Fall 2026 - CHEM 372 D100
Chemistry of the Atmospheric Environment (3)
Class Number: 1706
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
George Agnes
gagnes@sfu.ca
778-782-4387
Office: SSB 7102
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Prerequisites:
(CHEM 122 or CHEM 180) and CHEM 281, both with a minimum grade of C- and completion of 60 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Chemical species and the processes they undergo in the atmosphere. Air quality and ozone depletion are key issues covered from quantitative and qualitative perspectives. History of the atmosphere, climate change, population health, radionuclides, and forest fires are examples selected from current media to illustrate complexity and interrelationships in atmospheric chemistry.
COURSE DETAILS:
Please note, this course outline was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change.
Mode of Teaching:
3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week
Lecture: Blended - Synchronous & Asynchronous
Tutorial: Synchronous
A note regarding tutorials: a tutorial time slot is included for Q&A, problem set discussion, extended discussion of topics, and lecture reserve days
Lecture Topics:
• Atmospheric chemical composition: natural and man made sources. Properties of atmospheric constituents.
• Profile of the atmosphere: regions and main differences resulting from composition, temperature, pressure and radiation.
• Review of the relevant principles of photochemistry and chemical kinetics.
• Chemistry of the troposphere. Pollution, smog, acid rain.
• Atmospheric processes with respect to climate.
• Chemistry of the stratosphere.
• Current topics relating to the atmosphere.
Class presentations on assigned topics.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Proficiency in understanding and using the chemistry to understand natural and anthropogenic processes of the atmosphere.
Introduction to Indigenous ways of knowing for atmospheric processes.
Development of communication skills through exposures that relate chemistry facts of the atmospheric environment and their application to enriched understanding of current atmospheric issues from around the planet, that often involve access & rights, climate, political, etc., and vise vera.
Grading
- In Class Quizzes 40%
- Term Assignment 20%
- Term Presentation 10%
- Final Exam 30%
NOTES:
Online Exam Invigilation: Students completing exams remotely must comply with the online invigilation procedures implemented by the course instructor.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Technology Requirements: Students are required to have a desktop or laptop computer, high-speed internet access, and a webcam and microphone (built-in or external) to participate in online courses.
REQUIRED READING:
One textbook that has >50% of its content on matters of chemistry of the atmospheric environment. Many textbooks that would be appropriate are available on term loans from the SFU Bennett Library.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Suggested textbooks available in the library for loan:
S. E. Manahan, Environmental Chemistry, any edition, TD193M36.
G. W. vanLoon & S. J. Duffy, Environmental Chemistry, A Global Perspective, any edition, TD193V36.
N. Bunce, Environmental Chemistry, any edition, TD193B86.
C. Baird, Environmental Chemistry, any edition.
T. G. Spiro & W. M. Stigliani, Chemistry of the Environment, any edition.
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.