Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - CHEM 371 D100

Chemistry of the Aqueous Environment (3)

Class Number: 1641

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2023
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CHEM 210, 216, and 281, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Chemical processes in the aqueous environment. Quantitative treatment of the variables determining the composition of natural systems. Chemistry of aqueous toxic species, water purification, wastewater treatment, current topics, and related matters. Quantitative.

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:
This course will explore the chemistry of aqueous systems in the environment through the use of basic chemical principles. It will also provide a quantitative and qualitative treatment of the variables determining the chemical speciation of natural systems, and will introduce chemical processes in the aqueous environment. Topics will also include aqueous toxic species, water purification, wastewater treatment, and current topics in aqueous chemistry.   

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 

Grading

  • Weekly Quizzes 40%
  • Term Paper 20%
  • Term Presentation 10%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Many textbooks are available in tthe Bennett Library that are outstanding resources to support learning in this course material.   Please secure at least one textbook.  Key word searches in the search engine include aqueous chemistry, environment,  natural waters, environmental chemistry, desalination, waste waters, etc.

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 Bennett Library.
ISBN: 9781118838976

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

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

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester 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.