ESC-10090 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module will provide you with essential chemistry knowledge and skills relevant to aspects of environmental science and geoscience. Chemistry is taught with reference to appropriate contexts and in parallel with environmental case studies (e.g. landfill, acid rain) and quantitative aspects of the module are supported using taught sessions in scientific numeracy. Students who successfully complete the module will be able to use and interpret relevant chemical vocabulary, symbols, information and representations, carry out scientific calculations, recognise and use analytical chemistry laboratory apparatus and instrumentation, maintain a laboratory diary, manipulate, analyse and present scientific data using spreadsheets and write scientific reports. The range of learning activities is designed to initiate progress towards the development of Keele's Graduate Attributes with an emphasis on high standards of written communication, information literacy, presentation and numeracy.

This module aims to introduce students to core concepts in Chemistry applicable to the Environmental Sciences, including general chemical principles, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and specific areas of environmental chemistry. This module gives students the fundamental grasp of environmental chemistry necessary for a further understanding of pollution problems in the environment and their analysis.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Discuss and evaluate current key chemistry issues for the environment and society and their management, such as chemical pollution and global carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles: 1,2
Interpret and use selected aspects of chemical terminology, symbols and information, including drawing representations of molecules and relating structural details of molecules to their chemical and physical properties: 1,2
Perform chemical calculations, with due attention to scientific notation and units, relating to quantities, concentrations, chemical properties, rates, and energetics of chemical processes: 1,2
Carry out practical and analytical chemistry experiments and report on design, purpose, methodology, results, data analysis and interpretation of experimental data, using software where appropriate: 1,2

Study hours

26 hours lectures
24 hours practical sessions/problem classes
3 hours class tests
97 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment