Units / CHM3960
CHM3960 · Environmental chemistry
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3School of Chemistry
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The Environmental Chemistry unit explores the basics of our environment, focusing on air, soil, and water. Through a mix of online activities, face-to-face workshops and hands-on lab work, you'll explore the intricacies of these components. We'll cover water components, nutrient pollution and treatment methods such as sewage, drinking water, artificial wetlands, while also delving into soil’s natural constituents, properties, chemical processes, organic matter, fertility, acidity, salinity and the emerging field of ocean carbon sequestration. Additionally, you'll gain insights into the importance of air and energy in society, examining challenges linked to fossil fuel use, exploring alternatives like biofuels as well as CO2 emissions reduction, carbon capture and sequestration. The unit equips you with the knowledge and tools to address pressing environmental concerns in an accessible and engaging manner.
Areas of study: Chemistry
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laboratory assessment | Demonstration | 30% | Threshold |
| 2 | Report | Written | 15% | — |
| 3 | Mid-semester test | Quiz / Test | 15% | — |
| 4 | Presentation | Presentation | 10% | — |
| 5 | Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes) | Examination | 30% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the major chemical components, reactions and processes in the atmosphere, soils and water;
- Describe a range of environmental problems and the key chemical processes of relevance;
- Identify major options for overcoming environmental problems confronting our planet;
- Apply modern analytical techniques and instrumentation to assess environmental problems;
- Design appropriate monitoring and treatment programs;
- Apply skills in oral and written communication, group work, and referencing to peers on scientific data.
Workload
• Two 1-hour workshops • One hour directed independent study and • the equivalent of 3 hours of laboratory activity per week
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Assessments | 1 hours |
| Laboratories | 36 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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