Syllabus || Chem 20204

Course Information


pdf version

Professor Prashant V. Kamat
Office: 223 Radiation Research Building
Phone: 631-5411
E-mail: pkamat@nd.edu (include Chem20204 in the subject)
Class Web Page: http://nd.edu/~kamatlab/courses_home.html Office Hours: Tues 4:00 -5:00 pm in Room 235 NSH or by appointment at 223 Rad Lab

Yong-Siou Chen (TA)
Phone: 631-6531
ychen16@nd.edu
Office Hours: Wed 2-3 pm Room 235 NSH or by appointment at Radiation Lab

Note: The Radiation Lab has an electronic card entry system. Please press button at the Telecom or make a phone call to gain entry into the building.

Course Textbooks

  • Environmental Chemistry, 4th Edition by Collins Baird and Michael Cann.
  • Solution Manual for Environmental Chemistry (Optional)

Learning Goals for CHEM 20204


  • Understand the chemical processes that influence our environment
  • Predict ways to manage environmental pollution
  • Understand the issues related to energy demand and its impact on the environment
  • Work collaboratively with classmates to realize new perspectives on environmental chemistry
  • Establish fundamental knowledge for pursuing advanced chemistry, environmental science & engineering and business science career

Important Dates and Grading


  • Test 1: 100 points (February 16)
  • Test 2: 100 points (March 27)
  • Test 3: 100 points (April 26)
  • Final: 200 points (Check Registrar Office Schedule)

    • Tests conducted in the class at regular times (Tues or Thur @ 2pm). The duration is 1hr.
    Tests will be in the form of Multiple choice questions and Problems.
    The final exam will be comprehensive.

  • Assignments: 100 points
  • Final Grade: (Total pts + extra credit)/600

  • Extra Credit: Up to 20 points

    • A 10-15 min presentation in class or a written report on an environmental topic is strongly encouraged. (Students who wish to make a joint presentation should also submit a written report for securing maximum points.)

    Additional credits for participation in the class discussions

    Submission Deadline for Outline: January 26, 3:15 pm (Outline should contain Name, a title and
    an abstract or bulleted points. Indicate your choice: Presentation or Report)

    Approved topics will be scheduled for class presentation starting February 9. Written reports (paper
    copy) are due March 22 (after Spring Break).

Course Outline


I. ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

  1. Sun light as the source of energy
  2. Stratospheric Ozone
  3. Oxygen Chemistry
  4. Air Pollution

II. ENERGY

  1. Energy Flows and Supplies
  2. Fossil Fuels
  3. Nuclear Energy
  4. Renewable Energy
  5. Alternative Fuels and Energy Utilization

III. HYDROSPHERE/LITHOSPHERE

  1. Water Resources
  2. Acid-Base Chemistry in Natural Waters
  3. Oxygen and Life
  4. Water Pollution and Water Treatment
  5. Environmental Concerns of 21st Century

Other


    Homework assignments will be posted on the website. Assignment is due on the date
    indicated. (See http://nd.edu/~kamatlab/courses_homework.html )

    Lecture notes will be posted after each lecture at http://www.nd.edu/~pkamat/chem20204.html

    Handouts will be posted on the web or distributed in class (if necessary for the class).

    Additional reading materials and Discussion Topics are provided for presentation/report writing.

    See past student presentations for presentations made in the class.