CHM 215: ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
SYLLABUS
LECTURE/LAB HOURS/CREDITS: 3/3/4
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite: CHM 112, BIO 120
This course involves a study of atmospheric, water, and soil chemistry as well as the associated
air, water, and soil pollution. Specific topics may include the greenhouse effect, climate change,
fossil fuels, renewable energy technologies, and toxic organic compounds like pesticides and
dioxins. The basic laboratory work supports lecture topics.
TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS
• Textbook: Environmental Chemistry by Baird, 5th Edition, ISBN #9781429277044,
Publisher, W.H. Freeman
• Lab Manual: Environmental Laboratory Exercise for Instrumental Analysis and Environmental
Chemistry by Dunnivant, ISBN # 9780471488569, Publisher: Wiley
• Additional Required Materials: #6075 Protective Goggles, Lab Apron, Lab Notebook,
Scientific Calculator
Please see current textbook prices at www.rcgc.bncollege.com
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
Grading Distribution
Individual instructors may include the
following assessment(s):
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Class Discussions
• Written Assignments
• Attendance and Participation
Grading to be determined by individual instructors
Grading Scale
The grading scale for each course and section will be determined by the instructor and distributed
the first day of class.
Fall 2015
ROWAN COLLEGE AT GLOUCESTER COUNTY CORE COMPETENCIES
(Based on the NJCC General Education Foundation - August 15, 2007; Revised 2011)
This comprehensive list reflects the core competencies that are essential for all RCGC graduates;
however, each program varies regarding competencies required for a specific degree. Critical
thinking is embedded in all courses, while teamwork and personal skills are embedded in many
courses.
RCGC Core Competencies
1
Written and Oral Communication
Students will communicate effectively in both speech and writing.
2
Quantitative Knowledge and Skills
Students will use appropriate mathematical and statistical concepts and operations to
interpret data and to solve problems.
3
Scientific Knowledge and Reasoning
Students will use the scientific method of inquiry, through the acquisition of scientific
knowledge.
4
Technological Competency
Students will use computer systems or other appropriate forms of technology to achieve
educational and personal goals.
5
Society and Human Behavior
Students will use social science theories and concepts to analyze human behavior and
social and political institutions and to act as responsible citizens.
6
Humanistic Perspective
Students will analyze works in the fields of art, history, music, or theater; literature;
philosophy and/or religious studies; and/or will gain competence in the use of a foreign
language
7
Historical Perspective
Students will understand historical events and movements in World, Western, nonWestern or American societies and assess their subsequent significance.
8
Global and Cultural Awareness
Students will understand the importance of a global perspective and culturally diverse
peoples.
9
Ethical Reasoning and Action
Students will understand ethical issues and situations.
Information Literacy
10 Students will address an information need by locating, evaluating, and effectively using
information
CHM 215 CORE COMPETENCIES
This course focuses on two of RCGC’s Core Competencies:
• Quantitative Knowledge and Skills
• Scientific Knowledge and Reasoning
Fall 2015
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: CHM 215 – ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
Successful completion of CHM 215
will help students:
Evaluation / Assessment
RCGC Core Competencies
(Additional means of evaluation may be
included by individual instructors)
1. Demonstrate an understanding of
atmospheric chemistry and air
pollution
- Quantitative Knowledge
and Skills
- Scientific Knowledge and
Reasoning
- Quizzes
- Exams
2. Describe the greenhouse effect,
climate change; and distinguish
between fossil fuels and
renewable energy technologies.
- Quantitative Knowledge
and Skills
- Scientific Knowledge and
Reasoning
- Quizzes
- Exams
3. Explain basic concepts of water
chemistry and water pollution.
- Quantitative Knowledge
and Skills
- Scientific Knowledge and
Reasoning
- Quizzes
- Exams
4. Demonstrate an understanding of
toxic organic compounds
including heavy metals,
pesticides, dioxins, furans, and
PCBs.
- Quantitative Knowledge
and Skills
- Scientific Knowledge and
Reasoning
- Quizzes
- Exams
Fall 2015
CHM 215 TOPICAL OUTLINE
Lecture
Part I – Atmospheric Chemistry and Air
Pollution
•
•
•
•
Stratospheric Chemistry: The Ozone
Layer
The Ozone Holes
The Chemistry of Ground-Level Air
Pollution
The Environmental and Health
Consequences of Polluted Air—
Outdoors and Indoors
Lab
Lab Safety
Sampling and Lab Techniques
Water Quality (collect water from
fossil site, lake, river, ocean)
Investigating Salinity and Soil Salinity
Soil and Acid Raid
Fossil Fuels
Solar Energy: Photovoltaic Cells
Part II – The Greenhouse Effect, Climate
Change, Fossil Fuels and CO2
•
•
•
•
•
The Greenhouse Effect
Energy Use, Fossil Fuels, CO2
Emissions, and Global Climate Change
Biofuels and Other Alternative Fuels
Renewable Energy Technologies:
Hydroelectric, Wind, Solar,
Geothermal, and Marine Energy and
Their Storage
Radioactivity, Radon, and Nuclear
Energy
The Effect of Acid Deposition on
Aquatic Ecosystems
Make Biofield
Part III – Water chemistry and Water
Pollution
•
•
The Chemistry of Natural Waters
The Pollution and Purification of Water
Part IV – Toxic Organic Compounds
•
•
•
•
•
Toxic Heavy metals
Pesticides
Dioxins, Furans, and PCBs
Other Toxic Organic Compounds of
Environmental Concern
Wastes, Soils and Sediments
Fall 2015