Course content

The course provides a broad overview of the chemical composition and chemical processes in three of the Earth’s environmental spheres: the hydrosphere (water), the atmosphere (air), and the geosphere (soil), as well as how human activity (the anthroposphere) influences these systems. We discuss anthropogenic pollution in relation to naturally occurring compounds and examine how human activities, in interaction with natural processes, contribute to the dispersion, transformation, and environmental effects of pollutants. Measures to prevent or reduce the impacts of pollution are also addressed.

Topics covered include: The natural environment in a sustainability context; Chemistry and the anthroposphere; Basic water chemistry, including acid-base reactions, redox processes, and phase interactions; Microbial biochemistry in water; Water pollution and water treatment; The atmosphere and atmospheric chemistry, including particles, inorganic and organic air pollutants; Photochemical smog; The geosphere and geochemistry, including soil chemistry.

We place chemistry in context by using both historical case studies and perspectives alongside current real-world examples.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student will have achieved the following:

Knowledge

• Describe the chemical structure of the natural environment
• Explain key chemical processes in air, water, and soil
• Understand natural geochemical and biogeochemical cycles
• Analyze how human activity affects the natural environment from a chemical perspective, particularly in relation to pollution
• Explain mechanisms for the dispersion and transformation of pollutants in the environment

Skills

• Analyze causes and consequences related to various environmental problems and communicate these to different audiences
• Discuss environmental challenges and pollution in relevant professional contexts
• Apply knowledge of chemical processes in the natural environment to contribute to sustainable solutions within industry, research, and environmental management

General Competence

• Demonstrate scientific argumentation and critical reflection
• Work across disciplines and communicate accurately
• Provide constructive and relevant feedback on the work of others
• Reflect on one’s own work, both individually and in groups

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (4 hours per week) and exercises (2 hours per week). Two mandatory exercises during the semester.

Information about the deadlines for mandatory activities will be published at the beginning of the semester.

Expected work load in the course is 200-225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignment
• Mandatory assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on knowledge corresponding to KJ1000 General chemistry, and partly on knowledge corresponding to KJ1020, TMT4130 and KJ1041.

Course materials

Syllabus:

- Textbook: Stanley E. Manahan: Environmental Chemistry, 11th. edn. Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press, 2022. Chapter 1-15.

- Powerpoint presentations of the lectures (posted as pdf files on Canvas).

In addition to the syllabus, recommended additional literature may be posted on Canvas

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Credit reductions