GCH5010 · Introduction to green chemistry

Overview

GCH5010 presents the fundamentals of green chemistry and connects the science behind sustainability issues with efforts that can be taken to create solutions. Green Chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. While there are many mechanisms and tools available to assess the impact of materials and processes on human health and the environment, there are few tools available to help design and create products as such. This course explores examples from a wide spectrum of industrial sectors including construction, personal care, pharmaceuticals and electronics. Through examples, you are presented with the premise that green chemistry offers organisations a boost to innovation and faster time to market. In this unit you will address how green and sustainable chemistry can be a central driver in the circular economy and addressing and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The unit overviews the principles of green chemistry, linking these to the UN SDGs.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

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. Demonstrate a broader and deeper understanding of the twelve principles of green chemistry and how to apply them to problem solving;
2. Evaluate technologies and products by applying the methods and tools of green chemistry in the practice of chemistry;
3. Explain how the application of green chemistry principles can address the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
4. Identify the tools and strategies to improve the chemical reaction and process using the principles of green chemistry;
5. Explain how the practice of green chemistry enhances competitiveness, innovation and faster time to market, while addressing critical ethical and sustainability issues.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester.

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