CHM2881 · Green chemistry, health and society

Overview

This unit introduces the foundational principles of green chemistry and chemical toxicology within a mainstream chemistry curriculum. You will examine molecular structure, physicochemical properties, chemical reactivity and exposure influence environmental fate, toxicity, resource efficiency, sustainability performance and human health. Core topics include the twelve principles of green chemistry, hazard and risk, dose–response relationships, acute and chronic toxicity, routes of exposure, metabolism, persistence, bioaccumulation, life-cycle thinking and regulatory frameworks. Mechanisms of toxic action, including enzyme inhibition, oxidative stress, membrane disruption and interactions with biomolecules, will be explored through structure–activity relationships. Applied case studies will connect these principles to real-world health, sustainability and societal challenges, including food and dietary contaminants, airborne and volatile chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, materials and consumer products. Through lectures, workshops, laboratory activities and case-based learning, you will develop skills in interpreting toxicological data, evaluating chemical and spectroscopic information, applying green chemistry metrics, and assessing chemical risks and trade-offs in biological and environmental systems.

Areas of study: Chemistry for Sustainability extended major; Chemistry for Health extended major; Chemistry extended major; Chemistry major; Chemistry minor.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Explain core principles of green chemistry and chemical toxicology, including hazard, risk, dose–response relationships, acute and chronic toxicity, and sustainability frameworks;
2. Describe how molecular structure, physicochemical properties and chemical reactivity influence toxicity, environmental fate, persistence, bioaccumulation and biological response;
3. Explain key mechanisms of toxic action, including enzyme inhibition, oxidative stress, membrane disruption, metabolic activation and interactions with biomolecules;
4. Interpret and evaluate toxicological, chemical and spectroscopic data to assess chemical hazards, exposure pathways and potential risks to human health and the environment;
5. Foster the acquisition of practical skills through an inquiry-based approach to the chemistry laboratory experience, and build independent competency, teamwork and communication skills;
6. Critically analyse real-world case studies involving pharmaceuticals, food and dietary contaminants, airborne and volatile chemicals, agrochemicals, materials and consumer products, and communicate evidence-based assessments of chemical risk, benefit and sustainability trade-offs.

Workload

Average 12 hours per week (144 hours per semester): • 2 hours workshops; • 1 hour tutorial; • 3 hours laboratory and • 6 hours of independent study per week.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.