CHEMISTRY 340 - ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

 

Southern Connecticut State University

 

Dr. Gregory S. Kowalczyk

Jennings 330   (203) 392-6268

E-Mail:  KowalczykG1@southernct.edu

Web Page:  WebCT (access through MySCSU)

Office Hours:  M, W  3:45 - 5:15

             T  10:00 - 12:00

 

Spring Semester  2004

 

Text:     Environmental Chemistry, A Global Perspective, Gary W. vanLoon and Stephen J. Duffy, Oxford University Press  (2000)

                 

Course Overview:  Chemistry 340, Environmental Chemistry, is the study of natural and anthropogenic substances in the environment.  Specifically, the course will cover the source, transport, reactions, effects and fate of chemicals in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.  The course will also examine the interaction of these three areas for chemical substances. 

 

Final Course Evaluation:

 

                  Best 2 out of 3 one-hour examinations                        50%

                  Graded Homework                                                                  25%

                  Final Exam (cumulative)                                                     25%

                                                                                                                     ------------

                                                                                                                       100%

 

Homework will be assigned for each chapter covered.  Homework is due at the beginning of the class period following the completion of the chapter in lecture. 

 

Late/Missed Work:  Due to the fact that the lowest exam grade is dropped, generally, there will be no make-up examinations.  In the event of illness or other catastrophic events, written evidence (doctorıs note, etc.) must be supplied.  The professor MUST be notified before the scheduled exam if a make-up is to be considered.  There will be no lectures on exam days.

 

Attendance:  Regular and prompt attendance of scheduled classes is expected.  Some of the material covered in lecture will be additional to what is covered in the text book.   

 

Inclement Weather:  When inclement weather threatens, call the universityıs WeatherChek voice mail message line (203-392-SNOW) to hear the latest official information on possible delayed openings, class cancellations, or the closing of the university.  Also, I will post the closing on my web page as soon as I receive word.  In the event that an exam is scheduled on a day that is canceled, the exam will be given at the next class meeting.  Consult the web page for exam updates and changes.

 

Some Final Thoughts:  Unfortunately, the question of academic honesty occasionally becomes an issue between an instructor and a student.  The best way to avoid this is to be sure that no suspicions arise.  Cheating on exams or any phase of this course will not be tolerated.  The student handbook outlines the various prerogatives of the instructor in cases of academic dishonesty.

COURSE SCHEDULE

 

Date

Chapter

Topic

1/26

1

Environmental Chemistry, a global perspective

1/28 & 2/2

9

The Hydrosphere  (Review of equilibrium, acid-base, complex formation)

2/4 - 2/9

10

Distribution of Species in Aquatic Systems

2/11 - 2/18

11

Gases in Water

2/23

12

Organic Matter in Water

2/25

Exam I

 

3/1 & 3/3

13

Metals in the Hydrosphere

3/8 & 3/10

14

Environmental Chemistry of Colloids and Surfaces

3/15 & 3/17

15

Microbiological Processes

3/22 & 3/24

Spring Break

 

3/29

15

Water Pollution and Waste-Water Treatment

3/31

Exam II

 

4/5

16

Water Pollution and Waste-Water Treatment (cont.)

4/7

2

The Earth's Atmosphere

4/12 & 4/14

4

Tropospheric Chemistry - Smog

4/19 & 4/21

6

Atmospheric Aerosols

4/26

5

Tropospheric Chemistry - Precipitation

4/28

Exam III

 

5/3 & 5/5

5

Tropospheric Chemistry - Precipitation (cont.)

5/5 & 5/12

3

Stratospheric Chemistry - Ozone

5/17

5:15 - 7:15

Final Exam

Cumulative