Organic Environmental Chemistry
Module CH0141
This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.
Basic Information
CH0141 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Catalogue of non-physics elective courses
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 90 h | 30 h | 3 CP |
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
-Speciation of substances in aqueuos systems.
-Intermolecular interactions (H-Bonds, van der Waals forces).
-Prediction of partitioning based on multiparameter linear free energy relationships.
-Air-water partitioning, organic solvent-water partitioning. -Sorption and bioaccumulation.
-Environmental transformations I: Hydrolysis, Hammett relationships.
-Environmental transformations II: Oxidation & Reduction. -Prediction of environmental fate.
-Intermolecular interactions (H-Bonds, van der Waals forces).
-Prediction of partitioning based on multiparameter linear free energy relationships.
-Air-water partitioning, organic solvent-water partitioning. -Sorption and bioaccumulation.
-Environmental transformations I: Hydrolysis, Hammett relationships.
-Environmental transformations II: Oxidation & Reduction. -Prediction of environmental fate.
Learning Outcome
After attending the course, the students are able to estimate environmental behaviour from molecular structure. Based on functional groups and physicochemical parameters, they can assess in which environmental compartments chemicals will accumulate; estimate their tendency to undergoing long-range transport; and predict potential transformation pathways.
Preconditions
Introductory courses in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Environmental Chemistry (CH0141) |
Elsner, M.
Assistants: Popp, C. |
Tue, 08:00–09:30, N1095ZG |
eLearning |
Learning and Teaching Methods
The theoretical principles for chemical processes in the environment including real and virtual models are presented during the lectures, supported by PowerPoint presentations and blackboard work. Accompanying exercises on model calculations allow the students to get familiar with computational aspects of fate and transport of substances in natural environments.
Media
Slides, Board
Literature
Schwarzenbach, Imboden, Gschwend, Environmental Organic Chemistry, 2017
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
The examination of the module is a written, closed-book test of 60 minutes duration. The exam controls through theoretical questions to what exent students are able to recognize the behaviour of organic chemicals (partitioning, speciation, (bio)chemical reactions) in the environment (water, soil, air, biota) and, based on this understanding, to predict their fate (persistence, distribution, bioaccumulation, transformation).
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.