Environmental Chemistry

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Environmental Chemistry
Unit ID: SCCHM2002
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): (SCCHM1001)
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 010503
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

This unit applies chemical principles and concepts to current environmental issues. Students will study the sources, reactions, transport, effects and fate of chemical species in the water, soil and air environments. Case-studies and real-world examples will be used to investigate the influence of human activity upon the air, soil and water environment and the underlying chemistry associated with these problems. The unit will also provide relevant practical introduction to the basic analytical techniques employed for environmental chemical analysis.

Attendance is required to complete field and laboratory based activities in this unit.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Explain the chemical principles and environmental parameters used to assess the quality of air, water and soil, with reference to relevant environmental guidelines and standards.

O2.

Describe the sources, impacts and management of pollution in air, water and soil environments.

O3.

Design environmental sampling programs and apply analytical chemistry techniques to measure and evaluate environmental quality.

O4.

Interpret environmental data and communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences using a range of appropriate scientific formats

Unit Content:

This unit will cover three broad areas of environmental chemistry: natural waters, soil and the atmosphere.
Topics may include:
1. Introduction to chemicals in the environment
2. Environmental sampling and analysis
3. Water (water quality parameters, water pollution and water treatment)
4. Soil (formation, structure and properties of soil, soil pollution and remediation)
5. The Atmosphere (air quality parameters, air pollution and the impacts on climate change and ozone depletion)

Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 1, 2

Tutorial and topic review activities

Online forum activities

5-20%

2. 1, 2, 3, 4

Laboratory activities (sampling and analysis of water, soil and air)

Laboratory preparation, performance and associated reports and/or presentations

40-60%

3. 1, 2, 4

Demonstrate and apply knowledge from the unit content in response to questions.

Test(s)

30-50%

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency