 6, 10 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Examination Examination 1-5, 7-9 August Ref/Def period
Summative Assessment Assessment 6, 9 Completed over summer with a deadline in August

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above 1 piece of CW 30% and/or 1 Exam 70%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:

E-books (via University Library Catalogue):

Housecroft, C.E., Sharpe A.G., Inorganic Chemistry, 4th Edition, Pearson Education (2012) eISBN: 978-0273742784

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Andrews, J.E., Brimblecombe, P., Jickells, T.D., Liss, P.S, & Reid, B. An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry 2nd Wiley-Blackwell 2003 978-0-632-05905-8
Set Duke, C.V.A. and Williams, C.D. Chemistry for Environmental and Earth Sciences 1st CRC Press 2007 978-0849339349
Set Gill, R. Chemical Fundamentals of Geology and Environmental Geoscience 3rd Wiley Blackwell 2015 9780470656655
Set O’Neill, P. Environmental Chemistry 3rd CRC Press 1998 978-0751404838
Set Schwedt, G. The Essential Guide to Environmental Chemistry 1st Wiley-Blackwell 2001 978-0471899549
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 17th July 2019
KEY WORDS SEARCH Chemistry; Environmental; Earth Sciences

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.