Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - CHEM 371 D100

Chemistry of the Aqueous Environment (3)

Class Number: 1410

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 7, 2017
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CHEM 281 and CHEM 360.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to chemical processes in the aqueous environment. Quantitative treatment of the variables determining the composition of natural systems. Chemistry of aqueous toxic agents, wastewater treatment, and related matters. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will provide an introduction to chemical processes in the aqueous environment. Discussions will include a rationalization of the chemistry of aqueous systems in the environment through the use of basic chemical principles, and a balanced perspective with respect to qualitative / quantitative basis for the treatment of the variables determining the chemical speciation of natural systems. Topics of particular interest for the discussions will include chemistry of aqueous systems, aqueous toxic agents, wastewater treatment, and current topics in aqueous chemistry.

3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week

Lecture Topics:

  • Chemical speciation in the aqueous environment
  • Thermodynamics and kinetics as it relates to aquatic chemistry
  • Acid-base chemistry of the aquatic environment and the carbonate system
  • Fulvic and humic acids; colloidal materials, metal complexes, gases
  • Redox chemistry of the aquatic environment 
  • Quantitative analyses in the aquatic environment
  • Toxic substances in the environment, speciation and lifetimes of pollutants
  • Waste water treatment, related chemical processes and analyses
  • Current topics in aqueous chemistry of the environment

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Quizzes and Homework 15%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Term Presentation 25%

NOTES:

None

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisite: CHEM 281 (or 150) and CHEM 360 (or 261). A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Stumm & Morgan. Aquatic Chemistry: Chemical Equilibria and Rates in Natural Waters. 3rd Ed. 1995. Publisher: Wiley. (print or electronic version)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Howard. Aquatic Environmental Chemistry. 1998. Publisher: Oxford Chemistry Primers. (supplementary text book)

Department Undergraduate Notes:

A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS