Fall 2025 - CHEM 371 D100
Chemistry of the Aqueous Environment (3)
Class Number: 5851
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
George Agnes
gagnes@sfu.ca
778-782-4387
Office: SSB7102
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Prerequisites:
CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C- and completion of 45 units. CHEM 122 and 281 recommended.
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
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
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
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.