CHM3972 · Sustainable chemistry

Overview

The development of chemical tools that allow realisation of the concept of a sustainable future - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs - is the basis for the course of sustainable chemistry. This will be dealt with in three interconnected streams: Introduction to green chemistry, Sustainable technologies and Green energy technologies.

Areas of study: Chemistry

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

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explore the social and environmental responsibility of chemists in the global community and debate their significance;
2. Know the principles of green chemistry and green metrics such as atom economy and e-factors to recognise green chemistry criteria in the practice of chemistry;
3. Identify reagents, reaction mechanisms and technologies that should be and realistically could be targeted for replacement by green alternatives;
4. Research examples of successful and recent sustainable chemistry technologies which enable environmental benefits through process changes and product substitution;
5. Explore chemical processes involved in new technologies for the transport, storage and conversion of energy;
6. Apply technical skills for synthesising chemicals, interpreting chemical data, and collecting unique data using a range of sophisticated apparatus and technologies;
7. Communicate the principles of sustainable chemistry to a broad audience.

Workload

• One 2-hour workshop for 12 weeks and • The equivalent of 3 hours of laboratory activity per week

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