Fall 2026 - CHEM 371 D100
Chemistry of the Aqueous Environment (3)
Class Number: 1705
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
George Agnes
gagnes@sfu.ca
778-782-4387
Office: SSB 7102
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Prerequisites:
CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C- and completion of 45 units. (CHEM 122 or CHEM 180) and CHEM 281 recommended.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Quantitative and qualitative treatment of species and chemical processes in aqueous environments. Water purification, wastewater treatments, transportation of species, and climate change. Current topics in aqueous chemistry selected from the literature are used to illustrate core aqueous chemistry knowledge relevant to the topic, and relationships to other issues in society.
COURSE DETAILS:
Please note, this course outline was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change.
Mode of Instruction:
3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week
Lecture: In-Person, Burnaby Campus
Tutorial: In-Person, Burnaby Campus
Description:
Chemistry of aqueous systems in nature through to community and industry, and local to global, in scope. Main themes include speciation, water purification, and wastewater treatment that are explored using chemical principles. Current topics in aqueous chemistry are viewed through the lens of popular media and peer reviewed journal articles; climate change and effects spanning precipitation patterns, pollutants, social issues, political factors. These topics may be presented in a problem based learning format.
Learning Outcomes:
- Determining chemical speciation in the aqueous environment as it pertains to dissolved gases, small molecules, colloidal materials, etc.
- Understanding the thermodynamics and kinetics of aquatic chemistry
- Derivation of acid-base chemistries for aquatic environments
- Implementation of redox chemistry to understanding aquatic systems
- Assessing the impact of toxic substances on the environment through speciation and lifetimes of pollutants
- Understanding chemical and physical processes used for water purification as it relates to waste water treatment and desalination
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Proficiency in understanding and using the chemistry to understand natural and anthropogenic aqueous processes.
Introduction to Indigenous ways of knowing for water processes.
Development of communication skills through exposures that relate chemistry facts of the aqueous environment and their application to enriched understanding of current water issues from around the planet, that often involve access & rights, climate, political, etc., and vise vera.
Grading
- Weekly Quizzes 40%
- Term Paper 20%
- Term Presentation 10%
- Final Exam 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
One textbook that has >50% of its content on matters of chemistry of the aqueous environment. Many textbooks that would be appropriate are available on term loans from the Bennett Library.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Howard. Aquatic Environmental Chemistry. 1998. Publisher: Oxford Chemistry Primers. (Supplementary text book)
Stumm & Morgan. Aquatic Chemistry: Chemical Equilibria and Rates in Natural Waters. 3rd Ed. 1995. Publisher:Wiley.
Electronic version is available from the SFU Bennett Library.
ISBN: 9781118838976
Department Undergraduate Notes:
A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.